Hunter Education

In Nova Scotia, all first time hunters who intend on hunting with a firearm must be trained in firearm safety and hunter education and if hunting with a bow, have received bowhunter education. The Hunter Education Program in the four Atlantic Provinces is delivered in two parts:

The Canadian Firearms Safety (Long Gun) Course (Part A)

The Canadian Firearms Safety Course is delivered through the Nova Scotia Community College. The course includes instruction in safe firearm handling. Students must complete a practical test and a written test; pass mark is 80%. For course information contact NSCC - Firearms Safety Courses
Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course (Part B)

The Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course is taken following successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.

The delivery of the course is coordinated by the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters and taught by volunteer instructors who are affiliated with non-profit groups, such as Ground Search and Rescue and Wildlife Associations. The volunteer instructors schedule courses at various locations throughout the Province based on student applications forwarded to them by the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters. For further information and application contact Hunter Education in Nova Scotia

Online Crossbow Hunter Training

Hunters are eligible to hunt with a crossbow in all hunting situations where conventional bows may be used, except the special open season for bowhunting whitetail deer.

For certification to hunt with a crossbow the person must:

have both a hunting AND a bow certification on their Wildlife Resources Card OR
have taken crossbow training elsewhere OR
can provide proof of hunting with a crossbow elsewhere OR
take the online crossbow course

    The Crossbow Hunter Safety Course is available online.

    The Weblink for the online course is as follows:

    http://www.huntercourse.com/canada/novascotia/

Trappers Education Workshop

The Trapper Education Workshop allows students (beginners and experienced trappers alike) the opportunity for hands-on practice and instruction by qualified and competent trapping instructors. Attendance is voluntary. There is usually only one Trapper Education Workshop per year. Topics covered include humane capture and dispatch of trapped animals, wildlife management, trapper safety, avoidance of non-target species, ethics and responsibilities to land owners and other wildlife habitat users, and proper pelt handling techniques.

Fur Harvester Course Application Form

The Becoming an Outdoors - Woman ® (BOW) program is a workshop primarily aimed at women but is an opportunity for anyone 18 years or older to learn outdoor skills that enhance and encourage participation in hunting, angling, and other outdoor activities. All classes are offered at an introductory level with experienced instructors. All equipment and supplies are included. For further information, please visit the website Becoming an Outdoors - Woman Website or email the BOW Nova Scotia Coordinator or Tel: 902-424-5832.

Learn To Fish ( L2F )

The L2F program is presented by the Inland Fisheries Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The program is geared towards youth aged 8-12 and consists of two main components: classroom presentation consisting of an introduction to freshwater sportfish in Nova Scotia, conservation education of freshwater resources, habitat characteristics, angling education (fishing basics made easy), and outdoor presentation/lesson consisting of a hands-on sportfishing workshop at a lake nearby. The angling education program recruits the next generation of stewards of our aquatic resources, by teaching safe and ethical angling skills to youth. Contact Nova Scotia's L2F (Learn to Fish) Program

Youth Exchange Program

Created by the Big Game Society of Nova Scotia and now delivered in partnership between the Federation and the Department of Natural Resources. The program is funded from the fees paid for Part B of the Hunter Education Course with the agreement of the volunteer instructors. Each year a participant is selected from all youth completing Part B training. An exchange trip for an angling or hunting experience is arranged with New Brunswick or Newfoundland with their selected youth participant coming to Nova Scotia. In addition to the trip the participants are provided with a variety of hunting & angling equipment.