Licensing and Costs

Purchasing a Licence

Aspira manages the sale of all recreational hunting and fishing licences in Alberta. Licences are sold through private licence issuers or online at Albertarelm.com.

Albertarelm.com is a website for hunters and anglers. By registering on the site individuals can purchase their licences.

Costs of licences are the same online or at an issuer, no service fees are added. Cost will vary according to the type of licence.

For Online Purchases:
To purchase an online licence you will need a valid credit card, an email address, access to a computer with an internet connection and a printer to print your licences.

Download the AlbertaRelm APP and easily store your licences and WiN card electronically. Please remember that the onus remains on the hunter to be able to produce their licence, whether electronic or paper, and associated paper tags when requested by an officer during field compliance checks.

To purchase a licence, which requires tags online, you must have a pre-numbered tag(s) before you begin your purchase process. Tags are available by calling 1-888-944-5494 and at Licence Issuers
 
Licence Issuers
A list of Licence Issuers and locations can be located on albertarelm.com or contact the call centre/help desk toll-free in North America at 1-888-944-5494. Email inquiries can be sent to ab.webmaster@aspirasupport.com

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Licence Requirements

Wildlife Identification Number (WiN)
Hunters and anglers in Alberta must possess a 10-digit Wildlife Identification Number (WiN) to apply for draws, purchase wildlife certificates, licences and replacements.

Please keep your information up to date; address changes can be made online or at an issuer.

Wildlife Certificate
Hunters must possess a valid Wildlife Certificate and the applicable hunting licence to hunt big game or game birds. Licences whether electronic or paper and applicable tags must be carried on their person while hunting.

Licensing requirements for first-time hunters
NOTE: all new first-time hunters who have qualified for obtaining recreational hunting licences by successfully completing the Alberta Conservation and Hunter education course, will be required to provide on their WiN profile, their hunter certificate number that is issued to each course graduate, in order to be eligible to purchase a hunting licence.

A first-time hunter is a hunter who 1) has not previously held a hunting licence in Alberta or elsewhere, or 2) has not prior to April 1, 2010, met Alberta first-time hunter criteria, or 3) has not successfully completed a hunter education course in Alberta or elsewhere.

Non-resident and non-resident alien hunters (12 years of age, 10 years of age for game bird, or older) are exempt from the first-time hunter eligibility requirement if they are accompanied by a Hunter Host or a Designated Guide while hunting in Alberta.

Youth first-time hunters must be at least 12 years old (10 years of age for game bird) to hunt under the authority of any hunting licence in Alberta. All hunters under the age of 16 years must have written permission from a parent or guardian to purchase hunting licences. Hunters who are 11 years old may apply in the draws for licences if they meet the above criteria, but they must be 12 years old anytime before or during the open season for that draw. They may not hunt until they are 12 years old. To hunt with a firearm, hunters under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, a legal guardian or by a person 18 years of age or older who has the written permission of the parent or legal guardian. If a youth turns 18 during the hunting season, they can continue to hunt using their valid licence.

If you are interested in taking the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education course, call the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association toll-free in Alberta at 1-866-852-4342, Edmonton 780-466-6682, or Calgary 403-252-8474.

Resident Youth Hunting Licences
Subject to the age limitations and conditions above, a resident 10 to 17 years of age may purchase a Resident Youth Wildlife Certificate, including a Game Bird Licence, for $12.00. The holder of a valid Resident Youth Wildlife Certificate between 12 and 17 who has not yet attained the age of 18 years may also purchase a Youth White-tailed Deer Licence and a Youth Mule Deer Licence, each for $12.00. These licences are valid during the seasons that do not require one of the Special Licences obtained through a draw. This person may also purchase an Antlerless Mule Deer Special Licence (available through a draw, see Draws for Special Licences, below) for $12.00. Partner Licences are also available to resident youths if designated by the holder of any special licence. See this page.

Resident Senior Hunting Licences
A resident 65 years of age or older, at the time of acquiring the following licences may purchase a Resident Youth/Senior Wildlife Certificate, including a Game Bird Licence, for $12.00. The holder of a valid Resident Youth/Senior Wildlife Certificate may also purchase a Youth/Senior White-tailed Deer Licence for $12.00. These licences are only vaild during the seasons that do not require one of the special licences obtained through a draw. Partner Licences are also available to resident seniors if designated by the holder of any special licence.

Hunters with Disabilities
Eligible individuals may obtain a special permit or licence relating to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, discharging a weapon from an OHV and cross-bow use during archery only season. Service improvements have been made for those medically certified with permanent injuries allowing renewal of all permits online at albertrelm.com. Contact a Fish and Wildlife office for more information or go to mywildalberta.com.

