Who counts as a resident?
- Your primary home has been in Alberta for at least the 6 months right before you apply (rule added in 2025).
- And you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or you have lived in Canada for the last 12 months.
Residency rules change and have exceptions (military, RCMP, students, diplomats). Confirm with the provincial or territorial licensing office before buying a resident licence. Applying for one you aren't entitled to is an offence.
Courses you need
- The Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education course is delivered through AHEIA (classroom or online).
- Gun hunters also need a PAL: pass the federal Canadian Firearms Safety Course, then apply to the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program. Processing takes weeks. Bow hunters don't need one.
Buying your licence
- Get a WiN card (Wildlife Identification Number), then buy your Wildlife Certificate and species licences at AlbertaRELM (albertarelm.com).
- Draws for elk, moose, antlerless deer and more run in June, with results in mid-July.
Good to know in Alberta
- Sunday big-game hunting is banned in the prairie units (WMUs 102–160).
- Alberta's hunting zones are called WMUs. See our Alberta WMU map guide.
- Seasons and bag limits by zone: Alberta hunting regulations.
- The full step-by-step path: Hunting in Canada: a newcomer's guide.
How TrueNorthHunter helps
- Your zone, by GPS: see which hunting zone you're in, even offline.
- Seasons and rules for that zone, taken from the official regulations.
- Public land layers such as Crown land, parks and closures, plus community sightings and daily hunting forecasts.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to live in Alberta before I can hunt as a resident?
Your primary home has been in Alberta for at least the 6 months right before you apply (rule added in 2025).
Can I hunt before I qualify as a resident?
Often, yes, on a non-resident licence. It costs more and may be limited to small game or require a licensed guide. Check the province or territory's non-resident rules.