Anyone wishing to hunt with a firearm, crossbow or bow or to trap must hold a hunter’s or trapper’s certificate. Such certificate is required in order to purchase
- a hunting licence for residents, whether for hunting with a firearm, a crossbow or a bow
- a trapping licence for residents
The hunter’s or trapper’s certificate bears codes authorizing the holder to hunt with the corresponding implement:
- code “A”: hunting with a bow or crossbow
- code “B”: hunting with a crossbow
- code “F”: hunting with a firearm
- code “P”: trapping
The certificate may also bear code “C”, “L”, “E” or “M” certifying that the holder has successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
Training
Anyone wishing to obtain a hunter’s or trapper’s certificate must take the courses in the Programme d'éducation en sécurité et en conservation de la faune (PESCOF) required for the type of hunting he or she wishes to practise.
The following courses are required to obtain a firearm hunter’s certificate (code “F”), which may also be used to apply for a firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence:
- Canadian Firearms Safety Course
- Introduction to Hunting with a Firearm
Anyone wishing to obtain a bow or crossbow hunter’s certificate (code “A”) must take the Introduction to Hunting with a Bow or Crossbow course as well as pass the practical bow proficiency exam.
Anyone wishing to obtain a bow hunter’s certificate (code “B”) must take the Introduction to Hunting with a Bow or Crossbow course.
Anyone wishing to obtain a trapper’s certificate (code “P”) must take the Trapping and Management of Furbearing Animals course.
Certificate of Achievement
Anyone who passes the Canadian Firearms Safety Course but does not intend to apply for a hunter’s or trapper’s certificate will receive a certificate of achievement entitling them to apply for a firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence.
A certificate of achievement bears 4 codes certifying that the holder has successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course:
- code “C”: course and exam (from 01/01/94 to 31/01/99)
- code “L”: course and exam (after 31/01/99)
- code “E”: exam only (from 01/01/94 to 31/01/99)
- code “M”: exam only (after 31/01/99)
Resident
Person domiciled in Québec who has lived there for at least 183 days in the year preceding his or her hunting, fishing or trapping activities or application for a licence or certificate.
Clientele
Any Québec resident 12 years of age or older.
Requirements
Residents
- must successfully complete the appropriate hunting or training modules for the type of certification sought;
- must not have had their hunter’s or trainer’s certificate suspended or cancelled pursuant to a conviction.
