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Experience Horseback Hunting in the Alberta Rockies!

We feature guided horseback hunting for Mule Deer and Whitetail Deer. Our ranch is 50 miles southwest of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and our hunting territory starts in the Alberta foothills, on the edge of the ranch, and goes west and south to the Continental Divide which makes up the Alberta / British Columbia border in the Canadian Rockies.

This area roughly comprises about 1200 square miles of hunting area, all very mountainous and prime habitats for Deer, Elk, Moose and Black Bear.

Hunting season runs from mid-September until the end of November. The area we hunt is the Sheep, and Elbow River drainages and the six mountain ranges that surround them.

Class A Guide, Dewy Matthews, has been guiding in these areas for over 25 years. You will experience the Canadian Rockies as never before; horseback hunting allows you to reach amazing views. You will be based in our comfortable log home and will be hunting in the beautiful Rocky Mountains and foothills of Alberta.

Hunting in Luxury…

We offer mule deer hunting or mule deer/whitetail deer hunting combinations out of the ranch. It is an incredible horseback hunt in high country, you come back to the ranch at the end of the day for a glowing fire, hot showers and all the comforts of a log lodge.

There are a limited number of big game hunting permits so the number of non-residents who can hunt this remote area of the Canadian Rockies is very limited. The resident hunting in this high mountain area is also closely controlled. To hunt this area, a resident must first win a lottery which only allows them to hunt the area every two years if he’s exceedingly lucky

Our Hunting Trips

Mule Deer Hunting

Mule Deer hunting trips are one on one. These 5 day hunting trips are in very high, rugged terrain and our results have been excellent on big mule deer.

Mule deer hunting trips are offered from the first week of October through the end of November. If available, a black bear hunting tag or wolf hunting tag can be added to this hunting trip.

Please contact us directly for pricing. By email (anchord@anchord.com) or by phone (403-933-2867)

Mule Deer / Whitetail Deer Hunting Combinations

The mountain mule deer / whitetail deer combination hunts are one on one hunts run out of tent camps in the mountains. These 5-day hunting trips are in very high, rugged terrain and our results have been excellent on big mule deer, as this is what most hunters concentrate on first. Our whitetail are White Tail Huntinggood average deer, ranging from 120-150 B&C.

These are late season hunting trips running from the last week of October through the end of November. If available, a black bear hunting tag or wolf hunting tag can be added to this hunting trip.

With ranch accommodations and featuring a glowing fire, hot showers and all the comforts of a log lodge each night.

Please contact us directly for pricing. By email (anchord@anchord.com) or by phone (403-933-2867)

Drop Camps

We will haul your camp into the mountains, either by pack horse or by team and wagon, depending on where you are going. We supply a horse for you and your hunting partner to ride in with, and drop you and your gear off.

At a pre-arranged date and time, we will come back to pick you up with riding horses and also pack horses and haul you back out to the trailhead.

Call for pricing.

Hunting Trip Information

Booking and Cancellation

Bookings

For hunts that are booked for the calendar year you are in, we require a 50% deposit in Canadian funds to hold your spot. The balance of the hunt is due on your arrival at the Ranch for the hunt.

If you are making a booking for a hunt taking place in a future year, we require 25% down, with the other 25% of the deposit being due the first of January of the year in which the hunt takes place.

Deposits

When making your deposits and payments, we prefer personal cheques, traveller’s cheques, or money orders. We also accept Mastercard, Visa, Debit, and cash.

Indemnities

We strongly recommend that all hunters purchase travel, health and cancellation insurance directly after booking a hunt. Please note that each person will be required to sign a waiver releasing “Anchor D High Mountain Hunts Ltd.” from all risks.

Gratuities

Gratuities are customary and very much appreciated.

Cancellations

Deposits are non-refundable.

What to Bring on your Hunt

Here is a list of items you should bring on your hunt to make your hunt as comfortable and as practical as possible:

  • Binoculars
  • Rifle
  • Ammunition
  • Boots, both for hiking and around the ranch

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Allergies:

If you have an allergy or condition that may require medication, an inhaler, or an Epi-Pen please make sure to bring them along on your ride.

Dietary Restrictions:

Accustomed as we are at being at the top of the food chain, you will rarely see a meal on any of our horseback holidays that does not have some type of meat. We serve prime cuts of beef, as well as pork and chicken.  For those of you who have special dietary needs, please help us by suggesting things that you CAN eat. With enough advance notice, we will do our best to accommodate you.

We are very proficient at Gluten-Free meals so be sure to let us know if this is something you will be needing.

Please remember that once the hunt is underway, we have a set menu that cannot be changed.

Hunt Itinerary

The hunts are fully outfitted, the only thing you need is your rifle/ammo, good binoculars, and your personal effects (see Trip Packing List). We pick you up at the Calgary International Airport (preferring that you fly in one day before the hunt) and bring you out to the Ranch where you stay through the duration of your trip.

The next morning you get fitted to your horse, finish business and shoot in your rifle at our range. We then load up the horses and equipment and truck up to the trail head in the mountains and begin your hunt.

Your rifle should be adequate to handle medium to large sized game, 30.06 up to the larger magnums. You should be comfortable shooting up to 300 yards.

By law, there is no hunting in southern Alberta on Sundays, so if we have a layover day, you can explore the area and enjoy what local businesses have to offer, or just catch up on your relaxing.

We will help you get your personal effects and trophy ready for flight (or a local taxidermist) and deliver you back to the Calgary Airport.

If you are driving to the Ranch for your hunt, please see our Guest Info > Travel Transportation section for directions.

Border Crossings

Any non-Canadian who possesses a criminal record will not be allowed into Canada. A Temporary Resident Permit must be completed to prevent being detained at any port of entry. Even a DUI conviction will prevent passage into Canada.

Find out how you can obtain the proper documents to come into Canada hassle-free.

Getting your Firearm into Canada

Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Forms are available for download.

You will need RCMP 5589 / CAFC 909 Non-Resident Firearms Declaration and RCMP 5590 / CAFC 910 Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Continuation Sheet.

Please have three copies of the filled-out form and give it to the customs officer when you reach Canada. It should be signed in front of the Customs Officer.

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