Seal Hunting - information

Commercial and Personal Use Licenses - Harp and Grey Seals

Many members are contacting us right now with questions about seal fishing, here are some details:

-       You must attend a three-step process information session given by an instructor certified by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

-       This process is to ensure a humane harvest (DFO Website)

-       We're not aware of any instructors in New Brunswick now, but it is possible to have online training with the ACPIQ director. Sessions in French are available on March 6 and 7, 2024.

-       Consult this website for registration: Click here!

-       Unfortunately, these sessions are in French; if you would like to have a session in English, please contact the MFU office. We will gather your names, and once a session is available, we will let you know.

-       We have no information on sessions offered in Nova Scotia at this time.

Once you have completed your information session, the session will send your certificate and contact information to DFO. You must then register for the National Online Licensing System (NOLS). There are 2 types of licence.

Personal Use Licence

-       The Personal Use Licence is not available in New Brunswick at this time, but we will hear from the Minister of DFO on this subject shortly.

-       The Personal Use Licence gives access to 6 seals per year.

Commercial licence (assistant hunter)

An assistant hunter must have officially registered hunting activities supervised by a professional/commercial for two consecutive years. His or her license will automatically become professional after that.