Conserving Alberta's Wild Side on Private Land

ACA's Landowner Habitat Project

Private land makes up over a third of Alberta and is home to some of the province's richest wildlife habitats. The Landowner Habitat Project rewards conservation-minded landowners for protecting natural areas on their property while allowing public foot access for recreation. Learn how this partnership keeps Alberta's wild spaces thriving on private land for generations to come.

Field Trial on Sacred Ground

A Memory Etched in Legend

Granted rare access to host a pointing dog field trial on the Siksika Nation reservation, the author experienced a profound cultural connection through a Blackfoot Elder’s retelling of the sacred Chicken Dance legend. This traditional promise to honor the prairie grouse stands as a poignant contrast to the eventual extinction of the greater prairie-chicken in Canada, serving as a powerful reminder of environmental stewardship and the fragility of the land.

Tips and Tricks for Finding Shed Antlers

Searching for shed antlers from deer, elk, and moose serves as an engaging, family-friendly outdoor activity that requires a methodical approach to scouting wintering habitats, game trails, and obstacle crossings. By utilizing optics, marking locations, or training a dog, shed hunters can maximize their success before spring growth hides the antlers, which can then be repurposed into functional crafts, home decor, or natural dog chews.

Meeting Macnab

The Macnab challenge is a worldwide hunting and fishing test of skill, inspired by John Buchan’s 1925 novel, where participants harvest specific game and fish within a day. Ken Bailey recounts completing one in Namibia and suggests Alberta versions could feature local species like antelope, grey partridge, and trout.