From the desk of James Dawson, Senior Correspondent
The morning frost still clung to the grass as I pulled into the packed parking lot at the WA Sutherland Conservation Education Centre this past weekend. Nearly 150 Calgarians—most of whom had never held a hunting rifle—gathered for the annual Calgary Hunting Day, eager to learn about a tradition that’s deeply woven into Alberta’s cultural fabric yet increasingly unfamiliar to urban dwellers.
“I’ve always been curious, but honestly, I wouldn’t know where to begin,” Sarah Mendoza told me as she adjusted her safety glasses before heading to the archery station. The 34-year-old software developer represented exactly the demographic this event targets—urban professionals with growing interest in reconnecting with outdoor pursuits and sustainable food sourcing.
The Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association (AHEIA) has organized this hands-on introduction to hunting for 27 years, but recent sessions have seen a notable shift in attendance. Young families, urban professionals, and newcomers to Canada now make up the bulk of participants, reflecting broader changes in who’s taking up hunting across the province.
“We’re seeing many more people from Calgary proper expressing interest in learning these skills,” explained Robert Gruszecki, president of AHEIA. “There’s growing awareness about food sustainability and ethical meat consumption that’s driving curiosity among demographics we didn’t typically see fifteen years ago.”
The day’s activities offered a comprehensive sampler of hunting essentials. Participants rotated through eight stations covering everything from wildlife identification and hunting regulations to hands-on practice with firearms under careful supervision. The archery range proved particularly popular among families, where children as young as eight nocked arrows alongside their parents.
What struck me most was the thoughtful approach to introducing potentially controversial topics. Before anyone touched equipment, instructors spent considerable time discussing ethical hunting practices and conservation principles. The connection between responsible hunting and wildlife management was emphasized repeatedly throughout the day.
Calgary Fish and Wildlife officer Carla Meyers, who volunteered at the regulations station, noted this approach is deliberate. “Many people don’t realize that hunters are often the most passionate conservationists. The fees from licenses directly fund habitat protection and wildlife management programs across Alberta.”
The numbers support her assertion. According to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, hunting and fishing licenses generate over $20 million annually for conservation initiatives throughout the province. These funds support wildlife research, habitat restoration, and educational programs like this one.
For newcomers like Mohammed Al-Habib, who moved to Calgary from Syria four years ago, the event offered more than just practical skills. “In my homeland, hunting was something many families did together. Finding this community here helps me feel connected to my new home while maintaining important traditions,” he said while carefully field dressing a demonstration model under an instructor’s guidance.
The day wasn’t without its challenges. Several participants visibly struggled with the weight of firearms or the complexity of regulations. Yet the atmosphere remained supportive, with experienced volunteers offering one-on-one guidance when needed. I overheard numerous conversations where lifelong hunters shared personal stories and practical advice with newcomers.
I’ve covered Calgary’s evolving relationship with its rural surroundings for over a decade, and events like this highlight an interesting shift in our collective relationship with outdoor traditions. As our city continues its rapid growth, many Calgarians are paradoxically seeking deeper connections to traditional skills and natural systems.
Jason Caswell, who brought his two teenage daughters to the event, summed up this sentiment while waiting for his turn at the shotgun station. “I grew up hunting with my father in the foothills, but somehow never passed it on to my kids. We’re so connected to screens and urban life now that I worry they’re missing something fundamental about understanding where food comes from and how natural systems work.”
The event concluded with a demonstration on wild game preparation and cooking, where participants sampled ethically harvested venison and discussed techniques for utilizing the entire animal—a practice that aligns with growing interest in reducing food waste.
Registration for next year’s event will open in early spring, and if recent trends continue, spots will fill quickly. AHEIA recommends interested Calgarians sign up for their newsletter for early notification when registration opens.
As our city continues expanding outward and upward, initiatives like Calgary Hunting Day provide valuable bridges between urban existence and the natural systems that sustain us. Whether participants ultimately choose to pursue hunting licenses or simply gain a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts, the knowledge shared strengthens our community’s connection to Alberta’s outdoor heritage.
The sun was setting as the last participants reluctantly packed up to leave, many exchanging contact information and making plans for future outings. In an increasingly fractured society, I couldn’t help but appreciate how something as traditional as hunting knowledge could bring together such a diverse cross-section of Calgarians in shared learning and respect for our natural surroundings.
