FAQs for non-resident hunters

The following information provides a brief summary of major hunting regulations and
licence information for non-residents who wish to hunt in New Brunswick. It is not a legal
document. It is the responsibility of the licence holder to know the current rules and
regulations. For additional information, contact your nearest Natural Resources office or
visit our web site at www.gnb.ca/naturalresources

Where can I purchase a non-resident hunting licence?

Non-resident hunting licences can be purchased at any District Natural Resources office or
selected Service New Brunswick Centres. Exceptions include:

Non-resident moose
100 licences are issued each year to non-residents on a draw basis only. To learn more
about this draw visit the Department of Natural Resources web site. Online applications are
accepted from early January to the end of April each year.

Non-resident bear
Non-resident bear licences are available: (1) from designated outfitters and guides or
(2) through an online draw. For a listing of outfitters with a bear licence allocation contact
the Fish and Wildlife office at (506) 453 3826 or check out the outfitter descriptions
provided at the Tourism and Parks web site.

If you wish to learn more about the non-resident black bear draw visit the Department of
Natural Resources web site. Online applications are accepted from early January to the
end of February each year.

Migratory game birds

To hunt migratory game birds such as ducks, geese, and woodcock you require (1) a
provincial Non-resident Small Game (Bird) Licence or Non-resident Deer and Game Bird
Licence and (2) a federal Migratory Game Bird Permit. Small Game or Deer and Game Bird
licences are sold at DNR offices and Service New Brunswick Centres. The federal
Migratory Game Bird Permit can be purchased at any Canada Post Office.

For further information contact the nearest Natural Resources office:

Bathurst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-547-2080
Blackville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-843-2908
Boucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-735-2043
Campbellton . . . . . . . . . . . .506-789-2336
Canterbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-279-6005
Chipman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-339-7019
Coles Island . . . . . . . . . . . 506-362-2705
Dieppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-856-2344
Doaktown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-365-2001
Florenceville . . . . . . . . . . . .506-392-5105
Fredericton . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-453-2345
Hampton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-832-6055
Kedgwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-284-3413
Miramichi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-627-4050

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Nackawic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-575-6005
Petitcodiac . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-756-3152
Plaster Rock . . . . . . . . . . . .506-356-6030
Richibucto . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-523-7600
St. George . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-755-4040
Saint-Lonard . . . . . . . . . . .506-423-3010
Saint-Quentin . . . . . . . . . . .506-235-6040
Sunny Corner . . . . . . . . . . .506-836-7009
Sussex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-432-2008
Tracadie-Sheila . . . . . . . . . 506-394-3636
Welsford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-486-6000

Public Services Desk,

Fredericton . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-453-3826
Fish and Wildlife Branch,
Fredericton . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-453-3826

Non-resident hunting licences and permits may also be obtained at the following Service
New Brunswick Centres:
Bathurst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-547-2077
Campbellton . . . . . . . . . . . .506-789-2300
Caraquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-727-7013
Edmundston . . . . . . . . . . . .506-735-2085
Fredericton . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-453-2834
Grand Falls . . . . . . . . . . . ..506-473-7708
McAdam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-784-6809
Miramichi . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-627-4040
Moncton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-856-2204
Neguac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-776-3180
Perth-Andover . . . . . . . . . . 506-273-4718
Richibucto . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-523-7610
Saint John . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-658-2500
St. Stephen . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-466-7378
Sackville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-364-4076
Shippagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506-336-3017
Sussex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-432-2002
Woodstock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-325-4476

How much does a non-resident hunting licence cost? What are the season dates?
The cost of non-resident hunting licences and corresponding season dates can be found in
the Hunting Licence and Season Information section of the annual Hunt and Trap
regulation booklet.

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Is my hunting licence valid for any part of New Brunswick?
NB is divided into 27 wildlife management zones as illustrated below. The type of non-
resident hunting licence you have will determine where it is valid.

Non-resident Small Game (Bird) Licence - valid for all zones.

Non-resident Deer and Game Bird Licence - valid for all zones except for deer where the
licence is only valid in zones that are open to deer hunting. At present, Zones 3, 4, 5, and 9
are closed to deer hunting.
Non-resident bear - valid only for the specific wildlife management zone indicated on the
licence. If you are applying for a non-resident bear licence through the online draw you
must indicate during the application process which zone you wish to hunt in. If you are
obtaining your non-resident bear licence from an outfitter or guide with an allocation of bear
licences, the licence will be valid for the zone where that outfitter or guide normally
operates.
Non-resident moose - valid only for the specific wildlife management zone indicated on
the licence. Non-resident moose licences are available through an online draw and the
zone for which they are valid is chosen by the non-resident hunter when they purchase the
licence at a DNR office.

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Are there places where hunting is prohibited that I should know about?
Hunting is prohibited in the following areas:
camps
parks
historical sites
Class I Protected Natural Areas
within the boundaries of the Sentier NB Trail

In New Brunswick landowners may post their property to prohibit hunting, shooting, snaring
or trapping. Private land posted with red discs or red painted bands around trees means no
hunting, shooting, trapping, or snaring by anyone including the landowner. If yellow discs or
painted bands are used these activities are permitted but only with the permission of the
landowner. Landowners may also post their properties with signs.

Can I bring a firearm to New Brunswick from outside of the country?

Laws with respect bringing a firearm into Canada fall under federal jurisdiction. As a
general rule you can bring a hunting firearm into Canada provided you are at least 18 years
of age and (1) complete a Non-resident Firearm Declaration Form at the time of entry into
Canada or (2) apply for a 5 year firearm Possession and Acquisition Licence and register
the firearm(s) in Canada.

