Licences & Fees
Hunting
All recreational hunting licences in Alberta are sold through private licence issuers (e.g, sporting goods stores, convenience stores and gas stations) in communities throughout the province. Licence issuers confirm licence eligibility online and print all licences and tags at the point of sale.
This automated system integrates all recreational licensing services, providing improved service to anglers, hunters and licence vendors, while also providing the Fish and Wildlife division with important, up-to-date information about the anglers and hunters in the province.
- All hunters need a valid Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) card before they can buy any hunting or fishing licence or apply for a draw.
- All hunters must have a valid Wildlife Certificate plus the applicable licences for the species and seasons hunted.
- Bow hunters have a Bowhunting Permit in addition to these.
To buy a WIN card, wildlife certificate or licence, visit a private licence issuer across the province.
Beginning in June, hunters can buy all draw applications online, and then check their results online in August. Applications for new Wildlife Identification Numbers (WIN) and renewals of WIN cards can also be made online:
Hunting Licences
Licence fees are based on where a hunter lives. In Alberta, hunters are classified in three ways:
| Non-resident Aliens (non-Canadians): |
Hunters who do not live in Canada. |
| Non-residents (Canadians): |
Hunters who do not have their main residence in Alberta, but do live in Canada. |
| Residents: |
Hunters who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants who live in Alberta. |
Fees
| Permits and Licences |
Resident Fee |
Non-Resident Canadian |
Non-Residnet Alien |
| Wildlife Certificate |
$28.22
|
$28.22
|
$28.22
|
| Bowhunting Permit |
$9.20
|
$23.20
|
$23.20
|
| Game Bird Licence |
$10.80
|
$31.96
|
Not Applicable
|
| Upland Game Bird Licence |
Not Applicable
|
Not Applicable
|
$78.50
|
| 6-day Waterfowl Licence |
Not Applicable
|
Not Applicable
|
$78.50
|
| 3-day Game Bird Licence |
Not Applicable
|
$22.45
|
Not Applicable
|
| White-tailed Deer Licence |
$36.95
|
$122.33
|
$188.57
|
| Mule Deer Licence |
$36.95
|
$122.33
|
$188.57
|
| Elk Licence |
$34.95
|
$135.31
|
$254.97
|
| Moose Licence |
$36.95
|
$135.31
|
$254.97
|
| Trophy Bighorn Sheep Licence |
$51.31
|
$317.82
|
$317.82
|
| Goat Licence |
$51.11
|
Not Applicable
|
Not Applicable
|
| Trophy Antelope Licence |
$51.31
|
$182.45
|
$229.47
|
| Black Bear Licence |
$15.65
|
$63.61
|
$79.62
|
| Cougar Licence |
$51.31
|
$135.31
|
$254.97
|
| Pheasant Licence |
$15.38
|
$22.62
|
$22.62
|
| Merriam's Turkey Licence |
$25.81
|
Not Applicable
|
Not Applicable
|
| Migratory Game Bird Permit |
$17.00
|
$17.00
|
$17.00
|
| Wolf/Coyote Licence |
Not Applicable
|
$12.40
|
$12.40
|
|
Fees are in Canadian dollars and do not include the 5 percent federal Goods and Services Tax (GST).
For a complete list of all licences and fees:
|
Licensing Requirements for First-time Hunters
A first-time hunter is a hunter who:
- Has not held a hunting licence in Alberta or elsewhere, or
- Has not passed a hunter competency test in Alberta or elsewhere, or
- Has not successfully completed a hunter education course in Alberta or elsewhere
|
Adult first-time hunters:
|
Adult first-time hunters who have not previously held a hunting licence in Alberta or elsewhere have two options:
- Complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education Course, or
- Pass the Alberta Hunter Competency Exam
|
|
Youth first-time hunters:
|
Youth first-time hunters (12 to 17 years of age) have two options depending on age:
- Under 14 years old:
First-time hunters under 14 years of age must complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education Course.
- 14 to 17 years old:
First-time hunters 14 to 17 years old have two options:
- Complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education Course, or
- Pass the Alberta Hunter Competency Exam
A youth must be at least 12 years old to hunt under the authority of any hunting licence in Alberta.
For additional information on licensing requirements for youth, see:
|
|
Questions?
|
You can find more information about the requirements for adult first-time hunters and youth first-time hunters on the website of the Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation:
|
Draws for Special Licences
Some special licences are available only to Resident and Non-resident (Canadian) hunters during draws held in June (and the following January) of each year. Non-resident aliens are not eligible for these draws.
Learn more about special licences and draws:
Learn more about hunting in Alberta:
Read our frequently asked questions:
If you have more questions about purchasing hunting licences in Alberta, contact the IBM WINRELM Help Desk:
- Toll-free in North America: 1-888-944-5494
Posted: April 21, 2008
Updated: October 21, 2008