Drawing for unknown WMU?

[Raptor]

Just a question.

Why would anyone apply for a zone they have never hunted in, let alone ever visited the area? I'm not saying its right or wrong, just wondering.

I myself would check out the zone personally before putting in a draw.

A long time ago, when the draws were a little differently selected as now, I remember a buddy put in his first choice and then if he wasn't drawn for that choice, the computer selected an area. He was drawn in Wilmore Wilderness. LMAO. No horse and no knowledge of the area at all. Lived down south and ended up not going.

So just curious, how many have done this and why?

[norwestalta]

I haven't but I'm going to. I've never hunted or been south of Calgary and would like to go down there for mule deer and antelope.

[arrow_baron]

The only reason I clicked yes was because I drew a Suffield bull tag this year without ever being there. Other than that I only hunt one area and have forever

[Attilathecanuk]

Been doing it for 6 years for turkey. Never scouted the land but have only passed by. Have family with land in 'turkey country' so I have permission already. Haven't applied for big game though without being there.

[coyotekiller]

I never have other then the lottery tags

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by arrow_baron

The only reason I clicked yes was because I drew a Suffield bull tag this year without ever being there. Other than that I only hunt one area and have forever

Wainwright and Suffield make sense, because you really can't go and scout the area.

[pikeslayer22]

Every year...gets boring hunting the same old WMU.S...Pretty much plan draws by previous year success rates...got antlered Moose on a Priorty 2 and anterless elk on a zero priority this year

[Sooner]

I have met many guys where i hunt up past Calling lake who applied for moose tags without ever going there or doing some research. Just because they gave out boat load of tags in Nov. Guys as far a Medicine Hat were up for a week looking for all the moose lol.

I'm doing it this year, pulled a long standing priority to hunt elk outside of the base. But i will be making a couple scouting trips to the area to get a idea of the lay of the land. Meet some landowners face to face hopefully.

[Moo Snukkle]

Applying for draws in Northern zones I've never been to with lots of Crown land is no big deal. Just a matter of putting on miles and actually "hunting ". Have done it twice and will be third time this year for moose. I much prefer spending time looking for game than hunting for permission. That, in itself, can be exhausting and costly.

[Mulehahn]

I have done it several times. But with that being said, I will do research. If it is an area with restrictions or limitations I won't (such as the Wilmore). It is fun t see new areas.

[HuntingAlberta]

I have but only for the lotteries - 438 sheep, Goat, Grizzly, etc.....

[recce43]

I have but after I have been drawn I gone and scouted it

[Roughneck Country]

Originally Posted by Raptor

Just a question.

Why would anyone apply for a zone they have never hunted in, let alone ever visited the area? I'm not saying its right or wrong, just wondering.



So just curious, how many have done this and why?

Absolutely and this is why:

1: Certain zones are known to have trophy animals of certain species, a great example is or use to be Cadomine, not many have actually been there but lots apply. Buffalo is another good example.

2: I like to hunt new areas and explore the country a bit, in this day and age hunting like this is becoming harder as landowners are more reluctant to give strangers permission but in the old days it wasn't too much of an issue for me anyway.

3: Different species live in dffernt areas, someone from Grand prairie cant hunt antelope there so they come to Southern AB where they likely don't know anyone

others likely have more reasons as well but I say go for it just do your homework if you know your going to pull the tag.

[elkslayer132]

Wmu 160 when i wanted a big mulie no big deal when i had 3 months to hunt them sept till nov

[Bobbydee]

I plan to get to know the area and some landowners.
i want a BIGG BULLLLLL ELK.

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by Roughneck Country

Absolutely and this is why:

1: Certain zones are known to have trophy animals of certain species, a great example is or use to be Cadomine, not many have actually been there but lots apply. Buffalo is another good example.

2: I like to hunt new areas and explore the country a bit, in this day and age hunting like this is becoming harder as landowners are more reluctant to give strangers permission but in the old days it wasn't too much of an issue for me anyway.

3: Different species live in dffernt areas, someone from Grand prairie cant hunt antelope there so they come to Southern AB where they likely don't know anyone

others likely have more reasons as well but I say go for it just do your homework if you know your going to pull the tag.

Makes sense, but am still shocked at vote results. Thought it would be a lot less.

[HuntingAlberta]

I think vote results would be less other than the Lottery and Antelope tags.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Yup I have....for antelope but I had permission before I went because I knew someone in the zone.

I have hunted in the Wainwright base too...without being there before.

LC

[Xbolthunter]

It's just easier to apply and know nothing about the zone and then ask for permission and where to hunt on here though lol

[kujoseto]

Pulled a tag in a zone I had permission on private land but never visited before.

[oldgutpile]

Sure! I applied for Zama bison, and Cypress Hills elk. Had never been through either before.
I sure wasn't going to drive 15 hours to scout zama,even after I had the tag in hand. I did as much work ahead of time quizzing oilfield operators I knew, and also called the local Fish and Wildlife office to try and get a good starting point. Worked out just fine!

[harv3589]

Drew my bull moose tag in a zone I haven't hunted...but a fellow I work with has hunted it lots and pointed out where to go. He has shot his bull every time he draws. Will be doing some camping in the area and poke around this summer.

[KCL]

Never went to Wilmore until I drew a goat, never went south of Medicine Hat until I drew an antelope. Not very many goats or antelope in Manning!

[whitetail Junkie]

Originally Posted by harv3589

Drew my bull moose tag in a zone I haven't hunted...but a fellow I work with has hunted it lots and pointed out where to go. He has shot his bull every time he draws. Will be doing some camping in the area and poke around this summer.

X2......my dad is in the same boat with a P12 this year.

[alacringa]

I prefer to hunt an area I'm familiar with, so I stick mainly to the familiar, or else go to get an idea of what I'll be up against before applying.

It did seem when the draws got announced that there were an awful lot of people saying "Does anyone know anything about WMU###? I got drawn there for...."

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by HuntingAlberta

I think vote results would be less other than the Lottery and Antelope tags.

maybe should have put that option in.

[Snap Shot]

Originally Posted by whitetail Junkie

X2......my dad is in the same boat with a P12 this year.

X3 I have been through the zone I have drew my P10 on for bull moose. I have never hunted it period but I know for sure there are big moose there.
To the OP the computer never randomly selected any draw for anyone in the 18yrs I have been applying for draws starting with metal tags & booklets.

I will be drawing my mule tag in a zone I never hunted either next year. Wish me the best of luck as that bs isn't required.
Thanks for contribution but if I needed to know every zone North to south to make a game plan up you are very mistaken my friend. I love hunting & meeting new ppl.

Thanks though raptor

[whitetail Junkie]

Originally Posted by Snap Shot

X3 I have been through the zone I have drew my P10 on for bull moose. I have never hunted it period but I know for sure there are big moose there.
To the OP the computer never randomly selected any draw for anyone in the 18yrs I have been applying for draws starting with metal tags & booklets.

I will be drawing my mule tag in a zone I never hunted either next year. Wish me the best of luck as that bs isn't required.
Thanks for contribution but if I needed to know every zone North to south to make a game plan up you are very mistaken my friend. I love hunting & meeting new ppl.

Thanks though raptor

Good luck on your moose Quest !

[Suka]

"Google earth scouting" and topo maps. Certainly not like being there, but it works.

[Prairiewolf]

WMU 404 last year - did lots of map work and Google Earth study. Still had a hard time with it and came home empty handed.