Big Game Draw

The Big Game Draw is used to allocate a limited number of hunting licences to Saskatchewan residents in a transparent and equitable manner.

Hunters enter the Big Game Draw through the Saskatchewan Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) system. Hunters can submit, review and update their applications, check pool status history and purchase a draw licence through their HAL accounts.

Non-resident hunters are required to use the services of a provincially licensed outfitter or may hunt big game on First Nation reserve land with prior permission from the First Nation’s Chief and Council. You can learn more by downloading the Quick Facts for Non-resident Hunters and Anglers in Saskatchewan fact sheet.

The Big Game Draw application period is now closed. Good luck to everyone who applied!

Draw results will be available via HAL accounts in June, except for pronghorn, which will be available in mid-July.

Successful applicants will be able to purchase licences through their HAL accounts beginning August 1.

The status of your application(s) can be reviewed through your HAL account. If you require assistance with your account, call the ASPIRA help desk at 1-888-773-8450. Email notifications will be sent to applicants with valid email addresses. However, successful email delivery cannot be guaranteed. Please review your draw results through your HAL account.

For available draw hunting opportunities including season dates, bag limits and tentative quotas , see the latest supplements below. This information changes annually.

Download the Saskatchewan Resident Big Game Draw Overview for detailed information on pool status and how to apply (including screen shots and instructions).

Make sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

How to Apply

• You must submit your application for the Big Game Draw through your HAL account.
• You can also review the details and status of submitted applications, look up draw results and make changes to your application any time before the application deadline.
• Before applying, ensure you have reviewed the Saskatchewan Big Game Draw Supplement for available hunts, correct hunt designations, bag limits and season dates.
• Keep in mind that the HAL number and date of birth will also need to be entered for each group member added to your application.

If you are drawn, you can purchase your licence beginning August 1:

• Through your HAL account anytime;
• At any Saskatchewan hunting licence issuer;
• At a Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment or select provincial park office; or
• By phone using a credit card at 1-855-848-4773 (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.). Please allow 10 business days for delivery.

Watch this quick video on how to apply

Pool Status

The big game draw uses a system of priority pools to provide higher priority for applicants who have not been drawn for a greater number of years. Priority pools are established based on the last time a hunter was drawn for a particular species.

For more information, visit our FAQ page.

Download this infographic that shows the pool status process

HAL Account

A HAL account is required for all hunters applying for the Big Game Draw. If you are applying with a group, be aware that each group member's HAL number and date of birth must be entered onto the application.

Through your HAL account, you can:

• review your pool status;
• review and update submitted applications;
• look up draw results; and
• purchase draw licences (beginning August 1).

Eligibility

Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements, such as firearm safety/hunter education certification, prior to submitting an application. It is an offence to falsify information on an application or use the licence of another person.

Only Saskatchewan residents can apply for the Saskatchewan Big Game Draw. A Saskatchewan resident is:

• a Canadian resident whose principal residence is in Saskatchewan and has lived in the province for three months immediately prior to applying for a licence and possesses a valid Saskatchewan health services card (including RCMP);
• a member of the regular force of the Canadian Armed Forces who is stationed and residing in the province; or
• a member of the regular force of the Canadian Armed Forces who was a Saskatchewan resident when recruited or deployed from the province.

Applicants must be 12 years of age or older at the time of application. All applicants born after January 1, 1971 must graduate from a firearm safety/hunter education (saskhuntered.ca) course before applying.

Declining Licences and Maintain Pool Status

Hunters who are drawn for three or more draw species may decline awarded licence(s) and maintain their pool status. However, they must keep the awarded licence(s) for at least two species (i.e. a hunter drawn for three species may decline awarded licences for one species only, a hunter drawn for four species may decline awarded licences for one or two species, and so on). All eligible hunters wishing to decline awarded licences must notify the Ministry of Environment by email at centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca by July 31. No awarded draw licences can be declined past this date.

Please be aware of your pool status when completing your draw application and plan appropriately.

You are not required to apply to progress through D, C, and B pools – you will automatically advance. Once you are in A pool you must submit an application to advance to Super A pool and apply each year thereafter to retain your Super A pool status. If you miss applying, you will go back to A pool and remain there until you apply again.

If you do not wish to hunt but want to retain your pool status, apply for zone 99. 

All applicants are advised to read the Saskatchewan Resident Big Game Draw Supplement for further details on changes, as well as updated information on available hunts, tentative quotas and season dates.

Youth Draw

Hunters 12 to 15 years of age can apply for the youth draw for antlerless mule deer by selecting "Youth Draw" in the draw menu. This process provides a greater opportunity for young hunters to be selected. A youth may apply for both antlerless mule deer and the youth draw by using separate applications.

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