Hunter Education Requirements for Canada / Province
While we have made every effort to provide you with the most accurate information possible, it is important that you reach out to your province to ensure that you are in compliance with the regulations. Beasafehunter cannot be held liable for any consequences that may arise from your reliance on this information. It is always recommended to check with your state before engaging in any hunting activities.
Ontario
In order to obtain a hunting license, it is mandatory for all hunters to successfully complete a hunter education course. This includes a combined Firearms Safety Course and Hunter Education Course, which is available to individuals aged 15 and above. By completing this comprehensive training, hunters will acquire the necessary certification for licensing.
Those 12 years and under who want to hunt can participate in the Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program. After completing a hunter education course, the student can hunt under the direct supervision of a mentor. Apprentices must have parental permission.
Ontario Hunter Education Program
Alberta
Completion of a hunter education course is mandatory for all individuals who are new to hunting in Alberta.
British Columbia
All hunters over 18-years old must complete the Conservation and Outdoor Education (CORE) program to qualify for a hunting license.
Hunters 10-17-years old do not have to complete the Hunter Education course. Hunters under 18-years old can hunt using a junior hunting license and must have an adult over 18-years old supervise.
Non-resident big game hunters do not have to complete the CORE course. They must hunt with a resident licensed guide.
Conservation and Outdoor Education (CORE)
Quebec
All hunters 12 years and older must pass a hunter education course before buying a hunting license.
The Quebec hunter's certificate to hunt with a firearm.
- CFSC (Canadian Firearms Safety Course)
- IHF (Initiation to Hunting with Firearms)
Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs
Manitoba
To qualify for a hunting licence in Manitoba, any person who obtained their first hunting licence after 1969 must be a graduate of the provincial Manitoba Hunter Education Course.
Saskatchewan
People born after January 1, 1971, must hold a certificate from a recognized firearm safety/hunter education course in order to apply for and hold a Saskatchewan game or fur licence.
Nova Scotia
All new firearm hunters have to pass a hunter education class before getting a hunting license.
Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course
New Brunswick
All hunters born on or after January 1, 1981 must complete a hunter education course to qualify for a hunting license.
Any person 13 years and older can take a hunter education class for certification in firearms hunting.
Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, all hunters, 14-years old and older must pass both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the Hunter Education (HE) Course to become eligible to apply for resident hunting licences and to hunt game with a firearm.
Conditions exist under the Firearms Act to allow minors less than 18 years of age to obtain a Minor’s Possession Licence. Instead of obtaining a Minor’s Possession Licence, a minor may use firearms while under the immediate and direct supervision of a fully licensed adult.
The Hunter Education Course teaches participants basic concepts of wildlife conservation and management, hunting laws, hunter ethics and responsibility, outdoor safety and survival techniques and other skills used for hunting. The duration of this course is 6.5 hours followed by a written exam.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hunter Education Course
Prince Edward Island
Those wanting to hunt and were born on or before September 1, 1968 must pass a hunter education course before buying a hunting license.
Yukon
Yukon Residents born on or after April 1, 1987 must successfully complete a hunter education course before buying a hunting license. Non-Residents that wish to hunt big game must have the supervision of a registered Yukon Outfitter or a Yukon Resident holding a Special Guide License.
Northwest Territory
Hunters can voluntarily take a Hunter education certification class.
