2023 Big Game Draw and Hunting Information

Hay-Zama Bison Special Licence Draw

  • Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) is reinstating a hunting season as a management strategy for the Hay-Zama wood bison herd.
  • Bison Draw Applications are now open until 11:59 pm MT September 26, 2023.
  • The price is $3.65 (GST not included) per application. Applicants must apply individually; group applications are not valid for this draw.
  • Each licence will be selected on a random basis and no priority will be assigned to the applicants not drawn.
  • Season dates: December 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024.
  • Resident Bison Special Licence Fee is $59.95 (GST not included).

How to View Draw Results

  • To view your draw results online sign in with your WiN or the identifier on file. Select My Account then Orders/Reprints to view your results.

General Information

Each applicant (Resident and Non-resident [Canadian]) must have a valid 10-digit Wildlife Identification Number (WiN), Wildlife Certificate, and must be eligible to hold hunting licences.

  • Draw results and undersubscribed information will be available online beginning Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 9:00AM.
  • If you are drawn, the authorization to purchase that licence cannot be cancelled. All licences and applications are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
  • Big Game Licences including special and undersubscribed Special Licences are available for purchase starting Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 9:00AM.
    • Undersubscribed licences are available on a first-come first-served basis.
  • For more information, draw types, restrictions, requirements and other instructions please refer to the 2023 Hunting Draws Booklet

Mandatory Harvest and Effort Reporting

IMPORTANT: If you failed to submit your 2022 mandatory reporting, you are required to cover the $15.00 survey fee to restore eligibility to apply for 2023 special licence draws.

  • For the 2023 hunting season, holders of a Special Licence are required to complete their harvest and effort surveys by February 15, 2024 for all Special Licences they purchased. Failure to submit your 2023 mandatory reporting will result in future restrictions on the eligibility to apply for special licence draws and the requirement of a $15.00 survey fee to restore that privilege.
  • Reporting can be completed at AlbertaRELM.com or in the mobile App. Learn more on how to complete your harvest and effort reporting here.
    • Failure to submit your reporting will result in future restrictions on the eligibility to apply for future special licence draws and the requirement of a survey fee to restore that privilege.
  • Every completed survey will again be entered into a draw for a 2024 opportunity to hunt a Moose, Elk, Mule Deer or Antelope.
    • Your survey information is a vital component to help sustainably manage Alberta's wildlife populations and in setting future draw quotas.

Additional Information

  • Hunter Education: First-time hunters who have not previously held a hunting licence in Alberta or elsewhere, must complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education course. Visit AHEIA.com for more details on becoming eligible to hunt.
  • Do I Need a Hunter Host(s): Anyone who is a non-resident hunter must be accompanied by a licenced hunter host if hunting big game, wolf, or coyote.

Resources


Need help or have questions pertaining to the 2023 Hunting Draws? Contact the Help Desk at 1-888-944-5494.

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