Mandatory Suspended Hunter Requirements
A person whose right to hold a recreational hunting licence has been suspended in Alberta as a result of a conviction is required to complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education course available at Alberta Hunter Education Instructors Association (AHEIA), either online or in person. This course must be taken after the beginning of the suspension period. The course is intended to increase outdoor safety, awareness, skills and efficiency and to develop responsible attitudes in the field. Individuals can contact AHEIA for information on completing the course. Participants will be responsible for course and material costs.

Licence Suspensions for Unpaid Fines
If a person is convicted of a provincial fishing or hunting offence and fails to pay their fine on or before the fine due date, they will be suspended from purchasing or using a sportfishing licence, a hunting licence or applying on draws until that outstanding fine has been paid. 
  
Draws for Special Licences
When demand for hunting opportunities becomes excessive, season length and bag limits are often insufficient to conserve a game resource or to ensure a quality hunting experience. In such cases, the Fish and Wildlife conducts lotteries or draws among eligible applicants for a limited number of special licences. Special licences allow successful applicants to hunt a specific type of game (e.g., antlerless elk) in defined areas during a specified season.

Only residents and, to a lesser extent, non-residents (Canadian) are eligible to apply in these draws. A non-refundable $3.65 (plus GST) levy is charged for each application or group of applicants (maximum of four) for the same draw. This levy goes to the Alberta Conservation Association for programs. Although draws are used for specific wildlife management purposes (e.g., the goal in antlered mule deer draw areas is to develop a more balanced age structure), other benefits include improved hunter success, increased opportunity to harvest a trophy animal, a more pleasant hunting experience with lower hunter densities, reduced disturbance of landowners, and a better distribution of the harvest.

Holders of a Special Licence are required to report their harvest and effort by February 15, 2023 for all Special Licences they purchased. Failure to report will result in a $15.00 survey fee being charged before they can purchase a Wildlife Certificate and participate in the Special Licence draw process. 
  
Draw Application Deadline Dates - Hunters interested in special licence hunts for fall 2024 must have applied by June 24. Refer to the 2024 Alberta Hunting Draws Booklet for more information on draws.

Undersubscribed Licences are special licences leftover following the draw. These opportunities go on sale July 14 – visit albertarelm.com for more information.

Draw Results - Beginning July 13, draw results are available online at albertarelm.com.

Landowner Special Licence
A person who qualifies may be eligible to obtain a special licence after having been unsuccessful in some draws. Availability of Landowner Special Licences may be limited or not available at all for some species in certain WMUs. Those available will be issued to eligible persons on a first-come, first-served basis. For details on eligibility and the application process, please consult the 2024 Alberta Hunting Draws booklet.

Partner Licence
The following Partner Licences are available:
1. A resident holder of an Antlerless Moose Special Licence has the option of designating one eligible resident hunter (adult, youth or senior) to be a partner on the Special Licence, thereby allowing the designated hunter to obtain a Special Antlerless Moose Partner Licence.

2. A resident holder of an Antlered Moose Special Licence has the option of designating one eligible hunter, either a resident (adult, youth or senior) or a non-resident (Canadian) (adult, youth or senior), to be a partner on the Special Licence, thereby allowing the designated hunter to obtain a Special Antlered Moose Partner Licence. To qualify for a Partner Licence in a particular WMU, the non-resident (Canadian) must have been eligible to apply for the Special Licence in that WMU.
A non-resident (Canadian) holder of an Antlered Moose Special Licence obtained through the draw process has the option of designating one eligible resident (adult, youth or senior) hunter to be a partner on the Special Licence, thereby allowing the designated hunter to obtain a Special Antlered Moose Partner Licence.

3. Resident hunters successful in drawing a Special Licence in any of the other Draws may designate one eligible resident youth (12 to 17 years of age) or senior (65 years of age and over) to be a partner on their Special Licence.

Rules for all Partners – A designated partner does not need any priority to qualify for a partner licence, does not need to have applied on the draw, and the purchase of the partner licence will not affect any existing priority of the partner. The intended partner must be eligible to hold a hunting licence. See below for information regarding licence combinations and restrictions. The primary licensee may designate a partner at any time until the end of the season for which the Special Licence is valid. The designated partner hunts under the authority of the special licence and must be in direct communication (not including the use of any electronic devices) with the primary special licence holder while hunting to ensure that both stop hunting once the tag(s) are filled. The two hunters hunt as one.

The primary licensee must carry the tag(s) issued with the special licence and must tag the animal as soon as there is a kill. The primary licensee may hunt without the partner, but not vice versa.

