Who counts as a resident?
- You have lived in New Brunswick for the 6 months before applying, or your principal home is in NB and you hold a valid NB driver's licence or NB photo ID.
- Shortcuts: 2 weeks if your employer transferred you to NB, or 2 weeks if you're enrolled in a program of 3+ 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
- Complete Firearm Safety / Hunter Education through the province's Hunter Education program. Bow hunters take bowhunter education.
- 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
- Register for a free Outdoors Card, then buy licences online at gnb.ca or from a vendor. Bring two proof-of-address documents.
- Moose tags are allocated through a resident draw.
Good to know in New Brunswick
- Getting a New Brunswick driver's licence early can make you a resident sooner. Confirm with Fish and Wildlife.
- Seasons and bag limits by zone: New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick before I can hunt as a resident?
You have lived in New Brunswick for the 6 months before applying, or your principal home is in NB and you hold a valid NB driver's licence or NB photo ID.
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.