Age Requirements

Licensing & Fees

In Alberta, you must be at least 12 years old to possess a hunting licence.

To hunt with a firearm, hunters under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, a legal guardian or by a person 18 years of age or older who has the written permission of the parent or legal guardian.

12 to 13 years of age:

If you are 12 or 13 years of age, you must complete the following before obtaining any licence:

• Complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education Program successfully.
• Have the written permission of your parent or guardian.
• You may hunt game birds with any legal weapon, and are no longer restricted to hunting big game with only a bow and arrow.

14 or 15 years of age:

• You may hunt any game animal, for which you have a valid licence, with any legal weapon.
• You must have the written permission of your parent or guardian before obtaining any licence.

14 years of age or older AND a first-time hunter:

• You may hunt any game animal, for which you have a valid licence, with any legal weapon. However, you may need to pass a hunter-competency test before getting a hunting licence. A first-time hunter is a person who has not previously held a recreational hunting licence in Alberta or elsewhere.
• Non-residents and non-resident aliens are exempt from this first-time requirement if they are accompanied by a licensed guide.

Resident Youth Hunting Licences:

• Subject to the age limitations and conditions, a resident 12 to 17 years of age may purchase a Resident Youth Wildlife Certificate, including a Game Bird Licence.
• The holder of a valid Resident Youth Wildlife Certificate may also purchase a Youth White-tailed Deer Licence and a Youth Mule Deer Licence. This person may also purchase an Antlerless Mule Deer Licence available through a draw.
• Partner Licences are also available to resident youths if designated by the holder of any special licence.

Posted: April 21, 2008