Big Game Licence Application and Draw Process - 2020-21 Hunting and Trapping Guide

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for the 2020 big game licence draw, you must:

be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador;
be at least 16 years of age by August 31, 2020;
have a Hunter Certificate Number; and
have completed the Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course or applied for an Outdoor Identification Card before November 30, 2019 (Note: The course cut-off date for the 2021 draw is November 30, 2020).

Name Changes

Individuals requiring name changes to remain current in the Wildlife Management Information System must do so in writing and provide the applicable documentation:

for marriage, a copy of marriage certificate and driver’s licence or photo identification which matches the name on the marriage certificate;
for divorce, a copy of birth certificate and driver’s licence or photo identification which matches the name on the birth certificate; and
for any other reasons, a copy of change of name document and driver’s licence or photo identification.

Address Changes

The Wildlife Division must be notified in writing of any address changes to ensure you continue to receive your big game applications. This notification can be submitted to the Wildlife Division offices in Corner Brook or St. John’s or emailed to wildlifelicense@gov.nl.ca

Applications

Applications can be submitted either by mail or online at www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca.

Your application will be rejected if not completed correctly. The following information, along with the information on the application itself, will assist you. However, if you should have any questions contact the Wildlife Division.
If you do not want a licence but wish to advance in the priority pools, indicate ‘no’ in the section asking if you want the application to enter the draw. Sign and date the application, noting any change in your personal details. No other parts of the application need to be completed.
If you wish to have a licence, you must indicate ‘yes’ in the section asking if you want the application to enter the draw and the types of licences you are willing to accept (either-sex, male-only or calf). The more types that you are willing to accept, the greater your chances of receiving a licence. You must also indicate the areas for which you are willing to receive a licence.

Priority Pool Status

To advance through the priority pools you must submit an application each year by the deadline date. If a hunter does not submit an application for three consecutive years, their file will be identified as inactive and their priority pool will be reset to Pool 8. Files can be reactivated by contacting the Wildlife Division.

Licence Draw

The draw is based on a ‘priority pool’ system and applications are ranked based on participation and/or success in previous draws. There are nine pools. Pool 1 has the highest priority and Pool 9 has the lowest.
This system gives applicants who have been in the draw the longest without receiving a licence the best possible chance of receiving one. Note that being in Pool 1 does not guarantee you a licence.
The draw is computerized and begins with Pool 1 co-applicant applications, followed by Pool 1 individual applications, followed by Pool 2 co-applicant applications and so on. Co-applicant applications receive preference to give as many hunters as possible an opportunity to hunt with the licences available.
The draw also begins with the first area of choice on each application and goes through each area listed until a licence is awarded or the choice of areas runs out.
In each area, either-sex licences are awarded first, followed by female-only or calf (if available) and male-only or calf.
Chances of receiving a licence are greater for co-applicant application and those who list additional areas. Note that where two applicants on a co-applicant application have different rankings, the application is assigned to the lower pool. For example, if the applicants have a Pool 3 and Pool 5 ranking, the application goes in Pool 5.
Only apply for areas which you are prepared to hunt.
Notification to hunters of success or failure in the draw will be sent by mail and will also be available online once the draw has been completed.

Priority Pool Ranking

These rankings are based on a hunter who submits an application each year:

Pool 1: Hunters who submitted an application but did not receive a licence in the previous seven years.
Pool 2: Hunters who submitted an application but did not receive a licence in the previous six years.
Pool 3: Hunters who submitted an application but did not receive a licence in the previous five years.
Pool 4: Hunters who submitted an application but did not receive a licence in the previous four years.
Pool 5: Hunters who submitted an application but did not receive a licence in the previous three years, and new youth applicants.
Pool 6: Hunters who submitted an application but did not receive a licence in the previous two years.
Pool 7: Hunters who submitted an application but did not receive a licence in the previous year.
Pool 8: New adult applicants and hunters who held a party licence in the previous year.
Pool 9: Hunters who held an individual licence in the previous year.

Reasons for Rejected Applications

Duplicate applications: one application should be submitted for a party licence. The co-applicant must complete the information on the application submitted for the draw. If a subsequent application is submitted it will be rejected.
Invalid identification numbers (Driver’s Licence, Photo Identification or Hunter Certificate Number): the number recorded on the application must match the number on file. Ensure that all numbers are correct on the application before submitting it.
Licence type not identified: if you want your application to enter the draw you must check at least one licence type (either-sex, male-only or calf) that you are willing to accept, otherwise your application will be rejected.
Hunting areas not identified: if you want your application to enter the draw you must indicate at least one area choice, otherwise your application will be rejected.
Conviction on file: individuals convicted for a big game offence under the Wild Life Act and Regulations are not eligible to participate in the application/draw process for five years.
Firearms prohibition: individuals prohibited by the Court from possessing a firearm are not eligible to participate in the application/draw process until the prohibition ends. It is an offence to do so knowingly.
Late application: defined as applications received after the deadline date of April 17, 2020. Applications received up to the close of business on April 24, 2020 will be accepted for priority pool advancement only. Applications received after that date will be rejected.

Licence Payments

Payments for moose and caribou licences must be received by the date indicated on your licence notification in order to ensure receipt of the licence and tags before the start of the season.
Payments will be accepted after the deadline date, however there may be delays in receiving your licence and tags.
Payments are not accepted at Wildlife Division offices. Please see your licence or application for details on how to make payments.
Payments must be received by June 26, 2020 in order to guarantee that you receive your licence and tags before the start of the hunting season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once I file my big game application online, how do I know it was received and/or can I view it immediately to check for correct information?

Once you successfully complete your application you will receive a confirmation page. Please print or save the confirmation page. It is strongly suggested you double check to ensure your application is received and all application data is accurate. You can view your application information by selecting the Applications tab and then click on the application from the list.

Can I make changes to my big game application once it has been filed online?

Yes. You can change your application information up to the deadline date. After that date no online changes will be permitted, but you will be able to view the details of your application.

Can an online application be entered with errors?

No. Your application information will be verified before it is accepted to ensure there are no errors with the information provided. By filing it online, you are guaranteed that it will be error free.

If I complete an online application, do I also have to submit my paper application?

No. Your application has been filed with the Wildlife Division and will be processed in the upcoming big game licence draw. Visit www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca/Home/FAQ for further information on the big game application and draw process.