Get A Hunting License: New Brunswick

To get a hunting license in New Brunswick, you must first register within the e-Licensing system. This is a one-time process where you will need to provide basic information such as your residency, address, date of birth, and training qualifications. Once you have registered, you will need to apply for a NB Outdoors Card. This card is required to make any hunting or angling license purchases and can be used before it is mailed to you.

To obtain a hunting license, you will need to provide proof of a hunter/bow hunter education training/course. Hunters born on or after January 1, 1981, will need to indicate their course reference number, location, name, and type. Hunters born before January 1, 1981, will need to certify that they have held a previous applicable hunting license.

Additionally, all gun hunters born after 1981 must have a hunter's safety course, and it is recommended that you also take the Canadian Firearms Safety course, which will allow you to purchase and possess firearms and ammunition. Bow hunters must show proof of having taken a Bow Hunting Safety Course.

When hunting, hunters must wear hunter's orange, and guns and bows must be cased before and after legal hunting hours.

Register within the e-Licensing system and apply for an NB Outdoors Card

Registering within the e-Licensing system is a one-time process. You can register online at the Fish and Wildlife Licensing System site, in person at an authorized vendor, or at any Service New Brunswick location. You will need to provide basic information such as your residency, address, date of birth, and training qualifications.

Once you have registered to use the e-Licensing system, you will need to apply for an NB Outdoors Card. This card is required to make any hunting or angling license purchases. There are no costs or fees to register or to be issued a card, and it only needs to be done once. The card will have your name and a unique ID number on it. This unique ID number is created as soon as registration is completed and can be used before your physical card is mailed to you.

To register for the card, you will need to provide proof of training or previous possession of a hunting license. If you are a hunter born on or after January 1, 1981, you will need to indicate your course reference number, its location, name, and type. If you are a hunter born before January 1, 1981, you will need to certify in the e-Licensing system that you have held a previous applicable hunting license. The Department of Energy and Resources may check your training qualifications for validity.

Take the Hunter's Safety Course and the Canadian Firearms Safety course

To obtain a hunting license in New Brunswick, you must take the Hunter Safety Course and the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. These courses will teach you about firearm safety and hunting regulations, ensuring that you can handle and use your firearm responsibly and in accordance with the law. Here is a detailed guide on what to expect and how to prepare for these courses:

Hunter Safety Course:

The Hunter Safety Course is designed to educate individuals on safe and ethical hunting practices. It covers a range of topics, including firearm handling, hunting laws and regulations, wildlife conservation, and outdoor survival skills. This course is a crucial step in obtaining your hunting license and ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you while hunting.

To prepare for the Hunter Safety Course:

• Familiarize yourself with basic firearm safety principles, such as treating every firearm as if it were loaded and always pointing the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Review hunting regulations and laws specific to New Brunswick. This includes understanding the hunting seasons for different game species, bag limits, and any restricted areas.
• Study wildlife conservation practices and the importance of sustainable hunting.
• Brush up on your outdoor survival skills, including navigation, first aid, and basic wilderness survival techniques.

Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC):

The Canadian Firearms Safety Course is a comprehensive program that teaches individuals about firearm safety, storage, handling, and the legal responsibilities of firearm ownership. This course is a prerequisite for obtaining a firearm acquisition license and is essential for hunters who plan to use firearms for hunting.

To prepare for the CFSC:

• Study the different types of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Understand their basic mechanics, operation, and safety features.
• Learn about ammunition and its components, such as cartridges, bullets, and primers.
• Familiarize yourself with safe firearm storage practices, including the use of gun safes and trigger locks.
• Review the laws and regulations surrounding firearm ownership, transportation, and use in Canada.

Remember, both the Hunter Safety Course and the Canadian Firearms Safety Course are designed to promote safe and responsible hunting practices. By taking these courses, you will not only meet the requirements for obtaining your hunting license in New Brunswick but also develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent and ethical hunter.

Wear the required amount of hunter's orange

To obtain a hunting license in New Brunswick, you must first register within the e-Licensing system. This is a one-time process where you will need to provide basic information such as your residency, address, date of birth, and training qualifications. After registering, you will need to apply for a NB Outdoors Card. This card is required to make any hunting/angling license purchases and has your name and a unique ID number on it. This unique ID number is created as soon as registration is completed and can be used before your physical card is mailed to you.

