Who counts as a resident?
- You have lived permanently or ordinarily in Nova Scotia for the 2 months before applying. That's the shortest wait in Canada.
- Citizenship isn't part of the test.
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
- First-time hunters need the Firearm Safety / Hunter Education course, which gives you the Firearm Hunting Certificate. 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
- Get a Wildlife Resources Client Card, then buy your licence. The Wildlife Habitat Stamp is added at purchase. Online sales launched in 2026.
Good to know in Nova Scotia
- Sunday hunting is allowed in Nova Scotia, with some restrictions. Check the current summary.
- Seasons and bag limits by zone: Nova Scotia 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 Nova Scotia before I can hunt as a resident?
You have lived permanently or ordinarily in Nova Scotia for the 2 months before applying. That's the shortest wait in Canada.
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.