Ontario hunter looking to hunt mule deer and elk
 

Hey everyone,
New to this forum. I am planning a 2020 September hunt with my brother for mule deer and/or elk.
I have started looking in WMU 402 area and would like some info on a good starting point or any tips for the area. We would consider another WMU but with my limited experience knowing the area it's hard to decide where to start planning.
We are willingly to put in some kms to get away from roads and hunters.
I'm in it for the experience of western hunting a nice bull or buck is just a bonus!

Most mule deer tags are on draw only and that drawn tag is valid for the specific WMU only as well. This is a very important part of the puzzle, hope your brother knows about it.

Mule deer draw only. Need about 3, 4 prior application before you win. Good luck. White tail no problems.

Interesting first post. You realize non residents can't hunt without a guide, unless they qualify under Hunter Host ? Cost you big bucks , otherwise.

Grizz

They are starting to catch more and more of these guys

draw the tag with a hunter host is all he needs, sounds like his brother is interested in doing it.

So is your brother an Alberta resident that can act as your hunter host? You didn't specify if either of you are an Alberta resident.

Once you get an Alberta win number, you can start applying for certain draws.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

Your best bet it to hire an outfitter. Southwestern Alberta 400 series zones get hit hard by 3 out of the 4 biggest cities in Alberta. You should also read the regs cover to cover especially the part about designated atv trails and no hunting on a quad 1 hr before sunrise to noon the same day. Best of luck trying to get a mule deer draw that takes 5-6 years of pri points unless you have been planning this that long and have the points already. Buy some good boots your going to need them.

I do know a few Outfitters around the Grand Prairie area that are almost 100% on elk and they do take non-resident Canadians couple a year.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

Sorry I didn't say in the post that he is an Alberta resident .

Yes I mistakenly left that out. He is an Alberta resident

What I would recommend you and your brother go over the hunting regs and see what options you have for seasons first and then get your brother to scout the area’s

Elk will give you the most season options. Mule deer there is some archery options but rifle is basically draw

And welcome to AO

Or more commonly know as

Angry Outdoorsmen

Post of the month, right there :argue2:

Good place to start scouting for mule deer and elk is this place :character0175::

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIH_DzKta...00/alberta.jpg

As others have said, you won't be hunting mule deer as they're on draw, even for archery. If you're planning on hunting 402 for rifle elk after the 17th, don't plan on being able to locate them with your ears. Those bulls are all silent due to the massive amount of wolves that hang out in that area.

If your brother is a resident I'd suggest he spend some weekends hiking in and camping. It's big country and it takes longer to walk around than you'd think. Also, lots of grizz in the area so make sure to carry some insurance. As someone else mentioned, most quad trails are either restricted or closed. From what I've seen the elk tend to stay where the vehicles aren't allowed.

Good luck.