Who counts as a resident?
- You count as a Nunavut resident if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Nunavut for at least 3 months.
- You need to be 12+ for a small game licence and 16+ for big game.
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 community's Department of Environment wildlife office about current course requirements.
- 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 through Government of Nunavut wildlife offices.
Good to know in Nunavut
- New residents: for the first 2 years after your first licence, you must hunt big game with a licensed guide, unless your local Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) waives this.
- Inuit harvesting rights under the Nunavut Agreement work differently from licensed hunting. Respect local HTO rules.
- 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 Nunavut before I can hunt as a resident?
You count as a Nunavut resident if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Nunavut for at least 3 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.