Getting Started with Alberta's Special Licence Draw System

To apply for a Big Game Special Licence or Minister's Special Licence Draw every individual must purchase a Wildlife Certificate prior to applying. This includes all group members and priority only applications.

All members of a group application must purchase their Wildlife Certificate separately. A group leader can not purchase a Wildlife Certificate on behalf of group members.

Draw application period is Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 9:00AM to Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 11:59PM.

How the System Works

The draw priority system recognizes participants who apply for the same special licence annually. Priority level for a particular special licence increases every year you apply and are not drawn.

Draw priorities are tracked by your Wildlife Identification Number (WiN). In order to ensure you are using your priority, you need to use your existing WiN and apply with the same WiN every year.
Participants may edit their applications online before the application period closes. Once it has closed an application cannot be altered.
Group Applications: The priority for the group application is that of the individual member whose priority is lowest.
If you are drawn for a special licence the authorization cannot be cancelled. You are not required to purchase your awarded licence(s), however:

It will be considered sold and may affect your ability to purchase other licences of that species.
Your priority will return to zero once drawn.

Steps in the Draw Process

Sign in with your WiN or the identifier on file. Select Draw Applications.
Determine special licence species opportunities for the upcoming season you wish to hunt. After selecting your species, draw options will automatically display for selection.
Select an individual or group application.
Submit your draw application and verify details using your web account.

Helpful Draw Strategies and Tips

Some areas and species have higher demand than others. View historical draw information to help determine demand based on previous years activity.
Some species have Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) that have multiple harvest season(s) allowing participants to choose the opportunity that best fits their schedule.
Do not select other WMUs as second and third choices unless you are willing to hunt those WMUs.
Special Licence opportunities that are not fully allocated through the draw process will be allocated through the Undersubscribed licence opportunities on a first come, first serve basis.
Please visit AHEIA.com for information and to complete your hunter education.
Any year that you do not apply, your priority does not change.
Can’t hunt this year but still want to increase your draw priority? Use 'Priority Only' as your first and only draw choice to increase your draw priority.
A Non-resident (Canadian) must hunt with a Hunter Host if successful in a draw for a special licence.
Need more info? Check out our helpful Big Game Draw information page here.

How to View Draw Results

Draw results (excluding antelope) will be available online beginning July 8, 2025 at 9:00AM and undersubscribed information will be available online beginning July 15, 2025 at 9:00AM
To view your draw results online sign in with your WiN or the identifier on file. Select My Account then Orders/Reprints to view your results.
Results will not be sent out by mail.
Draw licences (excluding Antelope) and Undersubscribed licences are available beginning Friday, August 1, at 9:00am.

Resources

Watch our helpful video on steps to apply or modify applications for the Big Game Draw.

Steps to Apply for a Special Licence Draw

Need help or have questions pertaining to the 2025 Hunting Draws? Contact the Help Desk at 1-888-944-5494.

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