Subsistence Hunting Licence

The Subsistence Hunting Licence is designed to assist Alberta residents who are experiencing financial hardship by allowing them to harvest wildlife for food to support themselves and their dependent family members.

The licence may authorize the harvest of elk, mule deer, or white-tailed deer in specified Wildlife Management Units during the dates indicated on the licence, which will occur between 25 August and 31 March the following year. Each licence will identify the conditions that apply.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

  • be an Alberta Resident.
  • be eligible to hold a hunting licence at the time of application and for the duration of the licence.
  • demonstrate that their household income is below Before-Tax Low-Income Cut-Off published by the Government of Canada.
  • Provide proof of income documentation from the Canada Revenue Agency – CRA (Proof of Income Statement).

First-time hunter requirements apply, cost-free Hunter Education training may be arranged for applicants meeting low-income thresholds.

All personal information and supporting documentation collected under this policy will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA).

Authorized Species and Harvest Limits

A subsistence hunting licence may authorize harvest of:

  • Deer, including white-tailed deer or mule deer.
  • Elk.

Licences will specify the species and class (antlered, antlerless, or either), the number of animals permitted for harvest, and the authorized Wildlife Management Unit.

Issuance is determined by the Hunting and Fishing Branch Wildlife Biologists and approved by their manager or director, and will depend on applicant eligibility, demonstrated financial need, and wildlife management considerations. A licence is not automatically issued when an application is submitted.

Licence Conditions

A Subsistence Hunting Licence is not a general hunting licence. It is issued for food purposes only and is limited to the dates, locations, species, and harvest limits and conditions listed on the licence.

Wildlife harvested under this licence must not be sold or used for commercial purposes. Licence holders must comply with Alberta hunting regulations, tagging requirements, possession and transportation requirements, harvest reporting requirements and all conditions listed on the licence.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the application form listed below.

  2. Submit application, including the required Canada Revenue Agency proof of income documentation by email to:

    [email protected]

  3. Applicants who cannot submit by email may submit the application through a Fish and Wildlife Area Office. Office addresses and contact information are available on:

    Fish and Wildlife Area Office – Contacts
  4. The Hunting and Fishing Branch will review the application and contact the applicant about the decision and next steps.
  5. If the application is approved, the Hunting and Fishing Branch will provide instructions for receiving the licence and obtaining the required tags.

For more information on Subsistence Hunting Licences, read the documents below:

Subsistence Hunting Licence Policy Subsistence Hunting Licence Application Form Subsistence Hunting Licence Decision Tree

Contact

To connect with the Forestry and Parks Hunting and Fishing Branch:

[email protected]


Updated: Jun 12, 2026