Firearms Information
Requirements for firearm licences and registration are governed by the federal Firearms Act. Check with the Canadian Firearms Centre (1-800-731-4000) for more information.
Firearms and Ammunition
When hunting big game in the NWT you must use .23 or larger calibre ammunition. The empty cartridge case of the ammunition must be greater than 44 mm in length. North of the treeline in Wildlife Management Units I and U, there is an exception to this for caribou, wolf and wolverine where .222, .22-250 and .223 calibers are permitted. To hunt wood bison, bullet size must not be under 200 grains.
For the purpose of hunting big game, rim fire ammunition is illegal.
Ammunition containing non-expanding bullets, steel-jacketed bullets or tracer ammunition may not be used for hunting.
When hunting small game and migratory game birds, no one may use a shotgun that holds more than three shells in the magazine and firing chamber combined.
Toxic Shot
In 1999, the Canadian Wildlife Service implemented legislation that prohibits possession of any but non-toxic shot for the purpose of hunting migratory game birds. For more information, contact the Canadian Wildlife Service or your local Environment and Natural Resources office, or visit the CWS website.
Importation of Firearms
Certain firearms are classified as prohibited firearms and are not allowed into Canada. For further information on the importation of firearms, contact the customs office at your port of entry, a Canadian Embassy, or:
Revenue Canada
Customs, Excise and Taxation
Transportation Division
Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0L5
or visit the Revenue Canada website.