Wainwright 2019

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by R3illy

shedcrazy for the win. Nothing like having some facts to throw back into all the negative posts this thread became. 90% of the posts here had nothing to do with the hunt as I've said many times.

Interesting how sheds perspective varies wildly from the first post that talked about the hunters showing no remorse.

More importantly I hope to see those whining for equality post another 8 pages of complaints about all the licensed hunters who get charged or fined at a significantly higher rate then non licensed hunters.

I have no idea what goes on out there, I’ve never even visited that part of Alberta, that’s why I just sat back and read this thread.

I believe that if you weren’t there, your opinion is just that, an opinion. While you are welcome to your opinion, don’t think your comments or opinions are worth anymore than anyone else who wasn’t there. Shed cleared the air on a lot of the issues being discussed here, but he never spoke of things he can’t speak about. The moral of the story I got from Shed was that EVERYONE needs to smarten up while playing in that sandbox....... EVERYONE.

Now back to the regularly scheduled program.

[Rhino81]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I have no idea what goes on out there, I’ve never even visited that part of Alberta, that’s why I just sat back and read this thread.

I believe that if you weren’t there, your opinion is just that, an opinion. While you are welcome to your opinion, don’t think your comments or opinions are worth anymore than anyone else who wasn’t there. Shed cleared the air on a lot of the issues being discussed here, but he never spoke of things he can’t speak about. The moral of the story I got from Shed was that EVERYONE needs to smarten up while playing in that sandbox....... EVERYONE.

Now back to the regularly scheduled program.

that sums it up impeccabley

[R3illy]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I believe that if you weren’t there, your opinion is just that, an opinion.

I spent some time there this year. I had a great time. Anyone on the base I ran into was friendly and happy. I'm surprised there seems to many people who didnt enjoy it this year.

The negativity shown in this thread is not what you see while at the base.

[7magtime]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

To put things in prospective, every time I have been on the base, the majority of hunters were licensed hunters, so I would expect more charges against licensed hunters, even if both licensed and unlicensed hunters were equally observant of the regulations. . As well, when you compare the charges, many of the wildlife regulations do not apply to non licensed hunters, since they don't require specific tags, they aren't limited by antlered/antlerless definitions, and they don't observe bag limits, so non licensed hunters can't be charged for many of the wildlife offenses that licensed hunters are charged for. So given those factors, it is reasonable to expect more licensed hunters to be charged with offenses.

Thanks for that info Elk, didn't even consider that many of the wildlife regulations that apply to myself wouldn't apply to that group. Food for thought....

[BuckCuller]

Originally Posted by R3illy

shedcrazy for the win. Nothing like having some facts to throw back into all the negative posts this thread became. 90% of the posts here had nothing to do with the hunt as I've said many times.

Interesting how sheds perspective varies wildly from the first post that talked about the hunters showing no remorse.

More importantly I hope to see those whining for equality post another 8 pages of complaints about all the licensed hunters who get charged or fined at a significantly higher rate then non licensed hunters.

Yup when people get caught breaking the law they get remorseful and confused in a real hurry.

[BuckCuller]

Originally Posted by R3illy

I spent some time there this year. I had a great time. Anyone on the base I ran into was friendly and happy. I'm surprised there seems to many people who didnt enjoy it this year.

The negativity shown in this thread is not what you see while at the base.

You are correct when I was there in muzzle loader season most everyone was great had a great time.
The base runs a top notch show and shouldn’t have to babysit the few individuals that ruin it for everyone.
I only notice one clown, he had a tantrum and was complaining to one of the staff that he wasn’t coming back on the third day because he never seen a buck over a year and a half old. I guess he wasn’t hunting the same area I was because we took a couple nice ones and seen a few bigger. I watched a young fella shoot one of two nice bucks I was watching but new I couldn’t get in range of from where I was positioned. He hesitated shooting the buck at first but after he shot it we had a good conversation and I congratulated him on getting it. He was concerned he messed me up but he didn’t.

[snowman160]

Originally Posted by shedcrazy

This is the most painful thread to read in a long time and so glad I took the year off of this site.

