Who counts as a resident?
- Your principal home is in Saskatchewan, you have lived there for the 3 months before applying, and you hold a valid Saskatchewan Health card.
- And you count as a "Canadian resident": a Canadian citizen, or someone who has lived in Canada for the last 12 months. New permanent residents may need to wait out the 12 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
- Saskatchewan Hunter Education is required for anyone born after January 1, 1971.
- 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
- Create a HAL account at saskatchewan.ca with your name exactly as it appears on your health card, then buy licences online.
- Only Saskatchewan residents can enter the Big Game Draw.
Good to know in Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan has a lot of agricultural Crown land open to hunting. Check land status before you go.
- Seasons and bag limits by zone: Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan before I can hunt as a resident?
Your principal home is in Saskatchewan, you have lived there for the 3 months before applying, and you hold a valid Saskatchewan Health card.
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.