Who counts as a resident?
- You need a resident licence if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in the NWT for 12 continuous months.
- People who are neither citizens nor permanent residents need a Non-resident Alien licence.
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
- Ask your regional Environment and Climate Change (ECC) office about hunter education requirements before you apply.
- 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
- Licences are issued in person at local and regional ECC offices. Tag fees vary by species.
Good to know in the Northwest Territories
- Barren-ground caribou hunting is heavily restricted across much of the NWT. Check current closures.
- Indigenous harvesting rights and settlement lands apply in many areas.
- 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 the Northwest Territories before I can hunt as a resident?
You need a resident licence if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in the NWT for 12 continuous months.
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.