Taber, Alberta’s biggest hunting celebration returns October 17-24, 2026, with eight days of pheasant hunts, beginner training, and food-focused community events. Organizers with the Alberta Conservation Association say more than 5,100 male pheasants will be released across 40 pre-selected hunting sites around the Municipal District of Taber.
The festival has welcomed over 10,000 participants since it started in 2011 and draws close to 1,000 hunters to southern Alberta every year. This year’s event also includes a Novice Shoot on October 17-18 for first-time hunters, using a first-come, first-served registration system.
Food events are a major part of the week. A free Town of Taber lunch and the Game to Gourmet culinary tasting both happen October 19. The Hound and Harvest Social follows on October 20, a whisky and pheasant tasting on October 21, and a celebration banquet and fundraiser wraps up on October 22.
The festival brings a significant economic boost to Taber. Direct spending during the event week has been estimated between $300,000 and $400,000, while Mayor Andrew Prokop has put the annual community benefit at around $3 million.
The ring-necked pheasant was first introduced to Alberta near Strathmore in 1908 and has thrived in the region thanks to abundant habitat, mild winters, and active release programs. The festival’s mix of hunting, conservation, and food events has earned recognition, including the 2015 Travel Alberta ALTO Award for Outstanding Sustainable Tourism.