To Designate a Partner – The Partner Licence is available online at albertarelm.com or at any licence issuer. The intended partner must provide the number of the Special Licence held by the primary hunter along with his or her own WiN. The Special Licence number authorizes the licensing system to issue a partner licence that is linked to the Special Licence. The intended partner may then purchase a Wildlife Certificate and the appropriate Partner Licence. If the intended partner is a non-resident, he/she must be accompanied by a licensed Hunter Host while hunting. The Partner Licence is valid for the same WMU and season as the Special Licence. No tag is issued with the Partner Licence.

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Outfitting and Guiding Requirements for Non-Residents (Canadian) and Non-Resident Aliens

(Click here to view Definitions)

There is no requirement for non-resident (Canadian) and non-resident alien game bird hunters to contract their game bird hunts through a Bird Game Outfitter. They may hunt game birds without an outfitter, a guide or Hunter Host.

In this section, the term “accompany” or “accompanied” means that the persons involved are close enough to each other to easily facilitate verbal communications without the need for electronic devices. It is acceptable, however, for the hunter to be placed in a stand location by the guide or hunter host, if they remain at that same location to be picked up later the same day.

Non-resident (Canadian) and Non-resident Alien hunters of big game, wolf and coyote must be accompanied by a licensed guide or a Hunter Host. Each of these hunters has two options:

1. may contract the holder of a valid Big Game Outfitter Permit, be guided by a Big Game Designated Guide, and hunt under the authority of a licence allocated to an outfitter (for information on outfitters, contact the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society at apos.ab.ca), OR
2. may be hosted by a Hunter Host (see below) - usually a relative or friend - and hunt according to the following restrictions and conditions:
   • Non-resident Aliens may hunt with a Hunter Host only if they have not done so in the previous two (2) fiscal years (April 1 - March 31).
   • Non-residents (Canadian) and Non-resident Aliens are limited to certain licences as indicated in the Licence Availability section (click here for details).
   • Non-resident Aliens hosted by Hunter Hosts may hunt big game only during seasons that do not require one of the special licences, obtained through a draw, indicated by a ■ in the Big Games Seasons (WMUs) section or listed under Additional Special Licence Draw Hunts.
   • A Non-resident Alien and their intended Hunter Host must apply for their licences and make a statutory declaration that he or she understands the terms and conditions of the licences (Scroll down to view Hunter Host Licence). The application process can take up to 10 days to complete.
   • A Non-resident Alien must not hunt bighorn sheep, cougar or trophy antelope while accompanied by a Hunter Host.
   • Further Restrictions for Non-resident Aliens Who are Not Relatives of the Hunter Host or the Hunter Host's Spouse
     • Relatives are defined as father, brother, son, uncle, nephew, grandfather, grandson, son-in-law, brother-in-law (and female equivalents) of the Hunter Host or spouse of the Hunter Host.
     • The Non-resident Alien and intended Hunter Host must initiate an application at a Fish and Wildlife office for their licences.
     • The Non-resident Alien may apply to hunt only two (2) species of big game and wolf/coyote.

A Hunter Host

• Must be an adult resident, and be eligible to hold recreational hunting licences.
  
• Must be the holder of a valid WiN and Hunter Host Licence (below).
  
• may not provide services for gain or reward, or accept remuneration, directly or indirectly, for such services.
  
• may host a maximum of two (2) hunters/year, either Non-residents (Canadian), Non-resident Aliens or a combination thereof. If hosting 2 Non-resident Aliens, at least 1 must be a relative.
  
• may host Non-resident Aliens only if the host has not hosted a Non-resident Alien in the previous two (2) fiscal years (April 1 to March 31).
  
• must report to the Fish and Wildlife office by December 31 in the year of harvest all hunting activities by the Non-resident Aliens he or she hosted. A report must be submitted even if the hunter doesn’t harvest an animal.
  
• must accompany the hunter(s) named on his or her Hunter Host Licence while they are hunting big game under the authority of the Hunter Host Licence.

Hunter Host Licence
A resident who wishes to be a Hunter Host may purchase a Hunter Host Licence online at albertarelm.com or at any licence issuer. You must have the WiN(s) of the non-resident(s) at the time of purchase. You must ensure that the hunters you host are named on your Hunter Host Licence. If you purchase your Hunter Host licence naming one hunter and you decide to add a second hunter to your licence at a later date, you can do so at no additional charge. Return to albertarelm.com or to a licence issuer to have your licence amended. Once you have purchased your Hunter Host Licence, the hunters may purchase their licences.

