How can a Non-resident or Non-resident Alien hunt big game, wolf or coyote in Alberta?
A Non-resident or Non-resident Alien can hunt big game, wolf or coyote in Alberta in two circumstances:
- Hire a guide who has a big game outfitter-guide permit and be accompanied by a big game designated guide while hunting.
- Hunt while accompanied by an Alberta resident (friend or relative) who has a hunter host licence. This is a non-profit
arrangement as a hunter host may not guide for gain or reward.
What do I need to become a hunter host?
A Hunter Host must meet the following criteria:
- Be an adult resident of Alberta and eligible to hold hunting licences.
- Have a WIN card and a Hunter Host Licence.
When you purchase a Hunter Host Licence online at
albertarelm.com or at any private licence issuer, you must have the WIN(s) for the non-resident (Canadians) or the
non-resident alien(s) that you will be accompanying.You must ensure that the hunters you host are named on your Hunter Host
Licence.
Learn more about becoming a hunter host in Alberta:
Do hunter hosts get paid for their services?
No. Hunter hosts do not provide services for gain or reward, or accept remuneration, directly or indirectly, for such services.
As a hunter host, how many hunters can I accompany each year?
It depends. You can accompany a maximum of two hunters each year, either Non-residents, Non-resident Aliens or both.
- If hosting two Non-resident Aliens, at least one must be a relative, as defined in the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations.
- You may accompany Non-resident Aliens only if you have not hosted a Non-resident Alien in the previous two fiscal years
(April 1 to March 31).
What are my responsibilities as a hunter host?
As a hunter host, you must report all hunting activities of the Non-resident Aliens you accompanied to the Fish and Wildlife
Division by December 31.
You must also accompany the hunters named on your Hunter Host Licence while they are hunting big game, wolf or coyote.
How do I become a hunter host?
Complete the following steps to become a hunter host:
- Go to a Fish and Wildlife Division office and make an application (including a statutory declaration). Sign it and have
your signature sworn. If your Non-resident Alien is not a relative, you must start this process by August 31 of the licence
year, or by the following February 28 for the spring black bear hunt.
- Have the Non-resident Alien sign the application and have his or her signature sworn. (If the Non-resident Alien does
not have a WIN, have he or she fill out a WIN application at the same time.)
- Take the completed application to the Fish and Wildlife Division office. The application will be reviewed for final approval
and entered into the automated licensing system.
- When you are notified that your application is approved, go to any private licence issuer or online at albertarelm.com and purchase your Hunter Host Licence and the appropriate Wildlife
Certificate and licences.
Do all hunter hosts have to attend a Fish and Wildlife Division office to apply for a hunter host licence?
For more information about hunter hosts, please contact your local Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division Office:
Read more frequently asked questions:
If you have more questions about purchasing hunting licences in Alberta, contact the IBM WINRELM Help Desk:
- Toll-free in North America: 1-888-944-5494
Learn more about hunting regulations in Alberta:
Updated: Sep 28, 2012