Hunting big whitetails in the rut is something we live for each season. That’s what got us started in the outfitting business more than 30 years ago. After enjoying the big country of northern British Columbia each season, there’s something special about coming home and hunting Alberta in November for rutting whitetail bucks!

Here at North River Outfitting, we have a number of unique advantages already in our favor when it comes to putting trophy whitetails on the ground. Our area is home to some of the biggest whitetails on the planet. Our hunters benefit from good genetics, management and excellent age structures.

But even though the big bucks are here, killing them still takes a lot of hard work, experience and know-how. After successfully guiding trophy whitetail hunters for more than 30 years, here are a few tips on hunting these Alberta whitetails in the rut:

1. Focus on Scouting

Even if you’ve been hunting the same area for years, your scouting should never get lazy. That’s one of our keys to success here. Our guides are constantly scouting and monitoring the areas we hunt. Even stand locations that have produced deer for years are continually evaluated.

2. Find Cover Between Doe Areas

Knowing where the does are during the rut is only half the battle. In addition to finding does, it’s important to know the areas of heavy cover that bucks will use to travel between doe areas during the rut. While younger bucks might use common game trails to seek out does, mature bucks will stick to travel routes that are more protected. Find these, and you’ll find the big deer.

3. Hunt All Day

There might be a time and place when coming back to camp for lunch makes sense. But that’s not during a rut hunt. During the rut, be prepared to hunt all day. All day sits can be tough, especially in cold weather. But you must do what it takes for that trophy whitetail buck. Our hunters are provided a lunch and snacks for the day. Our elevated blinds are equipped with propane space heaters, allowing hunters to wait comfortably for that opportunity at a big, Alberta deer.

For information on our deer hunts, please check out our Alberta Whitetail Hunts Page. You’ll find dates, prices and more about our area. If you’d like availability or other specifics, give us a call at 780-675-1942 or send us a message.