Start a Hunting and Trapping Business in Charlottetown
This page gives a practical, no-nonsense roadmap to starting a Hunting and Trapping business in Charlottetown (NAICS 114210). It outlines the six essential requirements and what you’ll need to get licensed, registered, and ready to operate. You’ll find a clear overview of permits, estimated costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to launch.
Six practical requirements guide the process: 1) business registration and tax setup, 2) provincial hunting and trapping licenses, 3) municipal permits in Charlottetown, 4) wildlife handling and transport rules, 5) liability insurance and safety training, 6) recordkeeping and ongoing compliance. The page also explains which permits you may need, provides typical startup and annual costs, and outlines a realistic timeline from registration to launch.
Charlottetown’s mix of nearby hunting areas and a supportive small-business community makes it a strong base for this venture, helping you access needed resources, suppliers, and customers while you grow and build a trusted local reputation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a hunting and trapping business in Charlottetown is a Business Licence. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. The licence is issued by the City of Charlottetown and covers basic rules, zoning, and safety standards. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE—obtain it before you begin any activities.
Mandatory Operational Requirements cover health, safety, and permits. You’ll need to manage permits and environmental compliance: the DFO Commercial Fishing Licence and adherence to the Species at Risk Act when handling wildlife. In addition, follow health and safety best practices for field work, proper training, and humane handling of wildlife to protect workers and communities.
Business Registration & Tax: You also need to obtain a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This BN ties together your GST/HST registration and payroll deductions registration if you have employees. GST/HST registration is required if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold (or you may choose to register). Payroll Deductions Registration is required if you hire staff and must be set up to remit source deductions.
Encouragement: To move forward, start with the Charlottetown Business Licence application, then set up your CRA BN. Check GST/HST requirements and arrange payroll deductions if you plan to hire. Finally, review the DFO licence and Species at Risk Act obligations. If you’d like, a local business advisor or the city’s licensing office can help you map out the exact steps and timelines. You’ve got this—taking these steps will set you up on solid, compliant footing.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a hunting and trapping in Charlottetown:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Charlottetown. Apply to City of Charlottetown for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Charlottetown Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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DFO Commercial Fishing Licence RequiredDFO Commercial Fishing License & Quota System requirement for businesses in this jurisdiction. This licensing requirement ensures compliance with provincial regulations, protects consumers, and maintains industry standards. Requirements typically include business registration, professional qualifications or training, facility standards where applicable, insurance coverage, and adherence to relevant codes of practice. Specific details vary by province and business type. Businesses must consult relevant provincial authorities, regulatory colleges, or licensing bodies for complete requirements. Operating without required licensing may result in fines, closure orders, or inability to legally operate. Apply to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for commercial fishing licence. Species-specific, quota-based system.
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Species at Risk Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Operations affecting endangered species must comply with SARA, obtain permits, and implement mitigation measures to protect threatened wildlife. Species at Risk Act (SARA) federally. Permits for activities affecting listed species. Recovery strategies. Critical habitat protection. Assessment by COSEWIC. Provincial ESA may also apply. Environmental assessment integration. Contact Environment Canada: 1-800-668-6767.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your hunting and trapping:
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A $25.7M program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership open to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations. AAFC contributes up to 70% of eligible costs (max $1M/year or $5M over 5 years; $100K/year or $500K for national fair projects). In-kind contributions capped at 15% of total. Priority intake closed May 30, 2025; …
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A non-refundable BC personal and corporate income tax credit equal to 25% of the fair market value of eligible agricultural products donated to qualifying registered charities in BC. Available for donations made between February 16, 2016 and December 31, 2026. The credit is claimed in addition to the regular charitable …
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Ignite Program provides up to $300,000 to BC-based industry-academic teams for R&D projects in natural resources, applied science, and/or engineering. Projects must be at TRL 3 or above, have commercialization potential within 3 years, and secure 2:1 matching funds from industry or government sources. Funded by the Natural Resources …
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BCSRIF is funded 70% federally (DFO) and 30% provincially (BC). Phase 2 provided $128.55M for 73 projects. Covers up to 100% of eligible costs for non-commercial organizations; commercial recipients receive 50-90% depending on size. Available for BC-based projects until March 31, 2026. Applications assessed competitively on merit.
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