Home » Hunting Rules, Licenses, and Seasons » Upland Bird Hunting in Alberta: Grouse, Ptarmigan, Huns, Pheasants, and More
Upland Bird Hunting in Alberta: Grouse, Ptarmigan, Huns, Pheasants, and More



Craig Mitchell is an Outdoor Education Teacher from Toronto, Canada…
Experience Canada’s diverse upland bird hunting opportunities in Alberta
Alberta is Canada’s fourth largest province. In fact, it’s just shy of the size of Texas at 661,848 square kilometers (or 255,541 square miles). Like many other Canadian provinces, most of the population resides within a few hours of the United States border. This leaves massive swaths of natural, largely untouched wilderness open for upland bird hunting in Alberta.
Over 60 percent of the province’s vast territory is Crown land, which is basically a Canadian term for public lands. Crown land is open to any and all legal hunters, resident and nonresident. Additionally, there are also Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ) areas. These areas are reserved for public recreation, including hunting.
Within its large borders, Alberta comprises a wide range of topography, including six unique environmental biomes. There are rolling grasslands in the south, the Rocky Mountains and its foothills to the west, dense boreal forests and parkland in the north, and Canadian shield in the center. Each biome contains its own unique upland species and hunting opportunities.
Alberta isn’t just known for its incredible big game hunting. It’s also an upland hunter’s dream. The province is home to ruffed, spruce, blue, and sharp-tailed grouse as well as ring-necked pheasants, Hungarian partridge, and ptarmigan. A new sandhill crane hunting season is also available for those interested in mixed bags.
Alberta Upland Bird Hunting Regulations
Starlings, crows, pigeons, house (English) sparrows, magpies, blackbirds, common grackles, and brown-headed cowbirds have an open season. These species fall under no provincial or federal protections.
Species | Wildlife Management Unit | Season | Daily / Possession Limit |
Ruffed Grouse | 102-402, 412-544 404-410, 841, 936 728, 730 (Camp Wainwright) | September 1 – January 15 September 8 – January 15 September 2 – September 4 | 5/15 |
Spruce Grouse | 102-402, 412-544 404-410, 841, 936 | September 1 – January 1 September 8 – January 15 | 5/15 |
Sharp-tailed Grouse | 102-246, 252-256, 300-314, 334, 400-402, 518-520, 524, 525, 528-542, 936 728, 730 (Camp Wainwright) | October 1 – October 31 September 2 – September 4 | 5/15 |
Blue Grouse | 300-402, 412-446 404-410 | September 1 – January 15 September 8 – January 15 | 5/15 |
Ptarmigan | 300-402, 412-544 404-410 | September 1 – January 15 September 8 – January 15 | 5/15 |
Hungarian (Gray) Partridge | 102-402, 412-544 936 | September 1 – January 15 September 8 – January 15 | 5/15 |
Ring-necked Pheasant (males only) | 200-260, 314-402, 412-544 102-166, 300-312 404-410, 841, 936 | September 1 to January 15 October 15 to November 30 September 8 – January 15 | 5/15 |
Wild Turkey (resident hunters only) | 300-308, 400, 402 | May 1 – May 31 | 1 bearded bird per season |
Sandhill Crane | 200-208, 220, 222, 226-244, 247-260, 500 102-106, 112-166, 210 | September 1 – December 16 September 8 – December 21 | 5/15 |
These season dates were last updated on May 27, 2025 and may not reflect any changes since that date. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations.

Upland Bird Species In Alberta
From ruffed grouse to ptarmigan, there are a multitude of opportunities to hunt upland birds in Alberta. However, please note that greater sage grouse are listed as an endangered species in this province. As a result, it is illegal to hunt and kill sage grouse in Alberta. When hunting upland birds in Alberta, make sure your target is never a sage grouse.
Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed grouse are one of the most widely dispersed game bird species and most sought after in Alberta. They are typically found in transition zones, old logging roads, and areas with berries, rose hips, and clover. Grouse are typically hunted along gravel roads where birds congregate in search of food. Road edges make for good starting points for anyone looking to hunt ruffed grouse in Alberta.
Spruce Grouse
Despite their name, spruce grouse are most commonly found on the edges of pine forests. When times are bountiful, the birds can be found seeking out more palatable table fare in the form of blueberries and bearberries. If you’re lucky enough to harvest spruce grouse that have been feasting on wild berries, then you’re in for a treat. Berry-fed birds are particularly delectable.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Warning: It is prohibited to hunt sharptails in many WMUs in Alberta. Be sure of your local WMU regulations before hunting.
