Who counts as a resident?
- You have lived on PEI for the 6 months before applying.
- Shortcuts: 2 weeks if your employer transferred you to PEI, 2 weeks if you're enrolled in a program of 3+ months, or 6 months of work on the Island within the last 12.
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 Firearms Safety and Hunter Education, offered through the province's Forests, Fish and Wildlife division.
- 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
- Buy online at princeedwardisland.ca/hunting. New licences go on sale September 1. Hunters aged 60+ get a complimentary licence.
Good to know on Prince Edward Island
- Until you're a resident, you must hunt with a registered guide or a licensed resident hunter.
- PEI is almost entirely private land, so permission is essential.
- Seasons and bag limits by zone: Prince Edward Island 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 on Prince Edward Island before I can hunt as a resident?
You have lived on PEI for the 6 months before applying.
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.