When applying for your Outdoors Card, you will need to provide proof of a hunter/bow hunter education training/course. Hunters born on or after January 1, 1981, will need to indicate their course reference number, its location, name, and type. Hunters born before January 1, 1981, will need to certify in the e-Licensing system that they have held a previous applicable hunting license.

In addition to the NB Outdoors Card, you will also need to obtain a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp on the permit. These two documents are issued by the federal government and are valid in all provinces and territories.

Finally, it is important to note that there are specific requirements for the amount of hunter's orange that must be worn while hunting in New Brunswick. The exact amount and specifications can be found in the Hunter Orange Regulation, NB Reg 81-58. This regulation outlines the minimum amount of hunter's orange that must be worn during specific hunting seasons, typically from September 1st to December 31st. This is a crucial safety measure to ensure that hunters are visible to other hunters in the area.

By following these steps and meeting the necessary requirements, you will be able to obtain a hunting license in New Brunswick.

Declare your weapons at Canadian Customs

If you are entering Canada with a weapon, you must declare it at the border. This is a serious legal requirement, and failure to do so can result in criminal charges, fines, and seizure of your weapons.

What to do before you arrive at the border

If you are a US citizen, you must fill out a Non-Resident Weapon Declaration form before your trip. This form must accompany you, unsigned, and you will sign it in front of a Canadian Customs officer at the border.

What to do at the border

When you arrive at the border, you must declare your firearm to a border services officer. You will need to provide all the required documents and answer any questions truthfully. The officer will review your paperwork and may verify that the weapon you have with you matches the one described in the documents.

Valid reasons for importing a firearm

Canada has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bringing a gun into the country, and you must have a valid reason for doing so. Self-defence is not considered a valid reason. Acceptable reasons include:

• Hunting during hunting season
• In-transit movement, i.e. moving directly from point A to point B through Canada
• Protection against wildlife in remote areas

Rules for importing firearms

There are different rules depending on whether you are a visitor or a Canadian resident, and on the type of firearm you are importing. Here are some key rules to be aware of:

• Anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age.
• Persons under 18 years of age cannot import firearms.
• To import firearms, you must have a valid purpose.
• Non-restricted firearms can be imported by visitors who hold a valid Canadian firearms licence, or by completing Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration and paying a CAN$25.00 fee.
• Visitors who do not hold a valid Canadian firearms licence or registration certificate for their restricted firearm must complete Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration.
• To import restricted firearms, you also need an Authorization to Transport (ATT). You can obtain this by calling the Canadian Firearms Program and applying to the Chief Firearms Officer of the province you will be visiting.
• Visitors to Canada cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices, or prohibited weapons.
• Antique firearms are not considered firearms for licensing and registration purposes, so you shouldn't need any paperwork. However, you should still declare them at the border crossing.
• There are three primary weapons categories: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. The rules that apply to each category are different, so make sure you are aware of the category your weapon falls into.
• If you are importing ammunition, it is considered an explosive under Canadian rules and must meet certain requirements.
• When transporting your firearm, make sure it is unloaded and stored securely.

Purchase a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit

To purchase a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit in New Brunswick, you must first ensure you meet the requirements to obtain a hunting licence. These requirements include providing proof of residency, address, date of birth, and training qualifications.

If you are a minor (under 16 years of age), you must be accompanied by an adult who holds a valid hunting licence when hunting migratory game birds.

Hunters who are minors (under 18 years old) can opt to hunt with a Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit, which is free of charge and can only be obtained through the online purchasing system. This permit allows young hunters to practice their skills under the supervision of an adult mentor during the full open season and the special conservation season.

Once you have ensured that you meet the necessary requirements, you can purchase your Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit online by visiting the dedicated webpage. This permit, along with a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, is required to hunt migratory game birds in Canada and is valid in all provinces and territories.

Please note that you must have all the required permits and licences with you while hunting. Additionally, make sure to review the hunting regulations specific to New Brunswick before you begin hunting.

Frequently asked questions