OK think I figured out the 2010 date and the reason they refer to have previously hunted.
https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/995b...egulations.pdf
From 2010 Hunting Regs Minister's Message
This year, all first-time hunters must successfully complete the Alberta
Conservation and Hunter Education Course before hunting in our
province.
In the 2010 regs it also states:
Notice: As of 2010, the Alberta Hunter Competency Exam is no
longer offered. Subject to any exceptions noted in this guide,
first-time hunters (adult and youth) must successfully complete
the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education course.
Licensing Requirements for First Time Hunters:
A first-time hunter is a hunter who 1) has not previously held a hunting
licence in Alberta or elsewhere, or 2) has not passed a hunter competency
test in Alberta or elsewhere, or 3) has not successfully completed a hunter
education course in Alberta or elsewhere.
My read is that if you held a hunting license in Alberta or elsewhere before 2010 you are not a first time hunter, ergo not required to have completed a course.