The facts:

Hunters (drawn, FN, and non-hunters) have been charged this year. Like EVERY year I have worked the check station since 2001. We have constantly tried to modify and improve the hunt. Changes like PDAs being considered "hunting in a closed area" greatly improved enforcement on these issues and reduced some issues. Constant FW Officers and MPs at the hunt the past few years have also reduced but not eliminated offences.

I am embarrassed to be a hunter almost everyday I work the check station as even with FW Officers, MPs and RC patrolling and daily safety briefs the phone is always ringing with issues and STUPID and UNSAFE activity.

Yes, as reported by the RCO there was an incident where 5 elk were seizes, 5 hunters (which happen to be FN THIS time) were charged and their hunt was ended on base. They self reported that they were in PDA3 (Permanent Danger Area that is ALWAYS closed to hunting and unescorted use) and on site seemed very confused and lost. That does not excuse the behaviour but it did show it was not a group just doing whatever they want with no care of rules. They still processed all the animals after they knew the animals were being seized to ensure the meat was not wasted. It will feed families in the Wainwright area.

Yes, other charges have happened almost every 3 day hunt this year and more non-FN have been charged than FN this year (and every year as that is the first FN that I know of that have been charged with a WILDLIFE charge). I can't get go into any details due to legal cases but others have had their base hunt shortened, have fines and animals seized.

Yes, Last year's discharge was a serious incident. We know how scary it was as we were actually THERE! That is a RCMP/MP issue now (it was not a hunting issue at the time). FYI-there was 5 loaded weapon charges last week in one afternoon from drawn hunters so that incident could happen all the time. ALL hunters need to get their head out of their asses.

ALL HUNTERS need to stop being so self-centred, less self entitled, stop using drugs/alcohol during the hunt, follow wildlife and firearm regulations, quit thinking that this is some form of cull hunt where there is no rules, start using their head, start actually thinking, start treating everyone with respect and just enjoy hunting.

There is an incredible amount of animals in the RTA. I flew it. The age classes are there after 5 good winters. There is over 4K deer out there and 500+ moose. IF YOU CAN'T find them that is 1) WX is a very tough hunt due to no control of scouting, open areas and other hunters 2) post rut bucks/bulls (mainly WTDE) are tough to hunt and most people have no idea how to do it 3) weather 4) lack of ability

I am logging off again. Sadly this thread and most threads have nothing to do with sharing the hunt but complaining and whining. It really makes it tough as a wildlife manager to take hunter input seriously after reading this.

Later

Best post on this thread so far.

[Smoky buck]

So how many years priority to draw muzzleloader deer in wainwright?

Can’t seem to find the priority information on this one

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

So how many years priority to draw muzzleloader deer in wainwright?

Can’t seem to find the priority information on this one

https://www.albertarelm.com/cust.dra...ywtd18.page#17

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

https://www.albertarelm.com/cust.dra...ywtd18.page#17

Thanks I could find all the other deer draws but wainwright’s

Surprised to see some of the rifle draws are a shorter wait time. Guess the first crack at them for the year is just that attractive

[Torkdiesel]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Thanks I could find all the other deer draws but wainwright’s

Surprised to see some of the rifle draws are a shorter wait time. Guess the first crack at them for the year is just that attractive

After the initial few days the deer seem to be pretty much on to the game, from what I heard anyway.
Apparently on the first muzzleloader hunt the mule deer are still acting like mule deer, after that they seem to trend towards Whitetail behaviour.

We saw bucks on the second rifle hunt. Like I said earlier nothing I would have shot but we also likely had some unrealistic expectations of what the hunt was to begin with.

It was far better then sitting at home waiting for snow anyway

[shedcrazy]

As well, when you compare the charges, many of the wildlife regulations do not apply to non licensed hunters, since they don't require specific tags, they aren't limited by antlered/antlerless definitions, and they don't observe bag limits, so non licensed hunters can't be charged for many of the wildlife offenses that licensed hunters are charged for

I guess I need to simple it down a notch still to move off this topic. In all the years of being at the check station only 6 FN have ever had their hunt ended due to enforcement (all mentioned in previous post). While some infractions FN can't be charged with; part of our rules of access state any wildlife or criminal infractions is a breach of that access and their hunt is ended. Better? Can we move on?

