Alberta legal responsibilities: WiN, licences, prohibitions and reporting

The law

Hunting in Alberta is governed by the Wildlife Act and the Wildlife Regulation (Alta Reg 143/1997). The annual Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations summarizes seasons, Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), licences and prohibitions - it is a summary, not the law itself. Report poaching to Report A Poacher 1-800-642-3800.

Before you can buy a licence

Step	Detail
WiN (Wildlife Identification Number)	Required by every hunter and angler before buying any licence, certificate or draw application; 10 digits; one-time $10 + GST; never expires
Hunter education	First-time hunters must complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education course (or have equivalent certification/licence history elsewhere) and add the certificate number to their WiN profile. There is no birth-date cut-off - it is about being a first-time hunter
Wildlife certificate	Must be held, together with the specific licence, to hunt big game or game birds
Carry	Licences (paper or electronic) and tags must be on your person while hunting

Licences are sold through AlbertaRELM (online and licence issuers).

Ages

• At least 10 years old to hunt under any licence or apply for draws.
• Under 16: written permission of a parent or guardian to buy licences.
• Under 18 with a firearm: must hold a minor's firearms licence or be accompanied by a parent, guardian or an adult (18+) with the parent's written permission (Guide prohibition 15; Wildlife Regulation).
• Under 10: may hunt game birds without a licence only when supervised by a licensed adult (no own bag limit).