Author Topic: New seasons around Suffield?  (Read 7568 times)

BruceW

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New seasons around Suffield?
« on: February 21, 2014, 04:48:04 PM »
I've been hearing rumours about either expanding the draw seasons in and around the base, and even of a possible general tag for certain zones, anyone know of any actual info?

For what it's worth, last fall while hunting antelope I saw almost as many elk as I did antelope.  Being this is literally just across the river from where I live, I'm Very interested in this.  Be nice to hunt elk 10 minute's from home.   ;D


walleyes

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2014, 07:15:25 PM »
Never heard anything about it but I could see it happening,, them ranchers got a lot of pull in that country and they are getting pretty pissed at them elk. The trick is is to get one outside the fence during legal,, that's the trick.. They are pretty wise those elk..

SnapShot

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2014, 05:35:34 PM »
There is rumors of increasing more seasons but i doubt there will be a general season out that way. Non the less good news for resident alberta hunters on more opportunity.

BuckTracker

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2014, 09:17:21 AM »
I have a priority 10 at this time and would like to get picked within the next two years. With the robust population of elk on the Suffield Base, I would only assume that they would increase the tags per season and have more hunting opportunities within the base.............

BruceW

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2014, 05:40:42 PM »
You're a shoe-in for all but the first season:  http://mywildalberta.com/Hunting/HuntingDraws/HuntingDrawsReports/DrawsSummaryReport/documents/HuntingArchives/2013/Hunting-AntleredElk-DrawCode18-2013.pdf

I'm only P6 now;  while I might be able to draw a 3rd season tag I'll 999 for a couple more years.  Unless, of course the rumour of a Jan. season comes to pass.  With the wmu border being about 10 minutes out my door I'll be applying for that and keeping my fingers crossed every year until I'm drawn.  (that'd be like a dream come true, I could spot dawn and dusk every few days and have my bull not only picked out, but put him to bed the night before season, be there in position half hr before he gets up;  just like mulies on the farm when I was a kid.)


Although, since the draw's on my b'day maybe for once I'll win something and it'll be the ministers elk tag!  :)

Funny, we don't buy lottery tickets, but buy tickets on a hunt and every chance I get on a hundred bred heifers.  Priorities, eh?

BuckTracker

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2014, 12:26:27 PM »
You're a shoe-in for all but the first season:  http://mywildalberta.com/Hunting/HuntingDraws/HuntingDrawsReports/DrawsSummaryReport/documents/HuntingArchives/2013/Hunting-AntleredElk-DrawCode18-2013.pdf

I'm only P6 now;  while I might be able to draw a 3rd season tag I'll 999 for a couple more years.  Unless, of course the rumour of a Jan. season comes to pass.  With the wmu border being about 10 minutes out my door I'll be applying for that and keeping my fingers crossed every year until I'm drawn.  (that'd be like a dream come true, I could spot dawn and dusk every few days and have my bull not only picked out, but put him to bed the night before season, be there in position half hr before he gets up;  just like mulies on the farm when I was a kid.)


Although, since the draw's on my b'day maybe for once I'll win something and it'll be the ministers elk tag!  :)

Funny, we don't buy lottery tickets, but buy tickets on a hunt and every chance I get on a hundred bred heifers.  Priorities, eh?
I think this tag is prestigious as they come. I as well can't wait to draw it, but still on the fence on which season I wish to hunt. I've heard of giant bulls killed on every season, but which one to take........... I still have to conduct more research for my best chances. Maybe the last season.....

walleyes

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2014, 02:54:13 PM »
I think this tag is prestigious as they come. I as well can't wait to draw it, but still on the fence on which season I wish to hunt. I've heard of giant bulls killed on every season, but which one to take........... I still have to conduct more research for my best chances. Maybe the last season.....

Take 150 trust me.. The land owner that sits at the north east corner of the block is friendly to hunters and runs an organized piece of land. If you get to him early you line up the days you wish to be on his land and it's just yours for those few days. His land borders a good chunk of the north east sand hills if you haven't seen it you wouldn't believe it. Those hills are literally crawling with elk,, it really is something to see. If I am not mistaken just about all the BIG bulls that have come out of Suffield over the last few years have come out of that corner or close to it.. He asks that you hunt on foot but if you get a kill he allows you vehicle access to get it out. He is a real gentlemen..
« Last Edit: March 10, 2014, 02:57:24 PM by walleyes »

BuckTracker

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #7 on: March 10, 2014, 05:37:22 PM »
Take 150 trust me.. The land owner that sits at the north east corner of the block is friendly to hunters and runs an organized piece of land. If you get to him early you line up the days you wish to be on his land and it's just yours for those few days. His land borders a good chunk of the north east sand hills if you haven't seen it you wouldn't believe it. Those hills are literally crawling with elk,, it really is something to see. If I am not mistaken just about all the BIG bulls that have come out of Suffield over the last few years have come out of that corner or close to it.. He asks that you hunt on foot but if you get a kill he allows you vehicle access to get it out. He is a real gentlemen..
Thanks for the heads-up Walleyes. Glad to hear that it is hunting on foot only, until something hits the dirt. Well in order to cover a lot of ground I'll bring my 50 BMG for those one mile shots..........no just kidding. I plan on using my Mark V 300 Weatherby using 180 grain NAB. I hunted in that area a few years ago for antelope and noted those sandhills, of course saw elk as well, however nothing that big. Can't wait!

