Frequently Asked Questions - AlbertaReLM.com

Draws & Undersubscribed

Applications

What is a 999 application?

If you do not plan on hunting/sportfishing this year, you can increase your priority by 1 with a priority only (also called 999) application. If you do not plan on hunting/sportfishing, you should not submit an application for a specific WMU or season.

What if I cannot find the WMU I prefer to hunt for a specific species?

Be sure to scroll and see if multiple pages of WMU options are available. Learn more on how to use the WMU location filter here.

Do I have to purchase a Wildlife Certificate before applying for the Special Licence hunting draw?

Yes, to apply for Special Licence hunting draws the purchase of a Wildlife Certificate is required.

Are all draw applicants required to purchase a Wildlife Certificate to apply for the Big Game Draw?

All applicants (group leader and group members) are required to purchase a Wildlife Certificate prior to applying, confirming their residency and hunter eligibility status.

On a group application, can the primary Draw Applicant purchase a Wildlife Certificate on behalf of group members?

All applicants must purchase their Wildlife Certificate separately, confirming their residency and hunter eligibility status.

Can I apply with a friend?

Yes, up to 4 people can apply as a group for one application fee (for most draws – some draws only allow 1 or 2 applicants). All group members will have the same draw choices and all will usually be drawn or not drawn together (see information on Walleye and Antelope below). If a group submits a 999 (priority only) application, the priority of all members will increase by 1.

Is there any disadvantage to applying as a group?

The group application will use the lowest priority of all the group members for the draw. For example, if one group member has 2 points and the other members have 5 points, the application will have 2 points (If drawn, each member of the application will have their priority dropped to 0, while if not drawn, each applicant will have their individual priority increased by 1).

Do I need a valid WIN card to apply for the draws?

No. A WIN number is required, but you do not need to reactivate your card if it is expired when you apply for the draws. A valid WIN card is required to purchase any drawn licence(s).

Can I apply for a different draw choice than last year and not lose priority?

Yes, you can apply for any draw choice within the same draw code without affecting your priority.

Will I still get a point if I am drawn for one Walleye (or Antelope) draw but apply for others?

Yes, if you are drawn for Walleye Class A but also apply for Class B or C, you will still get a point in those draws. Note that you can be drawn at most once per year across all three draws. The same applies for Trophy Antelope, Antelope Archery, and Non-Trophy Antelope.

How can I check my application?

Any group member can see their application details in My Account > Draw Applications. Email receipts will be provided to the group leader at the time of purchase.

What happens if I make a mistake in my application?

All Applications can be edited until the application period ends, either online by the group leader or by contacting the AlbertaReLM.com Help Desk. Application choices or group members can be changed. When an application is changed the group leader will receive an email with an updated application receipt. Applications submitted for an incorrect draw may be cancelled by the Help Desk (no refund will be issued). Applications cannot be edited or cancelled once the application period ends.

Results

What are my chances of winning?

Chances of winning depend on priority and number of applicants for each location. For information on award percentages from previous years, please visit www.mywildalberta.com.

Why did my priority drop to 0 after the draw?

All drawn applicants’ priority is reduced to 0, whether or not the awarded licence is actually purchased.

Why was I not drawn but other group members were?

If you are drawn in one Walleye (or Antelope) draw, you are excluded from the later draws for the same species. If applications for these draws have different group members, your group members in the second or third draw may be drawn without you if you were drawn in a previous draw with different applicants.

How are licences awarded in the draw?

All applications are assigned a random number. Applications with highest priority are awarded their choices first for each location. If there are more applications with the same priority than licences remaining, the random numbers are used to determine which applications are drawn. In draws that do not confer priority, random numbers are the only selection method used for all applications.

How can I check my draw results?

Draw results can be checked through My Account > Draw Applications. Once results are published, they will be visible to all group members.

What does the draw application status in my account mean?

The most common application statuses are:

Where can I obtain more information on the Big Game Draw?

Go to www.albertaregulations.ca and click on Alberta Hunting Draws.

