Alberta offers world-class hunting opportunities for resident and non-resident hunters.
Each year, the Government of Alberta provides Minister’s Special Licences (MSLs) for select game species to be auctioned or to be allocated through draws to raise money for wildlife conservation and stewardship in Alberta. Minister’s Special Licences can be used across the province where a hunting season for the respective species occurs and are valid from August 25 to August 24 of the following year. See the documents below for an overview and specific details on eligibility and conditions for each species. Each year up to 9 MSLs are available to residents of Alberta through a draw, now administered through Alberta ReLM.
The Minister’s Special Licence does not convey any access permission to the licence holder. It is the responsibility of the licence holder to acquire access on any lands they wish to hunt, including all private and occupied Crown land. Any access permission and permit requirements within provincial Parks are also the responsibility of the licence holder. Funds generated through the resident draws will be used towards wildlife stewardship projects through a process administered by the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA).
MSL Draws for Alberta Residents
The Minister’s Special Licence draws are available to Alberta residents through the Special Licence Draw system on Alberta ReLM:
Auctions
In addition to the resident draw MSLs, up to 9 MSLs are sold by auction annually internationally and can be purchased by non-residents or Albertans. The 2024 MSL permits were auctioned in January/February 2024. More information on these opportunities is available through the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS) website. Non-resident purchasers of the auctioned permits must use the services of an outfitter. Funds generated through the auctioned MSLs are used towards wildlife stewardship projects through a process administered by the APOS.
Learn more about upcoming MSL auctions:
General draw information
- To apply for a Minister’s Special Licence draw you must:
- Be an Alberta Resident
- Be 12 years of age or older
- Be eligible to hunt in Alberta
- Not be under suspension
- Have a Wildlife Certificate before purchase
- Draws can be purchased online through AlbertaRELM or at a licence issuer
Record Book Animals Harvested in Alberta
Species |
Score |
All-time Rank |
Mule Deer (Non-Typical)* |
355 2/8 |
1 |
Bighorn Sheep (Trophy Ram)* |
209 2/4 |
2 |
Bighorn Sheep (Trophy Ram)* |
208 3/8 |
5 |
Bighorn Sheep (Trophy Ram)* |
208 1/8 |
7 |
Bighorn Sheep (Trophy Ram)* |
207 2/8 |
8 |
Bighorn Sheep (Trophy Ram)* |
206 3/8 |
9 |
Elk (Pope & Young, Non-Typical) |
449 4/8 |
9 |
Elk (Typical)* |
419 5/8 |
10 |
Moose* |
226 7/8 |
11 |
*As per Boone and Crockett.
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Updated: Jun 27, 2024