A Hunter Host who plans to take a non-resident alien hunting must do the following:

1. Contact a Fish and Wildlife office and initiate an application (including statutory declaration). Sign it and have your signature sworn. 
   
2. Have the Non-resident Alien sign the application including statutory declaration) and have their signature sworn. If the Non-resident Alien does not have a WiN, have them complete a WiN profile online at this time.
   
3. Take the completed application to a Fish and Wildlife office. The application will be reviewed for final approval and keyed into the automated licensing system.
   
4. Once application is approved, go online at albertarelm.com or to any licence issuer and purchase your Hunter Host Licence (see above) and the appropriate Wildlife Certificate and licences. 
   

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Resident Licence Costs and Combinations (Big Game)

NOTE: The 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not included in the costs listed below.

Prior to purchasing any licence, each hunter must possess a valid WiN (scroll up for more information regarding the WiN - Wildlife Identification Number) and a Wildlife Certificate which costs $30.00 (or $12.00 for a Resident Youth/Senior Wildlife Certificate - scroll up for more information). Hunters wishing to hunt with a bow and arrow must also purchase a Bowhunting Permit (not required for hunting with a cross-bow).

1. The Supplemental Antlerless White-tailed Deer Licence is issued with one tag. This tag is valid in the following WMUs: 200-208, 214-246, 248, 258-260, 300, 304-305, 310-314, 320-322, 332-337, 344, 348, 350-353, 355, 357-360, 440-446, and 500-544.
2. This licence is only valid in the following WMUs where 2 black bear licences may be used: 224, 250, 258, 260, 320-360, 429, 445, 500-544 and 841.
   
3. Drawn applicants cannot reapply in future years (once-in-a-lifetime opportunity).
   
4. All purchased licences can be reprinted either at a licence issuer for a $2.00 fee or online at no charge.
   
5. You are required to bring your licence and identification to a licence issuer and obtain the authorization for the tag replacement. $11.00 fee is applicable per licence.

NOTE: Special Licences (listed above) are available only through draws which occurred in June of this year. Please refer to the annual Alberta Hunting Draws booklet for information on how to apply in these draws next year. Draw results and undersubscribed opportunities will be available on July 13.

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Non-Resident (Canadian) Licence Availability

All Non-resident hunters of big game, wolf or coyote require a Big Game Designated Guide or a Hunter Host. Scroll up to view Outfitting and Guiding Requirements.

Non-residents who hunt with a Hunter Host may obtain White-tailed Deer, Antlered Mule Deer, Antlered Moose, Antlered Elk, Black Bear, Supplemental Black Bear, Cougar, and Wolf/Coyote Licences (see table below) from private licence issuers or online at albertarelm.ca. Some special licences may be obtained through the draw system that are described in the 2024 Alberta Hunting Draws booklet which was made available in May 2024.

Non-residents contracting a hunt with a Big Game Outfitter-guide may obtain Special Licences by using an allocation, available from their outfitter. Wolf/Coyote licences can be purchased without an allocation. Non-residents using the services of an outfitter must be guided by a Big Game Designated Guide. These licences are only available at licence issuers.

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Non-Resident (Canadian) Licence Costs and Combinations

NOTE: The 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not included in the costs listed below.

Prior to purchasing any licence, each hunter must possess a valid WiN (scroll up for more information regarding the WiN - Wildlife Identification Number) and a Wildlife Certificate, which costs $30.00. Hunters wishing to hunt with a bow and arrow must also purchase a Bowhunting Permit (not required for hunting with a cross-bow).

All special licences shown in the following table are available through a Big Game Outfitter. Some are also available through the draw system.

1. These licences are available through the draw system or through an outfitter. If purchased through an outfitter, an additional service fee may be charged. Please refer to the sections that deal with Non-resident (Canadian) Licence Availability (page 22) and Outfitting and Guiding Requirements (page 18).
   
2. Non-resident Trophy Sheep Special Licences are available through Class S Outfitters or through a draw. Only 2 licences are available through a draw, and each hunter successful in the draw must be accompanied by a Hunter Host.
   
3. Non-resident Trophy Antelope Special Licences are available through an outfitter or through a draw. Please refer to the sections that deal with Non-resident (Canadian) Licence Availability (page 22) and Outfitting and Guiding Requirements (page 18).
   
4. This licence is valid only in the following WMUs where 2 black bear licences may be used: 224, 250, 258, 260, 320-360, 429, 445, 500-544 and 841. Please see page 56 for more information.
   
5. These licences are valid for two black bears if the outfitter’s allocation is valid for a WMU where the Supplemental Black Bear Licence is valid (i.e., two-bear areas).
   
