FEBRUARY 21-23, 2025

Written by: Brody Teale, Non-Typical Nation

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Sometimes, success in hunting comes when you least expect it. Alberta’s rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unmatched hunting opportunities make it a dream destination—not just for residents, but for hunters from all over. This past fall, I embarked on an unforgettable journey that brought me face-to-face with some of Alberta's most elusive animals. Little did I know, my season would take two unexpected and thrilling twists, making it one for the books.

A Season Full of Promise

Heading into the season, I had a pocket full of tags: over-the-counter general tags for elk, whitetail deer, archery moose, and black bear. To make things even more exciting, my wife Amy and I had both drawn our long-awaited mule deer buck tags—a six-year wait finally rewarded. We were eager to fill those tags, but we weren’t just looking to fill the freezer. Our goal was to find mature, trophy-class animals that would make the wait worthwhile.

An Arctic Adventure: Muskox and Monsters

Before diving into Alberta’s hunting season, I kicked things off in the Northwest Territories with Canadian Wildlife Adventures. Originally, the plan was a fishing trip, but it quickly turned into something far greater.

In the span of a week, I filmed two incredible muskox hunts, getting up close to over 100 muskox. Their sheer size and resilience were awe-inspiring. Between hunts, I witnessed hundreds of caribou moving across the tundra like shadows in the distance and even joined in on a wolf hunt.

But the fishing was the highlight of this adventure—I landed a 50-pound lake trout, a true monster of the deep, and several trophy-class Arctic grayling. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’d recommend to anyone. Whether you’re looking to hunt, fish, or just explore the untouched wilderness of the North, the Northwest Territories is a place of pure magic.

 

Elk Dreams in Alberta’s Valleys 

Returning to Alberta, I was fired up and ready to hunt elk. With my bow in hand, I set out to fill my bull elk tag, brimming with optimism. Elk hunting is a physical and mental challenge, but it’s also one of the most rewarding hunts you can experience.

Day 1 started in the steep, dense river valleys where elk sign was abundant. As the sun rose, we sent out a bugle and got an immediate response—a bull was nearby! We followed his bugle deeper into the valley, each call echoing louder than the last. But just as quickly as he started, he went silent.

After an hour of waiting and listening, we decided to move closer to a wallow, a muddy area where elk often bathe and mark their territory. The terrain was brutal—thick underbrush, steep inclines, and hidden obstacles at every turn. As we approached, I accidentally made some noise while shedding a layer of clothing. My guide let out a cow chirp to mask the sound, and almost instantly, a screaming bugle erupted just ahead.

The bull sounded so close that the hairs on my neck stood up. I knocked an arrow as we crept forward. Suddenly, there he was—37 yards away, staring right at us through a small opening in the brush. My guide whispered the range, but the angle wasn’t right. I held my draw, hoping for a broadside shot, but the bull spun around and disappeared into the trees.

It was exhilarating and heartbreaking all at once. I couldn’t help but wonder if that was my only chance, but we pressed on, chasing bugles and cow chirps through the valleys. That evening, the bulls stayed elusive, but the hunt had just begun.

Elk Frustrations and Mule Deer Surprises 

Over the next few days, we played a relentless game of cat and mouse with the elk. They outmaneuvered us at every turn, disappearing into the thick forest like ghosts. The physical toll was immense—15 to 20km a day of hiking through dense woods, up and down steep riverbanks. By the end of each day, we were physically and mentally drained.

By the time my hunt with this outfitter ended, I was eager for a new plan. Amy and I decided to head to a different area for a four-day hunt, this time with rifles. With extended range, we hoped to increase our chances.

The first morning, we found fresh elk sign and heard bugles almost immediately. We spent 45 minutes calling back and forth, but the bull stayed just out of sight. Frustrated, we began the uphill trek back to the truck for lunch.

As we neared the truck, we spotted movement in the tall grass. Antlers! A mule deer buck was bedded just 150 yards away, perfectly hidden in the grass. Quickly, Amy got into position while I hit record on the camera. She fired a clean shot, and the buck dropped.

Then, chaos erupted—five more bucks bolted from the tall grass. Amy’s buck was the biggest, and just like that, our morning turned from frustration to celebration. Sometimes, success comes when you least expect it.

 

My Own Mule Deer Success

Exactly one week later, I found myself deep in another drainage, chasing elk but carrying my mule deer tag just in case. As I moved through the forest, I spotted antlers weaving through the brush—a big mule deer buck!

He had tall back forks, solid fronts, and a wide spread. This was the buck I’d been waiting for, and I wasn’t about to let him slip away. I quickly got my camera set up and took my shot. The first bullet hit a stick, but the second found its mark, and the buck went down.

We hauled him out of the drainage using a portable winch, marveling at his size and beauty. In the span of a week, Amy and I had both taken incredible mule deer bucks—an unforgettable moment for us as a hunting couple.

Lessons From the Field

While I didn’t fill my elk tag this season, the experiences and memories made it all worthwhile. Alberta’s wild places have a way of humbling you, challenging you, and rewarding you in unexpected ways.

From the tundra of the Northwest Territories to the steep river valleys of Alberta, this past September was a reminder of why we hunt—not just for the harvest, but for the adventure, the challenges, and the stories we create along the way.