Get Your Hunting License In New Brunswick

Hunting licenses in New Brunswick can be purchased online, at a Service New Brunswick centre, or at the business premises of a vendor appointed under section 84 of the Fish and Wildlife Act. Hunters can also obtain their licenses at lodges or camps.

Hunting licences can be purchased online or at a Service New Brunswick centre

Hunting licences in New Brunswick can be purchased online or at a Service New Brunswick centre.

Hunting licences are available in different classes, with each class specifying the type of animal that can be hunted. For instance, a class I licence authorises the holder to hunt antlered deer, varying hare, groundhog, coyote, crow, spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, cormorant, and migratory game birds. The fees for these licences vary for residents and non-residents and are higher for the latter.

To obtain a hunting licence, an applicant must provide proof of a firearm safety and hunter education course recognised by the Minister. Alternatively, they can provide proof of a previous hunting licence. If the applicant was born before 1 January 1981, they are exempt from this requirement.

Hunting licences can be purchased online through the Department's website or Service New Brunswick's website. They can also be obtained at a Service New Brunswick centre or the business premises of a vendor appointed under section 84 of the Fish and Wildlife Act.

It is important to note that New Brunswick hunting laws are subject to change without formal notice, so hunters should stay updated on the latest regulations.

You must be 18 to hunt bear, 16 with an adult

To hunt bear in New Brunswick, you must be 18 years old or 16 with an adult. This is also the age requirement for hunting moose, deer, and game birds. To hunt birds and small game, you must be 16 years old if you're a resident or 12 years old if you're a non-resident.

To purchase a hunting license in New Brunswick, you will need a New Brunswick Outdoors Card number. You can get your Outdoors Card number and license from authorized vendors, the Natural Resources and Energy Development site, and all Service New Brunswick centres.

If you are a non-resident, you may acquire a bear license by entering and winning the computerized random access draw or by going through a designated, licensed guide or outfitter who has received an allocation of bear licenses.

If you are a young hunter (16 or 17 years old) who wants to purchase a resident or non-resident bear license, you must show proof of a standalone Bowhunter Education course or a Firearm Safety/Hunter Education course. While hunting, you must be accompanied by an adult who holds a valid bear or deer license.

New Brunswick hunting laws are subject to change without formal notice, so be sure to check for any updates before your trip.

You need a hunter's safety course if you're a gun hunter born after 1981

If you are a gun hunter who was born after 1981, you will need to complete a hunter's safety course to obtain a hunting license in New Brunswick. This is a mandatory requirement, and proof of completion must be provided when applying for a hunting license.

The hunter's safety course is designed to educate individuals on firearm safety and responsible hunting practices. It covers a range of topics, including handling and operating firearms, ethical hunting behaviour, and outdoor survival skills. The course aims to promote safe and ethical hunting practices among individuals who plan to use firearms for hunting.

By completing the hunter's safety course, individuals can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to handle firearms responsibly and make informed decisions while hunting. The course helps hunters understand the potential risks associated with firearms and how to minimise those risks through proper handling, storage, and maintenance. Additionally, the course covers important topics such as wildlife identification, hunting regulations, and land stewardship, ensuring that hunters can make ethical choices while in the field.

It's important to note that hunting license requirements may vary depending on factors such as age, hunting method (gun hunting or bow hunting), and residency status. Therefore, it's always advisable to review the most up-to-date information provided by the relevant authorities in New Brunswick before planning your hunting trip.

You can hunt with a bow if you've completed a Bow Hunting Safety Course

To hunt with a bow in New Brunswick, you must complete a Bow Hunting Safety Course. This is a requirement for all bow hunters in the province.

The course will cover ethical responsibilities, local laws and regulations, equipment, basic survival skills, first aid, safety, and when to shoot. You will also be required to take a practical test, where you must successfully shoot three out of five arrows into a 30 cm (12-inch) circle from a distance of 13.7m to 18.3m (15 to 20 yards). The pass mark for the written test is 88%.

In New Brunswick, you can purchase your hunting license online, or at the lodge for your convenience. If you were born after 1981, you must also have a hunter's safety course to obtain a gun hunting license.

You can only transport one gun

When hunting in New Brunswick, you can only transport one gun. Here are some guidelines and regulations to keep in mind:

• It is important to note that laws and regulations regarding hunting can change without formal notice, so it is your responsibility to stay informed and up-to-date.
• When transporting a firearm, it is crucial to adhere to applicable Canadian firearm laws, particularly those established by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
• If you are a non-resident entering New Brunswick with a hunting rifle or shotgun, you must be at least 18 years old and have either a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration form or a Canadian Firearms Licence. The Non-Resident Firearms Declaration is a temporary licence valid for 60 days, while the Canadian Firearms Licence is valid for 5 years.
• For Canadian non-residents, a Possession and Acquisition Firearms Licence is necessary to legally possess and transport a non-restricted firearm within the province.
• Hunting bows and crossbows do not require a licence for possession or transportation. However, one-handed crossbows and those under 500 mm in length are prohibited in Canada.
• Handguns are not permitted for hunting and are subject to strict importation control.
• When transporting firearms, ensure they are unloaded and securely locked in a case, especially when leaving your vehicle.
• To transport a restricted or prohibited firearm within Canada, you need an Authorization to Transport (ATT) from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province.
• A varmint licence can be useful for transporting non-restricted firearms, as it serves as a transport permit for certain calibres.
• Membership in a shooting range or club can also provide a transport permit for non-restricted firearms when travelling to and from the range.
• Always check and comply with the specific regulations of the shooting range or club you plan to visit.
• Keep your firearm unloaded and locked in a case when not in use, and only transport it via direct routes.
• For bow hunting, a permit is generally not required for transportation. However, after legal hunting hours, the bow must be placed in a closed fabric or hard case, not just wrapped in a blanket or sling.
• To hunt with a bow, you must have completed a bow hunting safety course and possess the appropriate hunting licence.
• When transporting your bow to a course or practice, you may need to provide a specific destination and ensure you have the necessary hunting licence and archery membership.

Frequently asked questions