6. All purchased licences can be reprinted either at a licence issuer for a $2.00 fee or online at no charge.
   
7. You are required to bring your licence and identification to a licence issuer and obtain the authorization for the tag replacement. An $11.00 fee is applicable per licence. 
   

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Non-Resident Alien Licence Availability

All Non-resident Alien hunters of big game, wolf or coyote require either a Big Game Designated Guide or a Hunter Host. See Outfitting and Guiding Requirements.

Non-resident Aliens who hunt with a Hunter Host may obtain Antlered White-tailed Deer, Antlered Mule Deer, Antlered Moose, Antlered Elk, Black Bear Special Licences and Wolf/Coyote Licences (see table below) online at albertarelm.com or at any licence issuers. See Outfitting and Guiding Requirements for a summary of the circumstances under which these licences may be used and the limitations that apply.

Non-resident Aliens contracting a hunt with a Big Game Outfitter must obtain Special Licences by using an allocation, available from their outfitter. Wolf/Coyote licences can be purchased without an allocation. Non-resident Aliens using the services of an outfitter must be guided by a Big Game Designated Guide. These licences are only available at licence issuers.

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Non-Resident Alien Licence Costs and Combinations

NOTE: The 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not included in the costs listed below.

Prior to purchasing any licence, each hunter must possess a valid WiN (scroll up for more information regarding the WiN - Wildlife Identification Number) and a Non-Resident Alien Wildlife Certificate, which costs $75.00. Hunters wishing to hunt with a bow and arrow must also purchase a Bowhunting Permit (not required for hunting with a cross-bow).

1. If purchased through an outfitter, additional service fees may be charged.
   
2. This licence is valid for 2 black bears where the Resident and Non-resident (Canadian) Supplemental Black Bear Licences are valid (2-bear areas).
   
3. Trophy Sheep, Cougar and Trophy Antelope Special Licences are available to Non-resident Aliens only through an outfitter.
   
4. All purchased licences can be reprinted either at a licence issuer for a $2.00 fee or online at no charge.
   
5. You are required to bring your licence and identification to a licence issuer and obtain the authorization for the tag replacement. $11.00 fee is applicable per licence. 
   

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Game Bird Licences

Resident game bird hunters require a WiN card and a Wildlife Certificate and:

• a Game Bird Licence to hunt grouse, partridge and ptarmigan;
  
• a Game Bird Licence and a Pheasant Licence to hunt pheasant;
  
• a Game Bird Licence and a Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit to hunt waterfowl;
  
• a Wild Turkey Special Licence and a Game Bird Licence to hunt wild turkey. (NOTE: Wild Turkey Special Licences are available only through a draw. Click here for more information.)
  

Non-resident (Canadian) game bird hunters require a WiN card and a Wildlife Certificate and:

• a Game Bird Licence to hunt grouse, partridge and ptarmigan;
  
• a Game Bird Licence and a Pheasant Licence to hunt pheasant.
  
• a Game Bird Licence and a Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit to hunt waterfowl.
  

Non-resident Alien game bird hunters require a WiN card and a Non-Resident Alien Wildlife Certificate and:

• a Game Bird Licence to hunt grouse, partridge and ptarmigan;
  
• a Game Bird and Pheasant Licence to hunt pheasant;
  
• a Game Bird Licence and a Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit to hunt waterfowl.
  

NOTE: The 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not included in the costs listed below.
Prior to purchasing any licence, each hunter must possess a valid WiN (scroll up for more information regarding the WiN - Wildlife Identification Number) and a Wildlife Certificate. The Wildlife Certificate costs $30.00 or $75.00 for a Non-Resident Alien Wildlife Certificate or $12.00 for a Resident Youth/Senior Wildlife Certificate (scroll up for more information). Hunters wishing to hunt with a bow and arrow (but not a cross-bow) must also purchase a Bowhunting Permit.

Licence Costs

1. A Resident youth or senior may obtain only 1 of these 2 licences.
   
2. Available only through a draw (click here to view Wild Turkey Draw).
   
3. Available at Post Offices, certain private licence issuers or ordered online at permis-permits.ec.gc.ca.
   
4. All purchased licences can be reprinted either at a licence issuer for a $2.00 fee or online at no charge.
5. Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit is free of charge for youth (age 10-17) if purchased online.
   
6. If you contract an outfitter to guide you for game birds you must purchase the Guided NRA Game Bird Licence.
   
7. If you hunt game birds without the service of an outfitter you must purchase the Unguided NRA Game Bird Licence. The Unguided NRA Game Bird Licence is valid in 3 WMUs and for 7 continuous days. A person may purchase 2 of the Unguided Game Bird Licences during a year.