On a side note a FN last night took her first ever moose and was probably one of the happiest hunters I have ever seen in 18yrs. She made no sense, her smile could not be wiped off, she was bouncing around and really is the main reason I like working the hunt. There is only so many times I can hear "didn't see anything worth killing..."

If the thread doesn't go off the rails in 2 days I will post final totals...then you can make up whatever rumours you want

S

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Torkdiesel

After the initial few days the deer seem to be pretty much on to the game, from what I heard anyway.
Apparently on the first muzzleloader hunt the mule deer are still acting like mule deer, after that they seem to trend towards Whitetail behaviour.

We saw bucks on the second rifle hunt. Like I said earlier nothing I would have shot but we also likely had some unrealistic expectations of what the hunt was to begin with.

It was far better then sitting at home waiting for snow anyway

I was thinking more a long the lines of a hunt I could do with the wife or even partner one of my kids if they are interested. Not thinking about a serious hunt for quality deer but something to enjoy with family and maybe throw some meat in the freezer

For quality deer I have other areas in mind that I can invest more time scouting and have knowledge of the area already

Would you say the later rifle hunts be good for a family hunt? My wife is at that stage she is happy with small bucks or does and enjoys just getting a deer so quality is not a concern. If there is good deer numbers that give her good chance creating an opportunity for a shot she is comfortable with is all that matters

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

I was thinking more a long the lines of a hunt I could do with the wife or even partner one of my kids if they are interested. Not thinking about a serious hunt for quality deer but something to enjoy with family and maybe throw some meat in the freezer

For quality deer I have other areas in mind that I can invest more time scouting and have knowledge of the area already

Would you say the later rifle hunts be good for a family hunt? My wife is at that stage she is happy with small bucks or does and enjoys just getting a deer so quality is not a concern. If there is good deer numbers that give her good chance creating an opportunity for a shot she is comfortable with is all that matters

It’s a roll of the dice on later hunts, temperature, snow, overall weather conditions, base road conditions being the trump card for a family friendly hunt.

LC

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

It’s a roll of the dice on later hunts, temperature, snow, overall weather conditions, base road conditions being the trump card for a family friendly hunt.

LC

Thanks will have to start building priority first so will definitely have time to make a choice that seems to fit best. I just try to stick to hunts that keep her excited and not too frustrated.

[2 Tollers]

Originally Posted by shedcrazy

On a side note a FN last night took her first ever moose and was probably one of the happiest hunters I have ever seen in 18yrs. She made no sense, her smile could not be wiped off, she was bouncing around and really is the main reason I like working the hunt. S

Excellent ! Great to see the smiles on people especially new comers when they are successful at check in.

[R3illy]

Originally Posted by shedcrazy

I guess I need to simple it down a notch still to move off this topic. In all the years of being at the check station only 6 FN have ever had their hunt ended due to enforcement (all mentioned in previous post). While some infractions FN can't be charged with; part of our rules of access state any wildlife or criminal infractions is a breach of that access and their hunt is ended. Better? Can we move on?

On a side note a FN last night took her first ever moose and was probably one of the happiest hunters I have ever seen in 18yrs. She made no sense, her smile could not be wiped off, she was bouncing around and really is the main reason I like working the hunt. There is only so many times I can hear "didn't see anything worth killing..."

If the thread doesn't go off the rails in 2 days I will post final totals...then you can make up whatever rumours you want

S

thanks for simplifying things even more as some people seem to think they know more then everyone else. Awesome to hear how happy the one hunter was with her first moose.

[Phil]

I have hunted Wainwright 6 times over the years (since 2000) and always with a muzzleloader. 5 times I hunted with Deer tags and once as a partner for moose.
The hunt has never been anything but enjoyable and the staff working have always been helpful and respectful. On this note, I like to think I have always been respectful with them and mutual respect goes a long way to making any experience more enjoyable.

The last couple of times I've been drawn I have certainly seen less animals than I did 15-20 years ago but I still had a great time and while I haven't shot any true trophies I have managed to take what meat I required for the freezer and had a good time doing it.

Its unfortunate a post which started, to provide hunters with an update on how the Wainwright season was progressing and answer questions, etc. has fallen off the rails "again".

There have been FN hunters at the base when I've hunted but I have never viewed them as anything other than hunters out trying to harvest some meat, the same as me.