SouthernGuy

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2014, 08:40:09 AM »
Sounds as though there will be way more elk seasons on and off the base, with possible general archery seasons in some zones. Our group has a bunch of priority trapped down in the WMU 300 draw which really sucks, we have been hoping the elk draw codes are all combined but it doesn't seem likely (my brother has 8 or 9 years down there). It's so nice hunting out on the prairie where landowners are a bit more hunter friendly.

BuckTracker

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2014, 12:44:49 PM »
Sounds as though there will be way more elk seasons on and off the base, with possible general archery seasons in some zones. Our group has a bunch of priority trapped down in the WMU 300 draw which really sucks, we have been hoping the elk draw codes are all combined but it doesn't seem likely (my brother has 8 or 9 years down there). It's so nice hunting out on the prairie where landowners are a bit more hunter friendly.
My son as well is trapped in the Cypress Hills Draw and wished the same as you. You hit the nail on the head about land owners, I find the prairie land owners very nice people, along with land owners in the northern reaches as well.

walleyes

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2014, 07:14:30 AM »
My experience with southern land owners has been for the most part positive but don't forget one thing boys,, most of those grass farmers down there don't own the land. Many many of them may own a quarter or two and sit on dozens of quarters of lease land and they know they can't stop you.. Just put a tire track on that haloed grass and they turn pretty fast  lol..

JIMMY 808

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #11 on: March 12, 2014, 07:27:35 AM »
Take 150 trust me.. The land owner that sits at the north east corner of the block is friendly to hunters and runs an organized piece of land. If you get to him early you line up the days you wish to be on his land and it's just yours for those few days. His land borders a good chunk of the north east sand hills if you haven't seen it you wouldn't believe it. Those hills are literally crawling with elk,, it really is something to see. If I am not mistaken just about all the BIG bulls that have come out of Suffield over the last few years have come out of that corner or close to it.. He asks that you hunt on foot but if you get a kill he allows you vehicle access to get it out. He is a real gentlemen..

Shot my first deer in 150
  I think I may have hunted the land you are talking about.

Flatlandliver

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #12 on: March 24, 2014, 08:39:38 AM »
Take 150 trust me.. The land owner that sits at the north east corner of the block is friendly to hunters and runs an organized piece of land. If you get to him early you line up the days you wish to be on his land and it's just yours for those few days. His land borders a good chunk of the north east sand hills if you haven't seen it you wouldn't believe it. Those hills are literally crawling with elk,, it really is something to see. If I am not mistaken just about all the BIG bulls that have come out of Suffield over the last few years have come out of that corner or close to it.. He asks that you hunt on foot but if you get a kill he allows you vehicle access to get it out. He is a real gentlemen..

The "Suffield" tag gets you 124, 144, 148 and 150. Very few (one) restricted access to foot when I was there. There are miles and miles of lease roads. There is very generous access in all the zones as the elk are a problem for most ranchers. There's lots of big bulls but it's a massive area and there are only a few "hot spots" where bulls are regularly killed, but it is definately not a slam dunk. You have to do your homework, get access early etc. landowners will be very helpful as well as guys who have hunted there. PM me if you pull a tag. Early and late seasons are the most popular. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on how you like to hunt. Highly recommend it if you want a shot at a nice bull.
FYI, a proposal to add a January season both inside and outside the base is being considered.
« Last Edit: March 24, 2014, 09:15:04 AM by Flatlandliver »

Flatlandliver

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Re: New seasons around Suffield?
« Reply #13 on: March 24, 2014, 09:02:37 AM »
My experience with southern land owners has been for the most part positive but don't forget one thing boys,, most of those grass farmers down there don't own the land. Many many of them may own a quarter or two and sit on dozens of quarters of lease land and they know they can't stop you.. Just put a tire track on that haloed grass and they turn pretty fast  lol..

The Cypress County landowners map is available online. Have to disagree, most are fairly big operations. Two huge leases on the north side and more large leases on the east and south sides. The reason they don't want you on the grass is the "prairie wool" there takes forever to recover. It's also why the elk get so big and why they are such a problem. The herd is well over 5000 animals now. Imagine the damage from 5 or 6 hundred elk camped out on your pasture. Add fences and bales in there as well.