For anyone with a passion for waterfowl hunting, there’s no destination quite like Alberta, Canada. And thanks to the North American Outdoorsman – Alberta Waterfowl Hunt Sweepstakes, we got the incredible chance to live that dream. From stunning landscapes to the camaraderie shared in the blind, the hunt with X-Field Outfitters was nothing short of unforgettable. Here’s a firsthand look at what made this experience one for the books.
North American Outdoorsman Alberta Waterfowl Hunt sweepstakes winners were Ron Hutton and Larry Wessels from northern California. They are both very experienced waterfowlers, regularly venturing north to Oregon to intercept ducks and geese on the western USA flyways. They entered the sweepstakes at the North American Outdoorsman website. Like many who enter sweepstakes, they never expected to win. When the call was made in late May, they thought someone was trying to spoof them, but the win was sincere! And by late September, they were on their way to Calgary, Canada, for this bucket list hunt to hunt with the experts from X-Field Outfitters.
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First Morning: Alberta’s Wild Beauty Unleashed
Early mornings in Alberta feel like pure magic. As we arrived at our first hunting spot, mist rose from the water, there was a coolness in the fields, and the distant honks of geese signaled a promising start. Guided by X-Field Outfitters’ co-owner Adrian Hill, we set up our blinds with the meticulousness only a seasoned guide could ensure. He knew exactly where the birds would fly, where to set the decoys to direct the birds over our location, and how to make each setup count.
Soon, the sun crept over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the fields. Then, we heard it—the unmistakable sound of wings cutting through the morning air. There was no better feeling than being in that blind, completely immersed in the experience, with the anticipation building for that first flight to pass.
Alberta: A Waterfowler’s Paradise
Alberta lived up to its reputation as a waterfowl hunter’s paradise. Ducks and geese filled the skies, drawn to the lush wetlands and wide open grain fields. From pintails to mallards and massive Canada geese and Specklebellies, the diversity and sheer number of birds were astonishing. This wasn’t just any hunt; it was a front-row seat to one of the best waterfowl spectacles in North America.
Every day, we learned more about the rhythms of Alberta’s landscape. With the guidance of X-Field Outfitters, we adapted our tactics for each location, adjusting blind locations, camouflage, and calls based on the conditions. Hill’s expertise made all the difference, ensuring that each hunt offered something new and exciting. His scouts spent the days while we were hunting to locate more birds and set up the next day’s hunt. This kept us constantly into more and new birds as they made their way down the Alberta flyway.
X-Field Outfitters: The Perfect Guides for the Perfect Hunt
Hunting with X-Field Outfitters meant we were in the hands of true professionals with decades of experience both in guiding and hunting, as well as local knowledge of the Alberta landscape that the birds would be traversing. The guides were as dedicated as they come, with a keen eye for detail and a deep respect for Alberta’s wild spaces. They went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, from quality gear to expert tips on waterfowl behavior, great accommodations and food, and advice on approaching every hunt.
Their love for the land was contagious. We weren’t just guests; they welcomed us into their world, sharing stories of past hunts, insights about Alberta’s ecosystems, and tips that only a local would know. They have access to over 6 million acres of premier property with sloughs, ponds, lakes, and fertile grain fields that are prime habitats for the migrating flocks. Their clear love of the land and of the sport made every moment richer and added a deeper appreciation for what Alberta has to offer. During slower times, Hill’s stories entertained us with exploits of past hunts and interesting anecdotes about the Alberta hunting scene.
Preparing for The Hunts
Our guides picked us up at the airport in Calgary. During the trip to the hotel, we discussed the details of the upcoming 2 ½ days of hunting. 5 total hunts were set up (morning and afternoon) over the next few days. A quick stop was made for some incidentals and some adult beverages for celebrations, and we were on our way to the hotel for a full dinner. We were up and out to our first hunt very early the next morning.
Arriving well before dawn, we worked on setting both Canada and Speckle bellied geese and duck decoys under the watchful eyes of Guide Adrian Hill, and created a perfect funnel for birds to be directed over our ALPS A-Frame ALPHA Waterfowl Blind. As the sun reached higher in the sky by mid-morning, we had near our limit of 30 birds on the ground. A perfect first morning and a warm-up for things to come.
Successive hunts found us in A-frame blinds near ponds and sloughs or layout blinds in fields between roosting and feeding areas. True to their claims, when we were in the layout blinds, we were warm and comfortable as we waited for the birds to approach. X-Field Outfitters chose ALPS OutdoorZ Legend Layout blinds, which proved to be incredibly comfortable and very easy to set up and brush into the surrounding landscape.
X-Field Outfitters provides top-notch shotguns and ammunition as part of their hunt packages. This makes it very easy to fly, with no worries about lost luggage and no having to pay to check a shotgun into your travel luggage. I had the opportunity to hunt with a Franchi Affinity 3, and our other hunters used Weatherby Element shotguns. Both models were outstanding, comfortable, and accurate. We comfortably shot many boxes of 3-inch shotshells and never had a misfire or jam in any of the guns.
Final Approach Full-body duck and goose decoys rounded out the top-of-the-line equipment we hunted with. These decoys are super-realistic in design and pose and allowed Adrian to direct us in setting up a realistic-looking spread to fool even the crafty Speckle Bellies we were after.
Memories Beyond the Hunt
There is something special about hunters sharing time together in camp, reminiscing about the days’ hunt, telling a few tall tales, and otherwise sharing experiences about their hunting experiences. Over dinner, the teasing about missed shots and blown opportunities flowed profusely. We all learned that there is a lot of air around incoming birds, and we did our share of filling up that big air with plenty of missed shots. Thankfully, as the hunts went on, Adrian schooled each of us, and we performed better at passing birds. Home-cooked meals were served family-style, and the excellent food was plentiful! We all looked forward to the evening meal together as our time to chat, plan tomorrow’s activities, and savor the memories of the day’s hunt.
One of the special things associated with a waterfowl hunt is watching a great dog work the fields and ponds, retrieving downed birds. Adrain’s dog Piglet, a female chocolate lab, was a special athlete. Her enthusiastic demeanor only made our hunt more special. She waited in her layout blind, whining with excitement until she was given the command to fetch, which she did with gusto! She even spotted a wounded goose that flew over a half mile before landing and took off like a shot to retrieve it. About 10 minutes later, she came bounding over the hill with the wounded goose in her mouth.
The hunt with X-Field Outfitters was more than just a waterfowl adventure—it was an immersion into the heart of Alberta’s breathtaking wilderness, a celebration of camaraderie, and a testament to expert guidance. Adrian Hill and his team left no detail unattended, combining their deep knowledge of the Alberta flyway with unparalleled professionalism and a genuine passion for the hunt. From the first light over misty fields to the crack of the final shot, every moment was a reminder of why Alberta is a dream destination for waterfowl enthusiasts. The shared laughter in the blinds, the warm meals around the table, and the thrill of working alongside a skilled retriever like Piglet made this an experience we will never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or chasing your first bucket-list trip, X-Field Outfitters and Alberta’s stunning landscape promise memories that will last a lifetime.
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