New to hunting!!!! Please help!!!

Newhunter1234 · #1 10-15-2014, 08:56 PM

Hi I am new to this forum and new to hunting. I have my pal and have done my Aheia course and have a win card. I'm looking to get out upland bird hunting this Sunday and am wondering what's the best wmu around calgary for upland birds like grouse,partridge, and pheasants.I Prefer it to be close but I could drive 1-2 hours. I have a 12 gauge shotgun. What equipment do I need? Thanks all replys will be appreciated so please help me I'm a new hunter getting eager to get out. Thanks once again.

hunterfisher · #2 10-15-2014, 08:58 PM

If your looking to go to some crown land where there's no permission required and. A few grouse to be had; try up near waiprous area 412. There's usually always some birds in there but remember its crown and there will be a lot of traffic. Being new I now it's good just to get out and try your luck. You don't need camp for game bird. It's a waste unless you want to look good

. All the best

Newhunter1234 · #3 10-15-2014, 09:04 PM

I know this might sound a bit stupid but should I watch out for bears. I've heard of numerous bear encounters.thanks

Bearski · #4 10-15-2014, 09:10 PM

Well, sure, there are bears. Pepper spray. For the Bears, not the birds.

Newhunter1234 · #5 10-15-2014, 09:13 PM

Ok and how do I get into 412 where should I go. Sorry to bother you but I need help badly. Thank you

waterhaulerhunter · #6 10-15-2014, 09:18 PM

Grab a wmu map and a map book and it'll tell you everything you need to know about how to get in and around all the zones.

Newhunter1234 · #7 10-15-2014, 09:19 PM

Ok where can I get a map from.thanks

Bearski · #8 10-15-2014, 09:27 PM

Um, regs.

Chris501 · #9 10-15-2014, 09:27 PM

Could use pepper spray for the bears, but I find a more effective tool is a 220 grain from the end of a .300 win mag

czechm8 · #10 10-15-2014, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Ok where can I get a map from.thanks

Aside from the WIN card you will also need a wildlife certificate and game bird license. I think pheasant may be a separate license as well. Buy them at most sports stores, outfitters, Canadian Tires, etc (e.g. Wholesale Sports, Bass Proshops).

There is a WMU map with the hard copy of the hunting regulations. If this is your first time hunting you should pick up a hard copy when you buy your licenses mentioned above. Familiarize yourself with the regs while you're at it just to make sure you don't break any by accident.

Find 412 in the WMU map, then Google maps your way out there and explore.

Newhunter1234 · #11 10-15-2014, 09:30 PM

Hi and how do I google map it I've been trying to for a while now.

Bearski · #12 10-15-2014, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris501

Could use pepper spray for the bears, but I find a more effective tool is a 220 grain from the end of a .300 win mag

Ha! Absolutely, but, Teeny bit heavy for them grouse!

score · #13 10-15-2014, 09:37 PM

wmu maps are in the hunting regulations and just match up with a road map it you need to. Take a drive and see what you find. It takes time to become familiar with areas to hunt. Just have fun being out and exploring.

Don't go alone if at all possible for a bunch of reasons. Be careful and use your noggin. Good luck and enjoy.

Newhunter1234 · #14 10-15-2014, 09:40 PM

Do you know any good non mountain wmu because I'll be going out with my friend and the last thing we want is a bear encounter and all we have is 2 12 gauges with bird shots to defend our selfs. Thanks

Spartikus · #15 10-15-2014, 09:49 PM

Not sure if you are trolling or for real but a couple of pointers..

As has been said a few times here, going out without bear spray is not safe. Bear's are not only in the mountains.

If you are unable to type in an address or road on Google and use the map feature you may want to invest in a GPS for hunting. If you end up off course and start hunting on non-crown land or in the wrong WMU could end up in a heap of trouble.

Probably best to just slow down and take care of things 1 step at a time.

Best of luck on the adventure.

waterhaulerhunter · #16 10-15-2014, 09:50 PM

Look at the maps people are suggesting to you! Go for a drive, the questions you are asking, everyone that can answer them found them out by putting in the leg work. Lots of people are willing to help out but there are no freebies in hunting. If all you're doing is looking to kill something and wanting someone to point you there then you are going to have a short hunting career. Go to canadian tire and grab a regs book, go home read that regs book cover to cover a few times.

Bearski · #17 10-15-2014, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Do you know any good non mountain wmu because I'll be going out with my friend and the last thing we want is a bear encounter and all we have is 2 12 gauges with bird shots to defend our selfs. Thanks

You're right. Better not go. 100% guarantee you no bear encounters on the couch.

hunterfisher · #18 10-16-2014, 07:07 AM

Download this. Has the regs attached and all wmu maps outlined. Just be safe and watch for the Bears. There out there but so are thousands of hunters. Be smart and safe and you'll be fine. Even buy bear bangers if you wish.

Newhunter1234 · #19 10-16-2014, 03:09 PM

What's the best emu for birds

Bergerboy · #20 10-16-2014, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

What's the best emu for birds

The north west corner of 539 is insane. It will be the best hunt of your life.

fish_e_o · #21 10-16-2014, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bergerboy

The north west corner of 539 is insane. It will be the best hunt of your life.

i went up there but it was nothing compared to the north east corner of 532

Bergerboy · #22 10-16-2014, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish_e_o

i went up there but it was nothing compared to the north east corner of 532

Dude I know, 532 was banging last year but I sincerely think 539 is giving it a run for its money.

BuckMaster101 · #23 10-16-2014, 03:51 PM

339 Hasn't had any traffic this year so the birds should be accessible from the road. Hasn’t been a bear up there for years either, thats where i'd go.

Bergerboy · #24 10-16-2014, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckMaster101

339 Hasn't had any traffic this year so the birds should be accessible from the road. Hasn’t been a bear up there for years either, thats where i'd go.

Dude! We are trying to keep 339 quiet! The place is a ghost town these days!

Dunezilla · #25 10-16-2014, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bergerboy

Dude! We are trying to keep 339 quiet! The place is a ghost town these days!

Not really dude. They well be out this Saturday & Sunday.

Newhunter1234 · #26 10-16-2014, 06:27 PM

539 and 532 are too far but 339 is pretty close. What are the directions there

Newhunter1234 · #27 10-16-2014, 06:35 PM

Any wmu less than a 2 hour drive from Calgary

jacenbeers · #28 10-16-2014, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Any wmu less than a 2 hour drive from Calgary

Dude, seriously. Get in your car and drive into some crown land and walk around until you see a bird.

Bergerboy · #29 10-16-2014, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Any wmu less than a 2 hour drive from Calgary

339 is within 2 hours of Calgary. Google maps will get you there.

Bowie · #30 10-16-2014, 08:00 PM

Maybe you should head to Wessex game preserve. It's right by carstairs. You can get some practice and ken the owner can even take you out on his land and guide for you. Plus no bears.