Hunter Education

    In Nova Scotia, all first time hunters who intend on hunting with a firearm must be trained in firearm safety and hunter education and if hunting with a bow, have received bowhunter education. The Hunter Education Program in the four Atlantic Provinces is delivered in two parts:

1. The Canadian Firearms Safety (Long Gun) Course (Part A)
   
       The Canadian Firearms Safety Course is delivered through the Nova Scotia Community College. The course includes instruction in safe firearm handling. Students must complete a practical test and a written test; pass mark is 80%.
   
   For further information and application contact http://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/education.asp and follow the links.
   
   
2. Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course (Part B)
   
       The Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course is taken following successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
   
   For further information and application contact http://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/education.asp and follow the links.

Online Crossbow Hunter Training

    Hunters are eligible to hunt with a crossbow in all hunting situations where conventional bows may be used, except the special open season for bowhunting whitetail deer. 

    For certification to hunt with a crossbow the person must:

• have both a hunting AND a bow certification on their Wildlife Resources Card OR
• have taken crossbow training elsewhere OR
• can provide proof of hunting with a crossbow elsewhere OR
• take the online crossbow course

For further information go to http://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/education.asp and follow the links.

Trappers Education Workshop

    The Trapper Education Workshop allows students (beginners and experienced trappers alike) the opportunity for hands-on practice and instruction by qualified and competent trapping instructors. Attendance is voluntary. There is usually only one Trapper Education Workshop per year. Topics covered include humane capture and dispatch of trapped animals, wildlife management, trapper safety, avoidance of non-target species, ethics and responsibilities to land owners and other wildlife habitat users, and proper pelt handling techniques.

For further Information go to http://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/education.asp and follow the links.

    The Becoming an Outdoors - Woman ® (BOW) program is a workshop primarily aimed at women but is an opportunity for anyone 18 years or older to learn outdoor skills that enhance and encourage participation in hunting, angling, and other outdoor activities. All classes are offered at an introductory level with experienced instructors. All equipment and supplies are included. For further information, please visit the website Becoming an Outdoors - Woman Website or email the BOW Nova Scotia Coordinator or Tel: 902-424-5832.

Learn To Fish ( L2F )

    The L2F program is presented by the Inland Fisheries Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

    The program is geared towards youth aged 8-12 and consists of two main components: classroom presentation consisting of an introduction to freshwater sportfish in Nova Scotia, conservation education of freshwater resources, habitat characteristics, angling education (fishing basics made easy), and outdoor presentation/lesson consisting of a hands-on sportfishing workshop at a lake nearby. The angling education program recruits the next generation of stewards of our aquatic resources, by teaching safe and ethical angling skills to youth. Contact Nova Scotia's L2F (Learn to Fish) Program