Program for Hunters with a Disability
- All first time hunters, including those hunters who have not previously completed a hunter training course or program recognized by the Minister, including a person who has a disability affecting hunting activities, shall, before becoming eligible for a big game licence draw, complete the Canadian Firearm Safety and Hunter Education Course, or similar hunter training course or program in another jurisdiction that is recognized by the Minister.
- For the purposes of the Wild Life Regulations, a person who is legally blind may be exempted from the standard practical testing in the Canadian Firearm Safety and Hunter Education Course which requires vision to perform if he or she provides a certificate from a health care provider certifying that he or she is legally blind.
- A person who is legally blind who completes the Canadian Firearms Safety and Hunter Education Course may apply for and receive a big game licence but is not entitled to possess or use a firearm for the purpose of hunting.
- A hunter with a disability who receives a big game licence, shall in the case of person who is legally blind, and may in the case of a person with a disability affecting hunting, specify one designated hunter to shoot and retrieve the type and sex of big game animal named on the licence of the hunter with a disability provided that;
- Persons with disabilities not able to participate in the CFSC/HE Course or in the hunt itself may apply to become eligible to receive a problem moose from farms or other areas that has been euthanized by a conservation officer. Priority access to this moose meat will be managed by the regional or district Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture office where the problem moose occurs. Persons interested in this program must provide a medical note from a doctor. For more information or to add you name to a priority list, please contact your nearest Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture office.
(a) the designated hunter keeps the hunter with a disability within sight or within 800 meters of the hunter with a disability;
(b) the designated hunter possesses the licence and tags of the hunter with a disability at all times while hunting for that hunter with a disability.
- “Disability affecting hunting activities” means a permanent impairment or other permanent medical condition which, in the opinion of a health care provider, restricts a person’s ability to perform the activities of hunting, including shooting and retrieving a big game animal. General examples of hunting activity may include but is not limited to: walking and negotiating various outdoor terrain, streams, rivers or ponds; carrying, holding, operating and/or discharging a firearm or drawing a bow; and, lifting or carrying animal parts or equipment which may be in excess of 100 pounds.
- “Designated hunter” means a person who has completed a hunter training course or and is specified by a hunter with a disability to shoot and retrieve a big game animal of the type and sex named on the licence of the hunter with a disability, but does not include a person who is prohibited by the court from possessing a firearm or holding a big game licence.
- “Hunter with a disability” means a person who holds a valid big game licence issued by the Minister and has a disability affecting hunting activities as prescribed in the Wild Life Regulations.
- A designated hunter is not required to keep the hunter with a disability within sight when the designated hunter is in pursuit of an animal that he or she has injured.
How to Apply
- If you already receive applications for the resident big game licence draw and have a Hunter Certificate Number you may apply for the PHAD by completing an application form, available here and forwarding it to the Wildlife Division’s, Licencing Section at the address below, or;
- New big game licence applicants not presently receiving an application for the resident big game licence draw may submit the PHAD application form after completing the Canadian Firearm Safety and Hunter Education Course.
Note: A person who is registered with the Wildlife Division as a “Hunter with a Disability” will receive an Outdoor Identification Card (OIC) with the a code “D” or “DN” on the card; D means disability affecting hunting and DN means legally blind. Replacement OIC cards are available upon request.
For more information, please telephone 709.637.2025 or Email: wildlifelicense@gov.nl.ca
Mailing Address
Wildlife Division
P.O. Box 2007
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 7S1