Harvest Surveys / Activity Reports

Where can I find information about the harvest & effort survey licence opportunity?

This information can be found here.

Where can outfitters sign in to submit Activity Reports?

Outfitters may log in to the Activity Reporting page here.

Accounts

I do not currently have a WIN number. How do I get one?

A Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) is required to purchase a Public Lands Camping Pass, recreational hunting licence or sportfishing licence. Click Create Account on the home page and follow the prompts. You may also visit any Licence Issuer and fill out a WIN application to create an account. Once you activate your WIN card you will be assigned a WIN number. Physical WiN cards will no longer be mailed out. If you prefer to have a physical card, you can request a new or replacement card for an additional fee via the Help Desk.

I forgot my WIN number. What do I do?

Please Contact Us and a customer support representative will be happy to help you. You will be required to confirm your identity so that we can assist you.

Why can't I log in? My WIN number/password are not being accepted.

Here are a few troubleshooting steps to get you logged in.

When I signed in I was issued a new WIN number. HELP!

Please Contact Us and a customer support representative will be happy to help you.

What do I do if I don't have a driver's licence number?

If you do not have a driver's licence number you may use any of the following identifiers in your profile:

How can I change the name on my account?

Name changes can only be done in-person at a Licence Issuer. Please check your local location for hours of operation.

Why is the information on Hunter Eligibility included on my Account Profile?

In order to purchase a hunting licence in Alberta you have to meet criteria which allows you to be eligible to hunt in Alberta. An individuals WIN profile is used to confirm a person eligibility to hunt. All WIN profiles created use the same format regardless of what type of activity they are pursuing (hunting, fishing or camping).

Why do we need to purchase a WIN number?

Creating a WIN profile is required to access the services provided by AlbertaRELM.com website.

Where do the funds from the WIN account go?

A portion of the one-time WIN account funds are used to enable the fee collection system. The remainder is directed to Alberta Environment and Parks and supports ongoing conservation management of fish and wildlife in Alberta.

WIN Cards

Does my virtual WIN card expire?

No! The virtual WIN card never expires and renewals are never needed again.

How much does a virtual WIN card cost?

Virtual WIN card activation requires a one-time $8.00 fee (plus GST). Current WIN card holders will be required to pay the one-time fee when their current WIN expires to activate. Create or renew your virtual WIN card online and receive a $2.00 discount off the activation fee.

Can I purchase my one-time virtual WIN activation before my current WIN expires?

No, you must wait until your current WIN has expired before purchasing your virtual WIN card activation for a one-time $8.00 fee (plus GST).

Where can I find my WiN number?

Your WiN number appears on the front of your WIN card. You can easily access your WIN number in the app by clicking on the WIN card icon on the top right. As well as on any past licence, near the top right corner.

How can I purchase a physical WIN card online?

If you're activating your virtual WIN card for the first time you can choose to add a Physical WIN Card during checkout.
If you have already purchased your virtual WIN card and would like to obtain a physical card you can log into your account and click on Purchase, then WIN Card. The physical WiN card product will display as PNW-Physical WIN Card for purchase.

When can I expect to receive my physical WIN card in the mail?

WIN cards take approximately 3-5 weeks for delivery from the date of purchase. If your card was ordered more than 5 weeks ago and you have not received it, please go to the Contact Us page and send us your information so that we can follow up.

I lost my WIN Card. How do I get a new one?

Log into your account and click on Replace WIN Card to order a new card. You can also purchase a replacement at any Licence Issuer. The replacement fee is $3.00 (plus GST). If your WIN Card has expired you can reactivate it for $8.00 (plus GST). Your newly activated virtual WiN never expires and renewals are never needed again.

Do I need to wait for my WIN Card to come in the mail to purchase my licence?

No, physical WiN cards will no longer be mailed out. As long as you have your valid WIN number you can purchase a licence. WIN numbers are 10 digits and begin with the number 1, e.g. 1200000000.

I activated my WIN number online, why am I being asked to give consent to Alberta Conservation Association for use of my data?