Certain types of firearms including handguns are classified as prohibited or restricted and
depending on the specific type may be illegal to bring into Canada.

Hunting bows and crossbows are not considered firearms under federal law and generally
do not require a permit or firearm licence to bring into Canada for hunting purposes.
Certain types of crossbows, however, such as those that can be aimed and held with one
hand are illegal in Canada. For further information on bringing firearms into Canada visit
the RCMP web site.

Can I purchase hunting ammunition in New Brunswick as a non-resident?

If you are a non-resident coming to New Brunswick from another country, a valid
Possession and Acquisition Licence, a confirmed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration or a
Temporary Borrowing Licence will allow you to buy ammunition in Canada. As well, you
may bring limited amounts of ammunition into Canada with you. This includes up to 200
rounds duty free for hunting purposes, or up to 1500 rounds duty free for use at a
recognized shooting competition.

Non-residents from other parts of Canada require a Possession and Acquisition Licence to
purchase ammunition in New Brunswick.

For further information visit the RCMP web site.

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What is the minimum age for youth to hunt in New Brunswick?
Minimum age requirements vary with the type of hunting licence being purchased. They
are:

Non-resident small game (bird) licence 14 years of age1.

Non-resident varmint licence 16 years of age.
Non-resident deer and game bird licence 16 years of age2.
Non-resident bear licence 16 years of age2.
Non-resident moose licence 18 years of age.
1
Small game hunters 14 or 15 years of age must:
(1) show proof of having successfully completed a Firearm Safety / Hunter Education
course at the time of the licence purchase, and
(2) be accompanied by an adult when hunting.
2
Big game hunters (deer and bear) who are 16 or 17 years of age must:
(1) show proof of having successfully completed a Firearm Safety / Hunter Education
course or stand-alone Bow Hunter Education course,
(2) show proof of two years hunting experience, and
(3) be accompanied by an adult holder of a Deer or Bear Licence with two years
experience hunting deer or bear.

To learn more check out the annual Hunt and Trap regulation booklet.
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Do I need the services of a guide or outfitter while hunting in New Brunswick?
All non-resident hunters must hunt with a licensed guide. Licensed guides provide
expertise, direction, local knowledge, and help ensure your safety and compliance with
hunting laws. Your options for obtaining the services of a guide are:

(1) hire a Guide I (Professional guide)

Professional guides may accompany up to 3 clients at a time but cannot hunt while guiding.
A listing of professional guides for hire is available from any local Natural Resources office.

(2) obtain the services of a Guide II (Licence to accompany)

The holder of a Guide II licence provides guide services to friends or family members and
does not charge for this service. They are limited to guiding 1 person at a time and are
permitted to hunt at the same time as the person they are guiding.

(3) arrange a hunt through an outfitter

Outfitters generally provide a complete hunting package that includes guide services,
accommodations, and meals. For a listing of NB Approved outfitters who provide rated
accommodations check out the outfitter descriptions provided at the Tourism and Parks
web site.

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Can I hunt with a bow or crossbow?
Bow hunting
Hunters may use a bow in place of a gun during all hunting seasons. Proof of bow hunter
education or having held a previous hunting licence allowing the use of a bow is required.
There are also two separate bow seasons. These are:

(1) Deer bow only season begins in early October and lasts for 3 weeks prior to the start
of the fall gun season. Hunters are permitted to use a bow only.
(2) Bear bow or crossbow season begins in mid September and lasts approximately 2
weeks. Hunters are permitted to use a bow or crossbow only.

Crossbow hunting
Crossbows are legal for all seasons and species except for migratory birds and for deer
during the bow only season. Proof of bow hunter education or having held a previous
hunting licence allowing the use of a bow or crossbow is required.

What about hunting with muzzleloaders or handguns?

Muzzleloaders
Muzzleloaders can be used during the small and big game seasons with the exception of
the fall bow only season for deer and the bow / crossbow season for bear. There is no
muzzleloader-only season.

Handguns
Hunting with a handgun is not permitted in New Brunswick.

What are the hunter education requirements to hunt in New Brunswick?

All gun hunters born on, or after, Jan.1, 981, and all first time gun hunters must complete a
Firearm Safety / Hunter Education course. Gun hunters who were born previous to January
1, 1981, and who are not first time hunters, may show a previous hunting licence as proof
of hunting experience.

Bow hunters and crossbow hunters must show proof of having completed a recognized
stand-alone Bow Hunter Education course, or a previous hunting licence allowing the use
of a bow or crossbow.

Firearm Safety / Hunter Education and Bow Hunter Education certificates from other
provinces, territories and the United States are valid in New Brunswick. Hunters must
provide proof of hunter education training or having held a previous hunting licence at the
time of their licence purchase.

Do I need to wear hunter orange while hunting in New Brunswick?

Hunter orange is required from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31 each year. During this period, hunters,
guides, and fur harvesters are required to wear a solid fluorescent hunter orange jacket or
vest and a hat of solid fluorescent hunter orange. Jackets, vests and hats must be visible
from all sides.

The hunter orange requirement does not apply to waterfowl hunters.

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Can I hunt on Sunday in New Brunswick?
Sunday hunting is prohibited except for those Sundays that occur between October 28 and
November 17 in any year.

Can I take game meat or other animal parts such as antlers or hides with me when I
return home?
A licensed non-resident hunter may export from New Brunswick any wildlife or parts of
wildlife lawfully taken by the hunter. The valid non-resident hunting licence acts as the
export permit. Registration and tagging of all harvested moose, black bears or white-tailed
deer is mandatory. Black bear trophies or black bear parts being exported from Canada
may require a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Export
Permit. Contact a Natural Resources office for more information. For information on
importing wildlife items into another country, please contact that country's federal Customs
authority.