Government of New Brunswick

Overview

Issuance of bird and small game hunting licences to residents and non-residents of NB.
The Resident Minors Bird and Small Game licence is free for 12-15 year olds.

Eligibility

Resident: Must be 16 years of age or older, must be a resident of New Brunswick as defined in the Fish and Wildlife Act and, depending on the age of the hunter, must meet experienced hunter and/or Hunter Education requirements. The hunter must also not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence. Residents 12-15 years of age that meet Hunter Education requirements may purchase a Minor’s Hunting Licence. Holders of Minor’s Hunting Licences must be accompanied by an adult while hunting.

Non-Resident: Must be 12 years of age or older, must show proof of identity and, depending on the age of the hunter, must meet experienced hunter and/or Hunter Education requirements. The hunter must also not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence. Holders of a Non-Resident Small Game Licence 12-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult while hunting.

Hunter Education Requirements:
• Resident and Non-Resident Hunters born on or after January 1, 1981 and all first-time hunters must show proof of a Firearm Safety / Hunter Education Course (gun hunters) or a stand-alone Bowhunter Education course (bow/crossbow hunters).
• Hunters born previous to 1981 may present a previous hunting licence as proof of hunting experience.
• Conservation Education certificates from other provinces, territories and states are valid in New Brunswick.

Description

Hunting licences provide hunting opportunities to New Brunswick hunters while managing populations for future use. Bird and Small Game licences are available for those clients who wish to hunt upland game birds, several species of small game as well as Migratory Birds, but who do not wish to hunt deer. Hunters wishing to hunt migratory bird species must possess a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit (available at Canada Post outlets) as well as a New Brunswick Deer & Small Game licence or a Bird and Small Game Licence.

Species Permitted: Spruce grouse & ruffed grouse, varying hare, groundhog, coyote, crow, cormorant and migratory birds (ducks, geese, snipe, woodcock).

Changes To Fees

This document provides the rationale supporting changes to fees, associated revenue information, and the legal authority:
2009 NR Fee changes.pdf,
2020 DNRED Fish & Wildlife Licences and Applications.pdf

Fees

Unless otherwise specified, Fees exclude the harmonized sales tax (HST).

Fee DescriptionRate in $Effective Date
YYYY-MM-DD
Resident Licences
  Bird and Small Game (Ages 16-64) + $5 conservation fee14.002009-06-01
  Bird and Small Game (Seniors 65+) + $5 conservation fee8.002009-06-01
  Bird and Small Game - Minor's Licence (11-15) + $0 conservation fee0.002020-06-29
Non-Resident Licences2020-06-29
  Bird and Small Game (Age 12+) + $10 conservation fee72.002012-09-01
Replacement Licences5.252012-01-01
Contact Information Email Location
Fredericton
Fredericton
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