Updated hunting licence process safeguards hunting opportunities for Yukoners

Press Release

March 25, 2026

The Yukon government is making changes to protect opportunities for Yukon resident hunters and strengthen the licence application process.

Starting April 1, 2026, people applying for a resident hunting licence for the first time or if they did not hold a licence in the previous year must provide updated proof of Yukon residency using approved forms of identification.

To ensure timely consideration, these individuals can submit their licence applications in March for early review. This will help avoid delays in obtaining their licence so they can apply to the Special Guide and Permit Hunt lotteries.

Hunting licence applications will now be processed within 10 business days.

There are no changes to the resident hunting licence renewal process for current licence holders.

Licensed residents and Yukon First Nations, particularly those living in remote communities, rely heavily on game harvest, which remains vital to Yukon culture, food security and livelihoods.

Quick facts

• Residency requirements are outlined in the Wildlife Act and its regulations. Under section 14(1) of the Wildlife Regulation, applicants for a Yukon resident hunting licence must provide proof of Yukon residency.
• Section 1 of the Wildlife Act defines a “Yukon resident” as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident whose principal residence has been in the Yukon for at least the previous 12 months and who has been physically present in the territory for at least 185 days during that time.
• At least three separate documents are now required as proof of residency. Examples include a passport, permanent resident card, Yukon driver’s licence issued more than a year ago, a financial statement showing a Yukon address, employment information from a Yukon employer, a residential tenancy agreement or proof of home insurance for a Yukon residential address.
• There are specific exemptions for some Yukon residents who do not meet the requirement to be physically present due to education, medical or employment reasons. These situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis annually.
• All Yukon resident hunting licence holders must meet the residency requirements for each year they receive a hunting licence.

Media contact

Linea Volkering
Communications, Environment
867-332-2688
linea.volkering@yukon.ca

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