Sharp-tailed grouse are typically found in the southern grasslands of the province. However, within those seas of grass and grain, you’ll need to hone in on prime habitat to find coveys. Prime habitat includes a winter food source and can typically be found near moisture-rich environments like ravines, draws, or river bottoms. Food sources that draw sharp-tailed grouse include wild rose and buffalo berry. Finding the perfect combination of food and thick, almost impenetrable cover will produce ample opportunities to hunt sharptails.
Ptarmigan
Alberta is home to three types of ptarmigan: white-tailed, willow, and rock. Due to their migration and location in the far north, white-tailed ptarmigan are elusive and hard to find. Willow and rock ptarmigan offer their own challenges, but live in the more southern regions of the province, making them more accessible to hunters.
Willow and rock ptarmigan can be found in the same general environment and sometimes on the same mountain. As their name infers, rock ptarmigan prefer the more desolate, rocky, wind swept terrain of the higher mountain elevations. Typically, willow ptarmigan prefer lower elevations with scrub vegetation. However, with warming weather conditions, willow ptarmigan have been extending north into places previously only inhabited by rock ptarmigan.
During the late fall, and coinciding with hunting seasons, ptarmigan move to lower elevations. They seek out gullies and places with thicker vegetation that offer protection from harsh winter conditions. Willow ptarmigan may move into lower elevation forests, providing relatively easier access for adventurous hunters.
Hungarian Partridge (Huns)
Hungarian partridges were first introduced into the province by a group of outdoorsmen in 1908. The first Hun hunt happened just five years later. Today, the Parkland and Grassland regions of the province are home to the larger populations of Hungarian or grey partridge.
Alberta’s fierce winters typically push birds from higher elevations into the river bottoms, gullies, creeks, and sheltered hollows. These places provide some protection and respite from the biting wind. Be on the lookout for open water and any low lying areas where vegetation may still be holding onto its greenery—a favorite for Huns.
Blue Grouse
Blue grouse are found in the foothills and mountain regions of the province. These unique grouse migrate annually to different habitats during different seasons of the year. During the early season, they are found in the lower elevations. As the temperature drops, they migrate to higher elevations in the ridges and mountains. Try the transition zones between the alpine and tree lines and keep your eyes on large conifers, a favorite roosting spot for blue grouse.
Ring-necked Pheasant
Ring-necked pheasants were first introduced to Alberta in 1908 by a group of recreational enthusiasts. They wanted to provide enhanced upland hunting opportunities. After decades of introductions, populations were finally deemed to be well-established in the 1930s. Since then, conservation groups have organized a multitude of release sites throughout the southern region of the province for the betterment of upland hunting.
Hunters can have a crack at both wild and dropped birds, and, depending on the location, sometimes both. Pheasants are also available on private game preserves in select locations for a fee.
Sandhill Crane
Alberta’s sandhill crane season was a long-awaited hunting opportunity unveiled in 2020. Areas open to crane hunting were chosen as the least likely to impact any endangered whooping cranes. Be sure your target is not a whooping crane before proceeding.
Wild Turkey
Introduced during the 1960s, there is a huntable population of Merriam’s wild turkeys in southwestern Alberta near Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Unfortunately, tag draws are only available to resident hunters. The demand for turkey tags far exceeds the limited supply, resulting in one of the most coveted tags in the province.

Alberta Wildlife Management Units
Alberta is divided into different Wildlife Management Regions and Units, otherwise known as WMUs. There are five regions within the province; Prairie, Parkland, Foothills, Mountain, and Northern Boreal. Each region is composed of different numbered WMUs comprising large swaths of both private and Crown land, each with varying game limits and, in some instances, differing regulations.
Migratory Game Birds
Migratory game bird seasons are the responsibility of the federal government of Canada. These birds are divided into two hunting zones within the province. Non-resident alien hunters are required to have a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, a Game Bird license, Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, and a Wildlife Identification Number to hunt migratory game birds in Alberta. Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamps and Migratory Bird permits are available for purchase at most post offices or online.
Alberta Resident And Non-Resident Hunting License Fees
Prices are in Canadian Funds.
License | Resident | Non-Resident (Canadian) | Non-Resident Alien |
Alberta Wildlife Identification Numbers (WIN) | $8 | $8 | $8 |
Game Bird License | $15 | $70 | Guided: $125 Unguided: $175 |
Wildlife Certificate | $30 | $30 | $75 |
Pheasant License | $25 | $45 | $45 |
Merriam’s Turkey License | $60 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Migratory Game Bird Permit | $17 | $17 | $17 |
Bowhunting Permit | $10 | $20 | $25 |
These fees were last updated on May 27, 2025 and may not reflect any changes since that date. For the most up-to-date information visit My Wild Alberta.