"shedcrazy" I hope you don't succumb to the negativity and give up on us. I
have enjoyed your posts on the Wainwright hunt and appreciate the updates you provide.

I look forward to returning to Wainwright for the muzzleloader season as soon as my priority allows. With any luck I will one day be that 90 something hunter guys talk about seeing out there, still trying to get it done.

All the Best
Phil

[Sooner]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

I was thinking more a long the lines of a hunt I could do with the wife or even partner one of my kids if they are interested. Not thinking about a serious hunt for quality deer but something to enjoy with family and maybe throw some meat in the freezer

For quality deer I have other areas in mind that I can invest more time scouting and have knowledge of the area already

Would you say the later rifle hunts be good for a family hunt? My wife is at that stage she is happy with small bucks or does and enjoys just getting a deer so quality is not a concern. If there is good deer numbers that give her good chance creating an opportunity for a shot she is comfortable with is all that matters

First rifle and you have the best chance to find deer not chased yet but risk a lot of the areas closed as there may be training going on.

Last hunt is the one I always do. Usually has a wide open base, no training but the deer have been pushed and if you do see one in the open, it is moving before you can blink. 2 hunts back, my son and I seen the biggest Mulie buck ever in there and the day before spotted a huge WT buck bedded in the middle of a grass patch beside the Battle River. There was lots of snow but you could go anywhere.

Last hunt in there 3 yrs back, we had hot and cold spells during Nov, the snow that was there melted down hard and then freezing rain. You had to really be careful where you went with a truck if you didn't have chains. Skating rink trials and walking sucked.

That being said, we always look forward to this hunt, we have always picked the last hunt as it opens up the base and spreads out the hunters. I hear it is a 6 plus yr wait for first rifle now. I did first rifle so many years back, back when the base had lots of trees, cut lines and such. It was a gong show due to the training going on and all the hunters concentrated in a few areas.

I'm not sure I would wait that long to try first rifle again but my son has never experienced it so who knows.

Shane and his crew are awesome at what they do. Have had many a chat with him over the years. He really tried to get me on a bull moose way back when the base had a super blizzard that hit on a Friday. That blizzard kept the few of us that came back for the Saturday hunt holed up at the check station while RP surveyed the roads and conditions. During that time, Shane gave an impromptu Q&A session. Was my first real info on CWD and opened a lot of eyes that morning.

Wainwright is a fun hunt if you go in with the right mindset. Expect a trophy and it will eat you up and spit you out.

[Smoky buck]

Thanks sooner I already hunt with muzzleloader so that is an option is there too

[elkhunter11]

I travel to Wainwright every year for the sharptailed grouse hunt, and I have hunted moose twice, and deer four or five times. The staff has always been friendly, and helpful, and seemed very well organized. I know only apply for deer when I expect to draw a moose tag, and as others have stated, weather can be a huge factor. I actually observed very little illegal activity on the base, especially compared to our trip to Suffield where we saw many people being issued tickets for violations. I expect that the big difference, is that at Suffield, the elk were concentrated into a couple of large herds when we were there, which concentrated the hunters as well, and if anyone did something illegal, they were seen doing it, and were caught.

[thumper]

I've always put the time into priority and go for the primitive weapons season - because I just love hunting there with my muzzle-loader. I've always enjoyed the hunt, the rest of the hunters I've met, and the base employees and F&W folks on hand. I'm due to be drawn again next year, it'll be my 5th or 6th time there.

-Looking forward to seeing the final numbers - thanks Shed for your patience and perserverance. Most of us appreciate it very much.

[CBintheNorth]

Originally Posted by Torkdiesel

After the initial few days the deer seem to be pretty much on to the game, from what I heard anyway.
Apparently on the first muzzleloader hunt the mule deer are still acting like mule deer, after that they seem to trend towards Whitetail behaviour.

We saw bucks on the second rifle hunt. Like I said earlier nothing I would have shot but we also likely had some unrealistic expectations of what the hunt was to begin with.

