Check Manitoba Hunting Guide for full details on youth hunting opportunities.
Licenses
• 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 license providing any game harvested is included in the bag limit of their licensed adult supervisor.
• Residents 12-17 years of age may purchase a special Youth Deer and Game Bird License. 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 license.
• Residents 12-17 years of age may purchase regular licenses for the species being hunted.
Sustainable Development has amended the Hunter Education Regulation to provide youth under the age of 12 to receive an Apprentice Hunter Education Certificate (AHEC) after successfully completing the Manitoba Hunter Education Program.
Previously, under Sec 4(3) of the regulation, a youth under 12 years of age could take the course and write the exam. If they were successful, the youth would receive their Hunter Education Certificate when they reached 12 years of age. The new regulation amendment provides youth under the age of 12 who successfully pass the course (not on-line) to receive an AHEC.
Section 27 of the General Hunting Regulation has been amended to allow for resident youth age 10 and 11 to hunt game birds and wild turkeys under a shared bag provision;
A resident of Manitoba who is 10 years of age or older and under 18 years of age does not require a licence to hunt game birds or wild turkey, but can hunt under a shared bag provision provided;
- The youth carries and can produce proof of age and a valid hunter education certificate or apprentice hunter education certificate or an equivalent certificate from another province, territory or country.
- The youth is accompanied by a person who is 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid licence for the species being hunted, and at all times when hunting, be in the immediate physical vicinity of the youth.
- The adult must include any game taken by the youth as part of his or her bag limit and possession limit.
Note: if the youth wishes to hunt Migratory Game Birds they must purchase a Canadian Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp.
Now that you have successfully completed the Manitoba Hunter Education Program, we hope you will put your newly acquired knowledge to safe and responsible use while afield.
The General Hunting Regulation has been amended to allow for resident youth age 10 and 11 to hunt game birds and wild turkeys under a shared bag provision;
A resident of Manitoba who is 10 years of age or older and under 18 years of age does not require a licence to hunt game birds or wild turkey, but can hunt under a shared bag provision provided;
• The youth carries and can produce proof of age and a valid hunter education certificate or apprentice hunter education certificate or an equivalent certificate from another province, territory or country.
• The youth is accompanied by a person who is 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid licence for the species being hunted, and at all times when hunting, be in the immediate physical vicinity of the youth.
• The adult must include any game taken by the youth as part of his or her bag limit and possession limit.
Note: if the youth wishes to hunt Migratory Game Birds they must purchase a Canadian Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp.
Remember to bring the enclosed Apprentice Hunter Education card with you while hunting for wild turkey and game birds. As of January 1, 2012 the Provincial Wildlife Act states that you must have this card on your person while in the field in order to be legally hunting in Manitoba.
Waterfowler Heritage Days
A qualifying youth can hunt ducks and geese one week prior to the regular waterfowl season (Waterfowler Heritage Days) without purchasing a provincial Game Bird License, 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 license.
Wild Turkey Hunting – Learn many of the techniques for hunting Wild Turkeys at an annual how-to-hunt Wild Turkey seminar offered around mid-April.
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 license. 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.
Youth Hunter Checklist
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.
• 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.
• Hunters under the age of 18 must show his/her Hunter Education card when purchasing a license and carry his/her Hunter Education Card while hunting. Lost your Hunter Education card? A replacement can be obtained from the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.
• 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.
• 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.