With the non-resident waterfowl season fast approaching, the MWF is reminding hunters and outfitters of the regulations governing non-Canadian residents hunting migratory game birds with an outfitter in Manitoba.
MWF has received reports that some outfitters who do not have an allocation of Non-Canadian Resident Migratory Game Bird Licences or have exceeded their allocation may be directing clients to obtain licences through the General Non-Canadian Resident Migratory Game Bird Licence Draw.
Hunters and outfitters need to be aware that this does not comply with the requirements for an outfitted hunt, which are as follows:
Hunting With an Outfitter
When a non-Canadian resident uses the services of an outfitter to hunt migratory game birds in Manitoba:
- The outfitter must hold a current Manitoba Resource Tourism Operator (RTO) licence.
- The outfitter’s RTO licence must authorize them to provide outfitting services to non-Canadian resident waterfowl hunters in the area where the hunt is taking place.
- The outfitter must have an allocation of General Non-Canadian Resident Migratory Game Bird Licences that can only be sold to their clients.
- Clients hunting with an outfitter must purchase their General Non-Canadian Resident Migratory Game Bird Licence from that outfitter.
- A non-Canadian resident who is using the services of an outfitter cannot obtain their licence through the General Non-Canadian Resident Migratory Game Bird Licence Draw; their licence must come from the outfitter’s allocation.
- If an outfitter does not have an allocation of licences, they cannot legally provide those outfitting services to non-Canadian resident migratory game bird hunters.
Hunters Have a Responsibility Too
Non-Canadian resident hunters should not assume that because an outfitter directed them to enter the draw, their hunt is legal. The draw licenses were developed to accommodate ‘freelance’ non-Canadian residents who prefer to hunt without requiring the services of an outfitter.
Hunters are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate licence and are complying with Manitoba’s hunting regulations. Enforcement action may involve both the outfitter providing illegal services and the non-Canadian resident hunter illegally participating in the outfitted hunt.
Before booking or participating in an outfitted Manitoba waterfowl hunt, non-Canadian residents should confirm that their outfitter is properly licensed, authorized to operate in the area being hunted, and has a sufficient allocation of licences available for all their clients.
What Is Considered Outfitting?
Under Manitoba legislation, an “outfitter” is a person who, for gain, remuneration, reward, or the hope or expectation of gain, remuneration or reward, provides two or more “outfitting services” in connection with hunting, fishing or ecotourism activities.
“Outfitting services” are defined in the regulations to include:
- Supplies or equipment used in connection with the hunt;
- The services of a guide; or
- Accommodation facilities.
Report Suspected Illegal Outfitting
Legal outfitters make significant investments to operate within Manitoba’s licensing and allocation system. Illegal outfitting undermines those businesses, the integrity of the licensing system and the management of Manitoba’s hunting opportunities.
If you witness or have information about suspected illegal outfitting or other hunting violations, MWF encourages you to report it to Manitoba Conservation Officer Service through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076.
Information provided through the TIP line can assist Conservation Officers in investigating potential violations.
Know the regulations. Ask questions before you book. And if something doesn’t look right, report it.