It was far better then sitting at home waiting for snow anyway

This is exactly how I classed the experience myself.
I was a Priority 13 and finally decided this was the year to experience the legend that is Wainwright...
Glad I have finally seen it, but won't return. Not because of any other reason than I just don't enjoy hunting in close proximity to that many people.
If they ever cut the TOTAL number of people down to half, I would reconsider. It's a unique place and everyone should see it at least once.
There were 2 experiences though, that I was very thankful to have:
1) Watching the Wainwright version of "Canon Ball Run" both mornings from the comfort of our truck while finishing our coffees.
2) Listening (more so feeling) the mortars going off on day 1 and thinking "this is just like the T-Rex scene in Jurassic Park!
Too bad there weren't any puddles...

[albertadave]

Originally Posted by shooter12

Wow!
Its so nice that I read this thread.
I have high priority for moose and was thinking about applying for 2020 to explore the new for me place.
After reading your posts I've already decided that its not the hunt that I am looking for.
Thanks!

S12

X2!!
Last time I hunted the base, around 2015-16, I saw decent deer numbers, and a ton of moose.
I had a bit of a plan in my head that I would draw my CW deer, and my wife would draw anterless moose. Etiher 2020 or 2021. Thought it would be a cool hunt for us to go do together. After reading reading this thread, forget it. Not going to waste our time, money, effort or priority on this gong show. It's too bad. Makes me sad to hear that it's been ruined like this. I have some great memories of hunting the base, many sharptail hunts with my dad when I was a kid, and a couple deer deer hunts later on in life. Won't waste my time with it now.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by R3illy

I spent some time there this year. I had a great time. Anyone on the base I ran into was friendly and happy. I'm surprised there seems to many people who didnt enjoy it this year.

The negativity shown in this thread is not what you see while at the base.

It's just not for some...myself included....o dark thirty a brief...parking lot full...then a mad dash to the door....trucks all over the place....saw lots of critters but then comes a bumbling rig right up and says he you all see anything...not my cup of tea but to each thier own...

[CBintheNorth]

Originally Posted by albertadave

X2!!
Last time I hunted the base, around 2015-16, I saw decent deer numbers, and a ton of moose.
I had a bit of a plan in my head that I would draw my CW deer, and my wife would draw anterless moose. Etiher 2020 or 2021. Thought it would be a cool hunt for us to go do together. After reading reading this thread, forget it. Not going to waste our time, money, effort or priority on this gong show. It's too bad. Makes me sad to hear that it's been ruined like this. I have some great memories of hunting the base, many sharptail hunts with my dad when I was a kid, and a couple deer deer hunts later on in life. Won't waste my time with it now.

Not sure how many guys they let in for the sharp-tail hunt, but that is one I would do if I were a serious birder.
We saw well over 100 birds, and not very flighty.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by 58thecat

It's just not for some...myself included....o dark thirty a brief...parking lot full...then a mad dash to the door....trucks all over the place....saw lots of critters but then comes a bumbling rig right up and says he you all see anything...not my cup of tea but to each thier own...

Lol! There is no way I’d take part in such a gong show. There is a reason I set my stands up off the beaten trail, I find the best part about hunting to be the tranquility you get, the time you get to reflect, relax, enjoy nature without the influence of man. It’s basically a canned hunt, no different than hunting a game farm except the game farms will give you more privacy from the sounds of it.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

Lol! There is no way I’d take part in such a gong show. There is a reason I set my stands up off the beaten trail, I find the best part about hunting to be the tranquility you get, the time you get to reflect, relax, enjoy nature without the influence of man. It’s basically a canned hunt, no different than hunting a game farm except the game farms will give you more privacy from the sounds of it.

It’s not a “canned” hunt I can tell you that, has nothing to do with a “canned” hunt. If it were there would be pickups full of trophies parading around town and success rate would be 85% or better, that’s just not the case.

LC

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

It’s not a “canned” hunt I can tell you that, has nothing to do with a “canned” hunt. If it were there would be pickups full of trophies parading around town and success rate would be 85% or better, that’s just not the case.

LC

Like I said, a canned hunt without the privacy. If they let less people in, there would be a higher number of mature animals taken. The fact you need to be drawn to enter the gates says it all imo.

[R3illy]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

It’s not a “canned” hunt I can tell you that, has nothing to do with a “canned” hunt. If it were there would be pickups full of trophies parading around town and success rate would be 85% or better, that’s just not the case.

LC

the success rates are really low for some animals like elk. Hardly a canned hunt lol.