Sunday, August 15, 2010

You may also wish to try out our ONLINE course.  A link to Hunter Education Online is located on the main MWF page.

*Additional classes at the MWF location will be scheduled as demand warrants.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you have completed and paid for the HunterExam.com online course you do not need to register for the traditional classroom course listed here.  Please refer to the "Complete Your Online Course Testing" on the MWF website homepage to arrange your testing with an instructor in your area.

There may be some other hunter education courses available in the Winnipeg area. Call (204) 633-4868 for more information.

Once I qualify or pass the Manitoba Hunter Education Course, do I need any other courses?

No, a person hunting under the direct supervision (within arm’s reach) of an adult with a firearms licence does not need any other courses or a federal firearms licence.

However, anyone wishing to hunt away from the direct supervision of an adult with a firearms licence needs a Federal Firearms Licence (Possession Acquisition Licence or a Minor’s Possession Licence). Click here for firearms information.



YOUTH HUNTER CHECK LIST

Today’s young hunter is concerned about whether he/she is meeting all the legal requirements to enjoy a few days afield hunting. Here are a few simple things to remember that will make your hunt safe and enjoyable.

1) To qualify for a hunting license, the applicant must be at least 12 years of age and must have successfully completed a Manitoba Hunter Education Course or a similar course in another province or state. The Canadian Firearms Safety Course does not meet this qualification.

2) Hunters under the age of 18 must show his/her Hunter Education card when purchasing a licence and carry his/her Hunter Education Card while hunting.

Lost your Hunter Education card? A replacement can be obtained from the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.

3) * If the hunter is a youth or a minor, that is, between the ages of 12 and 17, he/she can hunt with a firearm under the direct supervision of a qualified adult (18+ years of age). Direct supervision means within reach. A qualified adult is one who legally owns or legally has in his/her possession the firearm used by a youth during the hunt and has the appropriate license for the species hunted. See Hunting & Firearms Laws and the Manitoba Hunting Guide for more details.

4) * There is also a provision where youths ages 12 – 17 can hunt with a firearm without adult supervision providing the youth has a Minor’s License. In order for a youth to obtain a Minor’s License, he/she must first successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and then make application for the Minor’s License. An Area Firearms Officer will then interview the youth along with a parent or guardian to determine the conditions under which the youth will be allowed to handle a firearm.

* It is important to note that as long as the supervising adult is in legal possession of the firearm, a minor or youth can hunt alongside the adult under direct supervision without having to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and does not need a Minor’s License.

YOUTH HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES

Check Manitoba Hunting Guide for full details on youth hunting opportunities.

Licences

Residents 12-17 years of age may hunt all big game species (during both draw and non-draw seasons), upland game birds or wild turkey, without a licence providing any game harvested is included in the bag limit of their licenced adult supervisor.

Residents 12-17 years of age may purchase a special Youth Deer and Game Bird Licence for $9.91 plus GST. For waterfowl hunting, purchase of the Canada Migratory Game Bird Hunting permit and Wildlife Habitat Conservation stamp is required.

Residents 12-17 years of age may purchase a Wild Turkey licence for $4.95 plus GST.

Residents 12-17 years of age may purchase regular licences for the species being hunted.

WATERFOWLER HERITAGE DAYS

A qualifying youth can hunt ducks and geese one week prior to the regular waterfowl season (Waterfowler Heritage Days September 1 to 7) without purchasing a provincial Game Bird Licence, or a Canada Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp. Youth must have successfully completed the Manitoba Hunter Education Course and must be accompanied by an adult mentor. See the Manitoba Hunting Guide for details.

Waterfowler Heritage Days were introduced in 2000 and continue to experience encouraging growth in participant numbers.

MENTORED HUNTING PROGRAMS

Waterfowl Hunting - In addition to Waterfowler Heritage Days, youth can participate in a mentored hunting program at various times and locations throughout the season. Youth learn many of the techniques for hunting waterfowl and participate in an actual hunt with a licensed adult supervisor. Participating youth must purchase the appropriate hunting licence.

Wild Turkey Hunting – Youth learn many of the techniques for hunting Wild Turkey and can participate in an actual hunt with a licensed adult supervisor. Participating youth must purchase the appropriate hunting licence.

Deer Hunting – New hunters are introduced to various methods of deer hunting and can participate in an actual hunt with an experienced licensed mentor. Participants must qualify to purchase the appropriate licence. There are opportunities to participate during the archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons in limited areas throughout the province.

The mentored deer hunts are a relatively new addition to other mentored hunts. It is anticipated that as the demand grows, additional areas will be available.

For more information visit Mentored Hunts.