Waterfowl west of Calgary?

[moosemeat]

Hi guys,

I'm new to Alberta and just got set up with my licenses and was hoping to hunt ducks and or geese this coming season. I was planning to hunt on crown land to make things simple. Upon researching however, it seems crown land is few and far between. basically everything is at least leased and I'd still need permission. I haven't been able to find lease holder/land owner contact info anywhere. I live in Canmore right now. Can anyone provide any leads on potential hunting grounds between Calgary and the Rocky Mountains? I've basically ruled out anywhere within the Stoney Indian Reserve as I've tried tirelessly to get ahold of anyone there. I have a pack raft and don't mind bushwhacking for a km or two to get to a pond.

I appreciate any feedback

[Coulee]

You're a two hour drive from any kind of good waterfowling.

[moosemeat]

Ok thanks. Is that because there just aren't many birds that close to the foothills or because its all private land? What about the Jumping Pound area?

[calgarychef]

It's too far west to see good numbers of ducks. A few ponds might yield some good shoots but probably not consistently

[Grizzly Adams]

Originally Posted by calgarychef

It's too far west to see good numbers of ducks. A few ponds might yield some good shoots but probably not consistently

Yes, way off the flyway.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Flyway

Grizz

[Cowtown guy]

On the other hand...
You may find yourself looking at some really cool ducks like harlequins.
In reality the best water fowling is where the most birds are. Refer to the flyway maps and that is where the big predictable flocks will be.
One of the biggest things serious water fowlers are known for is driving their arses off to go where the birds are. Tons of kms on your truck and a pile of hours scouting is the key to success.

[moosemeat]

Alright sounds like I might have to drive a little farther than I'd hoped. How about north of Cochrane? Does anyone know how one would go about finding land owner/ lease holder contact info?

[xterratitan]

Some sites are on lease land that you need to request permission. But lots are on public land you don't need permission for. Just do your research on the site you wanna visit before you head out

[nsherman72]

Originally Posted by xterratitan

Some sites are on lease land that you need to request permission. But lots are on public land you don't need permission for. Just do your research on the site you wanna visit before you head out

Awesome thanks.

[gz1423]

Hope this will help
http://www.ducks.ca/learn-about-wetl...ence-wetlands/
It tells you where the DU sites are and if you need to contact anyone(I would always contact DU before going to avoid any misunderstandings)

[Bird Shooter]

Hey Moose Meat,

As previously stated, we are definitely not right in the middle of Duck Ave. here in Calgary. However, if you do your homework (and roadwork), you will have no trouble filling your bag of quackers without having to drive 2+ hours.

Go to the DUC website and start your exploration there.


All the best