Hunter Hosts

Last Update/Review: May 26, 2006

An Alberta resident who wishes to hunt with a Non-resident (Canadian) or Non-resident Alien for big game, wolf or coyote, without the services of a professional outfitter-guide, can do so by becoming a Hunter Host.

A Hunter Host

  • must be an adult resident and be eligible to hold hunting licences.
  • must be the holder of a WIN and a Hunter Host Licence (see below).
  • may not provide services for gain or reward, or accept remuneration, directly or indirectly, for such services.
  • may accompany a maximum of two hunters per year, either Non-residents (Canadian), Non-resident Aliens or both. If hosting two Non-resident Aliens, at least one must be a relative.
  • may accompany Non-resident Aliens only if the host has not hosted a Non-resident Alien in the previous two fiscal years (April 1 to March 31).
  • must report to the Fish and Wildlife Division, all hunting activities by the Non-resident Aliens he or she accompanied by December 31.
  • must accompany the hunter(s) named on his/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 accompany a Non-resident (Canadian) as a Hunter Host may purchase the Hunter Host Licence at any private licence issuer for $26.50 (plus GST). You must have the Wildlife Identification Number(s) (WINs) of the Non-resident(s) at the time of purchase. Once you have purchased your Hunter Host Licence, the Non-resident(s) (Canadian) may purchase their licences.

A resident who wishes to accompany a Non-resident Alien as a Hunter Host must do the following:

  1. Go to a Fish and Wildlife Division office and initiate 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. as described below.
  2. 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 him fill-out a WIN application at the same time.)
  3. Take the completed application to the Fish and Wildlife Division office. The application will be reviewed for final approval and keyed into the automated licensing system.
  4. When you are notified that your application is approved, go to any private licence issuer and purchase your Hunter Host Licence ($26.50 plus GST) and the appropriate Wildlife Certificate and licences.

Non-residents Accompanied by a Hunter Host

  • Non-resident Aliens may hunt with a Hunter Host only if they have not done so in the previous two fiscal years (April 1—March 31).
  • Non-residents (Canadian) and Non-resident Aliens are limited to certain licences as indicated in the Licence Availability sections of the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations.
  • Non-resident Aliens accompanied by Hunter Hosts may hunt big game only during seasons that do not require one of the special licences obtained through a draw.
  • Non-resident Aliens and their intended Hunter Hosts must apply at a Fish and Wildlife Division Office for their licences and make a statutory declaration that they understand the terms and conditions of the licences (see above).
  • Non-resident Aliens 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 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 host or spouse of the host.
    • The Non-resident Alien and intended Hunter Host must initiate an application at a Fish and Wildlife Division office for their licences, described above, by August 31 of the licence year, or by the following February 28 for the spring black bear hunt.
    • The Non-resident Alien may apply for only two (2) species of big game.

If you require further information, please contact the Fish and Wildlife Division.

Drawing of an elk, bear, goose and pheasant