Hunters wishing to hunt game birds with a traditional or compound bow require a Bowhunting Permit in addition to the other applicable licenses. Additionally, Canada honors the treaty rights of Indigenous peoples. Therefore, some of the information listed above may not be relevant to treaty hunters.
Resident Versus Non-Resident Upland Hunters In Alberta
The province of Alberta determines tag allocation and hunting access by categorizing hunters as either resident, non-resident Canadian, or non-resident Alien. Each distinct group is provided its own regulations and requirements for legal participation. For upland hunters coming from abroad, the licensing requirements and opportunities differ very little between resident and non-resident bird hunters.
“Non-resident Canadians” live in Canada, but not in Alberta. They have also been living in Canada for at least one full year. “Non-resident aliens” are not residents of Alberta or Canada. Non-resident alien hunters need a Wildlife Identification Number, Non-resident Alien Wildlife Certificate, Game Bird License (Guided or Unguided) for grouse, partridge, and ptarmigan. If hunting pheasants, an additional pheasant license is required. For migratory birds, a Federal Migratory Permit will also be required in addition to the basic licensing requirements.
New 2025 Alberta Licensing Requirements
Alberta has new licensing requirements in 2025 for non-resident alien hunters. A Guided NRA Game Bird License is now required if you are hunting with an outfitter or guide. An Unguided NRA Game Bird License is needed if you are hunting without a guide or outfitter. The licenses are valid in three Wildlife Management Units for seven continuous days with a limit of two licences per year.
Shotgun And Ammunition Regulations
When hunting upland birds in Alberta, shotguns must be plugged. Shotguns cannot hold more than a total of three shells in the chamber and magazine combined. If you plan on hunting with more than one shotgun, the secondary firearm must be disassembled or unloaded and encased while not in use.
Read More: How to Bring Shotguns to Canada
Shot material for migratory birds, including sandhill cranes, requires non-toxic shot. Lead can be used for hunting all other species.

Crossing The Canadian Border With A Dog
If you are bringing a dog into Canada from the United States, your dog must appear healthy. You must also have a signed certificate from a veterinarian licensed in Canada or in the United States that indicates that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years.
Hunting License, Blaze Orange, And Bird Transporting Requirements
In Alberta, hunters must be at least 12 years old to hunt migratory birds or 10 years old to hunt game birds. Hunters are required to purchase and possess a Wildlife Identification Number (WIN), a Wildlife Certificate, and, if you are hunting with a gun, have proof of a firearm license.
All new hunters must have passed a hunter education program. If you are a non-resident, you must have completed a hunting program that’s recognized by the province. Experienced hunters are not required to possess a hunter safety certification. In certain locations, additional licenses or permits may be required.
There is no requirement to wear hunter orange in the province of Alberta, but it is encouraged for safety reasons. There is no distinction between upland bird hunting and small game hunting in Alberta. As such, rabbits and hares as well as many types of ground squirrels can be hunted year-round and without a permit. Be sure to consult local discharge laws for your municipality.
Following your bird hunt, evidence of both sex and species is required to remain on the carcass until the harvested birds reach their final destination.
Provincial Pheasant Release Sites In Alberta
In an effort to increase hunting opportunities, the Alberta Conservation Association facilitates the release of over 30,000 pheasants, 300 partridge, and 1,000 melanistic pheasants at multiple sites across the province. These locations can be found online. However, in order to keep the hunting ethical and as fair chase as possible, release times are not provided.
In order to hunt pheasants in Alberta, a pheasant license must be obtained along with the prerequisite licenses (WIN and Game Bird).
Alberta Game Bird Hunting Preserves
If you happen to visit the province out of hunting season, there is still hope! Alberta has several game hunting preserves that provide year-round hunting of quail, Hungarian partridge, chukar, and pheasant for a fee. You are still required to have a valid WIN, hunter accreditation (e.g. license summary), and proof of firearm license if you are hunting with a gun.
Alberta Conservation Groups
Alberta Chapter of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Craig Mitchell is an Outdoor Education Teacher from Toronto, Canada who spends his free time hunting and fishing in Northern Ontario with his family and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon named Clover. Before becoming a teacher, Craig was a back country guide and grew up camping and fishing. When he’s not on an adventure with his young family or planning his next upland hunt, you’ll find him introducing his inner city students to the great outdoors.