FREDERICTON (GNB) – The minimum age to hunt small game and varmints has been changed to 12, effective Sept. 1.

“Changing the minimum age for hunters from 14 to 12 is something the New Brunswick Wildlife Federation asked for in an effort to attract young people to hunting, and it was supported by the majority of people who provided comments on the proposal ,” said Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northup. “This change conforms with federal legislation that allows youths who are 12 years old to obtain a minor's possession permit for a firearm and brings New Brunswick in line with most provinces that already have a minimum hunting age of 12 or younger.”

Changes to regulations for the Fish and Wildlife Act effective Sept. 1 will permit youths between 12 and 15 to hunt small game and varmints while accompanied by an adult. Before they can purchase a licence, they must first complete a firearm safety/hunter education course or bowhunter education course offered through local offices of the Department of Natural Resources.

A list of regional offices is available online as is information on the firearm safety/hunter education course.

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