It's been a busy month for Alberta hunters, big game season is now coming to a close, and Elk season is right around the corner.

Hunting seasons within the province vary dependant on species, starting as early as August 15 and running as late as February.

Dave Kay, Commercial Wildlife Specialist for the Fish and Wildlife Policy Branch, says this year the province has been bustling with hunters from Alberta and other destinations.

"We enjoy a vibrant and healthy resource throughout Alberta, it's a place that people come to for the variety of animals that can be hunted; things like big horn sheep and everything from mule deer, and antelope, there's a quite a diversity and abundance of game species, Alberta is quite popular."

As big game season finishes, and Alberta moves into Elk season Kay has some general reminders for hunters.

"You can't discharge a weapon within 200 yards of an occupied dwelling, you can't shoot big game animal while it's swimming, you have to make sure that you don't allow the flesh suitable for eating to be abandoned, and you can't have a loaded firearm in a vehicle."

Kay adds individuals should never point their gun at anything they are not wanting to harvest.

He hopes all hunters have a fruitful remainder of the season.

"I think as Albertans we can be very happy with the types of hunting opportunities available in the Province and I hope everybody has a real safe, healthy, and successful hunting season."

Antlered, and antlerless Moose, White tailed Deer, and Mule Deer can be hunted until Nov. 30.

Antlerless Elk can be hunted until Jan. 20  in most areas surrounding Okotoks.

For a full listing of hunting season dates in Alberta click here.

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