Who counts as a resident?
- You have an address in Quebec and have lived there for at least 183 days in the year before you hunt or apply.
- The 183 days also apply to signing up for the courses, so newcomers usually can't start until after about six 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
- To get your certificat du chasseur, take the FédéCP courses: CCSMAF (the Quebec version of the federal firearms safety course) and ICAF (introduction to hunting with a firearm). Bow hunters take ICAA instead.
- 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 licences through Mon dossier chasse et pêche (quebec.ca) or at a licence vendor. A resident licence requires a valid certificat du chasseur.
- Quebec runs draws for moose, antlerless deer and some other species.
Good to know in Quebec
- After 183 days, the permis d'initiation lets you try hunting with an experienced resident aged 25+ before you take the courses.
- Courses and regulations are mainly in French. Ask the FédéCP about sessions in English.
- Seasons and bag limits by zone: Quebec 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 Quebec before I can hunt as a resident?
You have an address in Quebec and have lived there for at least 183 days in the year before you hunt or apply.
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.