The 2026 hunting season runs from September 1 to December 7.
Know the rules and regulations that are in place BEFORE you plan your hunt.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife, Edmonton District, is responsible for wildlife management and enforcement of Alberta's Wildlife Act.
Please note that the Strathcona White-tailed Deer Licence has been renamed WMU 248 White-tailed Deer Licence.
On this page
Rights of landowners
A large portion of privately-owned land in the County falls into the category of occupied land, as defined under the Wildlife Act. The following regulations apply to hunting on occupied land:
Landowners are responsible for ensuring that hunters understand any conditions on which hunting is being permitted. For example, hunting may be allowed for one day, several days or longer.
A hunter needs permission from the landowner or occupant to hunt on a given property. It is entirely the decision of the landowner or occupant whether to allow hunting on the property.
The landowner may specify the number of hunters allowed, or particular areas they should avoid.
Where hunting is and is not permitted
The discharge of firearms in Strathcona County is controlled by the County's Firearm Control Bylaw 3-2014 and is enforced by the RCMP.
Firearms may not be used for hunting in Sherwood Park, rural hamlets and on County property.
The use of firearms is restricted within the Special Control Area.
Shotguns and muzzle-loading rifles, bows and arrows, and cross-bows may be used to hunt white-tailed deer and antlerless and antlered moose during this year’s WMU 248 White-tailed Deer Hunt and Antlerless and Antlered Moose Special Licence from October 25 to December 7. For other available tags and dates please refer to the current Alberta Hunting Regulations.
Outside of the Special Control Area, Sherwood Park and rural hamlets, Strathcona County does not have bylaws restricting the use of firearms. Provincial and federal regulations apply in these areas.
As per the regulations, the County is divided into two different Wildlife Management Units (WMU 248 and 242). Different regulations apply to each.
Hunting game birds with a shotgun on road allowances is not permitted in the County. Strathcona County is a Specialized Municipality and, because of this designation, all road allowances are considered County property. There is no hunting allowed on any County property.
Firearms discharge licence
Firearms discharge licences are not required for hunting
A firearms discharge licence is required for the discharge of a firearm or weapon on property located within the special control area for the purpose of problem wildlife control as defined in the Firearm Control Bylaw. Please see the map below that outlines the special control boundary in dotted red line.
If your property is located within the special control area and you are looking to obtain a firearms discharge licence, please adhere to the following steps:
An owner or occupant may apply in person by calling and scheduling a meeting with a pest inspector at 780-464-8080.
Upon receipt of an application for a Firearm Discharge Licence, a County Pest Inspector will inspect the property where the applicant intends to discharge the firearm or weapon.
Upon completion of the inspection, the County Pest Inspector may, in their discretion, grant a Firearm Discharge Licence or grant a Firearm Discharge Licence upon such additional terms and conditions as the County Pest Inspector deems necessary to ensure the proper control of problem wildlife.
Note that a firearms discharge licence cannot be issued for the purpose of target shooting or recreational firearms use.
A County Pest Inspector may refuse to grant a Firearm Discharge Licence if the applicant:
free ranges poultry;
does not take all other reasonable measures to manage problem wildlife;
does not have a Damage Control Licence when one is required.
A Firearm Discharge Licence shall not be transferable.
Firearm Discharge Licences are valid for a period of time that will be determined and set by the County Pest Inspector.
A County Pest Inspector may terminate, suspend or cancel a Firearm Discharge Licence at any time, per their discretion.
Deer head disposal in WMU 248 & 242
For 2026 it is no longer mandatory to submit deer heads from WMU 248 or WMU 242. Note that the neighbouring WMU 250 does have a mandatory requirement to submit all deer harvested in that WMU.
For game management purposes, the Government of Alberta is interested in receiving DEER heads from specific WMU's for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing.
For more information, or to find a CWD freezer location for drop off, please visit the Government of Alberta website.
Proper carcass disposal
Hunters are reminded to dispose of carcasses in the correct place.
Carcasses can be taken to the Ryley Landfill, which is equipped to handle dead animals in the proper manner.
Carcasses can not be disposed of in your black cart.
Broadview Enviroservice Station will not accept carcasses as waste.
The Clover Bar Landfill will no longer accept carcasses.
Carcasses cannot be disposed of in green organics carts for the following reasons:
Health concerns – having a carcass out on the street poses health concerns (attracting other animals, pests).
Doesn’t break down – large carcasses take significantly longer and are harder to break down in our composting process. Pieces of meat from typical household purposes (especially cooked) break down easier.
Attracts animals – carcasses will attract other scavenging animals to the processing facility.
Further information:
The 2026 Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations is now available. For locations of hunting license issuers:
Check the Government of Alberta website.
Call 1-877-944-0313
View County maps
Strathcona County
780-464-8080
Firearm Control Bylaw 3-2014
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Edmonton District Office
780-427-3574
24-hour numbers
RCMP Sherwood Park 780-467-7741
Report-a-Poacher 1-800-642-3800
Planning and Development Services
Phone: 780-464-8080
Email: agricultureandenvironment@strathcona.ca
