Novice Shoot Information

Welcome to the 2019 Taber Pheasant Festival Novice Shoot!

This event will help you learn the ins and outs of pheasant hunting in a safe and engaging environment. Here are some details.
Before You Come to Taber
Please check your records for your registered day.
Please only attend your registered day : 
Saturday, October 19
or
Sunday, October 20

For assistance, please contact Tara Holmwood at 780-410-1999 ext. 1982 or  [email protected]

Don’t forget to register for all your licences.  Participants MUST have a valid upland game bird licence as well as a pheasant hunting licence.
Things to Bring
  • All appropriate licences
  • Participants MUST have a valid upland game bird licence as well as a pheasant hunting licence.
  • Warm clothes (layers, gloves, toque, etc.), blankets (the morning tends to be cold and windy)
  • Lawn chair (as seating is limited)
  • Filled water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Cooler with ice
  • Zip lock bags (large)
  • Rubber/nitrile gloves
  • Cutting knife
  • Camera
  • Coffee mug
  • Water for dog
Things that are Supplied
  • Shotguns and ammunition
  • If you have a gun that you would like to use, you are welcome to bring it along. If you choose to bring your own gun, it must be safety checked by an AHEIA member at your vehicle before bringing it out to the site, and the AHEIA member will transport the gun to the range.
  • Please leave all ammunition in your vehicle. When in doubt, please ask one of the volunteers/ACA staff members. 
  • Coffee and hot chocolate (available at registration)
  • Lunch (supplied courtesy of Taber IGA)
  • For serious allergies, please bring your own bagged lunch. 
On-site Registration
  • On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Fincastle Reservoir Conservation Site (located ~10 minutes from Taber). Please do not arrive before 8:45 a.m. as we may still be setting up for the event. 
  • Directions from Taber: Take Highway 3 east for ~10 km. Turn north (left) at Range Road 15-3 (Lamb Weston Road) and travel ~500 m. The access road and large sign at the site is on the west (left) side of the road. See map above. 
  • Upon arrival, you will be directed to where you can park and the registration area.
  • You will be asked to sign a liability and photo release waiver. Please inform staff if you would not like your photograph taken or used.
  • You will receive your $20 deposit back.
  • Complimentary coffee/hot chocolate and a snack will be available. 
What to Expect at the Novice Shoot
  • The event will run from ~9:30 a.m. to ~3 p.m. at the Fincastle Reservoir Conservation Site.
  • Once everyone has registered, AHEIA instructors will begin the day with a safety talk, demonstration, and shotgun shooting training on clay targets.
  • Once participants are comfortable with using the gun and can hit targets, they will be teamed with a mentor who will accompany them on a controlled pheasant hunt.
  • All participants will get an opportunity to shoot at a pheasant.
  • While we strive to ensure everyone takes home at least one bird, there are no guarantees.
  • If you are fortunate enough to harvest a bird, mentors will provide instruction on how to appropriately clean the bird for transport (bring nitrile gloves and a cutting knife). Please bring large zip lock plastic bags and a small cooler to transport your bird(s).
  • Spectators may observe from a distance, but they will not be allowed to walk with the participants and mentors during the hunt.
  • For safety, we will have designated dogs that will help retrieve birds. You may bring your dog, but it must remain on a leash, off the shooting area, and under control at all times. Please don’t forget to bring water for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do hunting regulations apply?
  • Yes! As this event is during regular pheasant hunting season, all normal hunting regulations will apply, including a two-bird limit and requirement of all applicable licences. Visit http://www.albertaregulations.ca for more information. 
  • Where does the Novice Shoot take place?
  • All Novice Shoot hunts will occur at the Fincastle Reservoir Conservation Site.
  • What else is going on at the Taber Pheasant Festival?
  • Besides the regular hunt (October 21 to 26), there are lots of events and prize draws going on during the festival. Tickets will be available at the Novice Shoot registration, the Taber Festival Office (4720-50 Street), and online. If you are interested in participating in other fun Taber Pheasant Festival events, click here for more information. 
  • Who do I contact for questions?
  • If you cannot make the event or if you have any questions,
please call 1-877-969-9091.
 
See you at the Novice Shoot!