The Alberta Conservation Association is a delegated authority that receives levies collected through the sale of Hunting and Fishing Licences. The revenue collected is used to fund programs which enhance conservation, hunting, and angling projects in Alberta. Individuals who consent to being contacted by the Alberta Conservation Association will receive emails highlighting current programs and projects which are of interest to outdoor enthusiasts.

Licence Purchases

Can I purchase a licence over the phone?

No, licences can be purchased on the AlbertaReLM.com website, or at a Licence Issuer.

Why does an Annual Sportfishing Licence expire March 31 rather than being valid for one year from the date of purchase?

The sportfishing season follows the Government of Alberta fiscal calendar which runs April 1 - March 31. This calendar aligns very well with Alberta's sportfishing seasons as ice fishing transitions to into spring open water season. Standardized seasons also allow resource managers to better report both participation rates and program effectiveness on an annual basis.

Tags

Why do I need to have tags?

Several licences issued in Alberta are issued with a tag(s) and shows the validity of the hunter/angler to hunt/fish the specified type of species at the specified time and location.

Do I need to have a tag(s) in hand before purchasing a licence online?

For licences that require tags, you must have a tag(s) in hand to complete the purchase process. Tags are required to complete the online purchase.

What colour are the current licence year tags?

The current licence year tag is green in colour. Older tags, prior to 2014 (yellow tags, etc) are no longer valid and cannot be used.

How do I obtain tags to use with my online licence purchase?

You have multiple options to order tags free of charge:

Hunting & Sportfishing Regulations

Where can I get a copy of Alberta's WMU Map?

Alberta's WMU map can be found at the following link: https://www.alberta.ca/wildlife-management-units.aspx

Do I have to carry my licence with me while sportfishing or hunting?

Yes, you must have your licence with you.

Can I renew my Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) at AlbertaReLM.com?

The PAL replaced the previous Firearms Acquisition Certificates (FAC) and is controlled by the RCMP. Your PAL can be renewed at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/online_en-ligne/index-eng.htm.

Can I hunt wolf/coyote without a licence?

Residents of Alberta with right of access to the area they are hunting in may hunt wolf/coyote without a licence at certain times of the year. Please consult the Alberta Hunting Regulations at http://albertaregulations.ca/huntingregs/ for more information.

Can anglers in Alberta use barbed hooks?

Barbed hooks are not illegal at present in Alberta, however Alberta Environment & Parks is requesting that anglers refrain from using them. Please see https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/safety-procedures/fish-handling/default.aspx for more information.

Public Lands Camping Pass

Where are Public Lands Camping Passes required?

The passes are required by individuals who want to random camp on public lands in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains from Grande Prairie to Waterton Lakes National Park, west of Highway 43 and Highway 22. A camping pass is also required for the Willmore Wilderness Park. More information and a map is available at Alberta.ca/CampingPass.

Where can I find more information for camping on public lands?

Please visit Camping on Public Land for information on camping on public lands.

How long is my Public Lands Camping Pass valid for?

The annual pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase. The 3-day pass is valid for three days (72 hours) from the selected date. It is valid from 2pm and expires at 2pm on the third day. This enables three nights of camping.

Do I need to print my pass?

An individual must either print the pass or have it available through the mobile app to be able to show it to an officer upon request.

Are Public Lands Camping Passes refundable or transferrable?

The passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Do I need a pass if I am recreating in the pass area for the day?

No, the Public Lands Camping Pass is only for overnight camping in the pass area.

Is there a fine for not having a Public Lands Camping Pass when camping on public land in the pass area?

Yes, fines may be issued if an individual does not purchase a pass or is unable to produce a pass ( either a printed pass or the electronic pass on the AlbertaRELM mobile app) if an officer requests it.

When is a Public Lands Camping Pass not needed?

Are there different rates for visitors who are not Alberta residents?

No, the same rate applies for all pass purchasers.

How will the money from fees be used?

Funds from the pass will be reinvested in the region to improve recreation experiences and help conserve these beautiful landscapes so they can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.