Non-residents must meet applicable Canadian firearm laws when bringing a hunting rifle or shotgun into New Brunswick from the United States, or from another country.
Importation of firearms into Canada is regulated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency. Non-resident hunters who are at least 18 years of age may transport non-restricted rifles and shotguns into Canada if they have obtained a valid:
- Non-Resident Firearms Declaration form, or
- a Canadian Firearms Licence.
A Non-Resident Firearms Declaration is a temporary licence that is valid for 60 days once it is signed by a Canada Border Services Agency customs officer. The declaration also allows you to purchase ammunition for the firearms listed on the licence while in Canada.
A Canadian Firearms Licence, or Possession and Acquisition Licence, is valid for 5 years. In addition to bringing a non-restricted firearm into Canada, it allows you to purchase ammunition and to borrow a non-restricted firearm while in Canada. Refer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Non-residents site for additional information on firearm importation.
If you are a Canadian non-resident bringing a non-restricted firearm to New Brunswick from another province or territory, you require a Possession and Acquisition Firearms Licence to legally possess and transport your firearm.
Hunting bows and crossbows do not require a licence to possess or transport in Canada. However, crossbows that you can aim and fire with one hand and those with an overall length of 500 mm (19.7 inches) or less are prohibited in Canada.
Handguns are not permitted for hunting in New Brunswick and their importation into Canada is strictly controlled. Refer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for additional information.