Instruction Sheet: Applying for a Taxidermist Permit under the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022

General information

The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA) serves to protect and conserve migratory birds, their nests and eggs in Canada. The Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 (MBR) authorize permits for activities that would otherwise be prohibited under the MBCA or MBR.

Taxidermist permits may be issued under paragraph 12(1)(f) of the MBR, in accordance with MBR sections 77-79. A taxidermist permit authorizes a taxidermist to possess migratory birds or their eggs to conduct taxidermy services for profit, subject to any conditions set out in the permit. This permit application is for persons who wish to engage in the business of offering taxidermy services to the public. A taxidermist permit is not required for migratory game bird hunting permit holders who wish to mount migratory birds taken legally under their permit themselves, for their own purposes.

To request authorization to temporarily possess a migratory bird to perform related taxidermy services, the applicant must complete the “Application for a Migratory Bird Taxidermist Permit under the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022”and send it by email (preferred) fax or regular mail to the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) permitting office in your region. The applicant must also submit the application fee of $10 (preferably a cheque or money order made payable to the “Receiver General for Canada”, cash is also accepted). A list of regional permitting offices and contact information is available on the last page of this document.

CWS processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Permit decisions will be made within the specified number of calendar days after the application, any required supporting documentation and fees have been received. Incomplete, unsigned or illegible application forms cannot be processed and may result in a delay or refusal of your application. The current service standard for taxidermist permits can be found online on the Government of Canada website or by contacting your regional permitting office.

The terms of taxidermist permits validity are set out in section 14 and subsection 79(3) of the MBR.

Section 1. Applicant information

The applicant is the individual to whom the permit would be issued. If the application is approved and the permit is issued, the applicant becomes a permit holder and is responsible for maintaining records and ensuring that permit terms and conditions are met.

Section 2. Location

The street address of the location of the business or premises (i.e. land or building) where you will be conducting the taxidermy activities. When the location(s) do not have a designated street address, please provide latitude and longitude coordinates. The applicant must also attach instructions outlining how to find the location or a map marked with the location if it does not have a street address.

Note: If specimens are to be shipped or transported, other permits or permissions may be required. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Shipping and labelling requirements under sections 10 and 50 of the MBR also apply.

Section 3. Application fee

In addition to the application form, all applicants must submit a $10 application fee, preferably in the form of a cheque or money order made payable to the “Receiver General for Canada”. Cash is also accepted. The fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee the issuance of a permit.

Note: If a cheque is returned for non-sufficient funds (NSF), a new cheque for the original amount plus the administration fees to cover the cost of the NSF cheque must be submitted in the amount of $35 ($10 for the permit plus $25 for fees) before the application can be processed.

Section 4. History

Select “no” or “yes” to all questions. If you answered “yes” to a question, please provide additional details such as a permit number and a reason or an explanation as indicated.

Section 5. Attestation and applicant signature

The name in this section must match the name of the applicant in Section 1 of the application.

The signature binds the applicant to the statement of certification. Please ensure that all information is correct and that the statement is read before signing and dating the application.

Note: If the applicant does not sign the application or if the fee is not paid, the application cannot be processed.

Appendix 1. Canadian Wildlife Service regional offices for permitting sections

Atlantic Region: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick
17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227
Sackville, NB  E4L 1G6

Telephone: 506-364-5068 / Fax: 506-364-5062
Email: Permi.Atl@ec.gc.ca

Quebec Region
801-1550 Avenue d'Estimauville
Québec, QC  G1J 0C3

Telephone: 418-649-6129 / Fax: 418-648-4871
Email: PermisSCFQuebec-CWSQuebecPermit@ec.gc.ca

Ontario Region
335 River Road
Ottawa, ON K1V 1C7

Telephone: 613-990-8355 / Fax: 613-990-8400
Email: wildlifeontario@ec.gc.ca

Prairie Region: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
115 Perimeter Road
Saskatoon, SK  S7N 0X4

Telephone: 306-975-4090 / Fax: 306-975-4089
Email: prpermisscf-cwspermitpr@ec.gc.ca 

Pacific Region: British Columbia
60 Front Street L3
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7

Telephone: 250-327-4101 / Fax: 604-946-7022
Email: scfpacpermitscwspacpermits@ec.gc.ca

Northern Region: Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon
P.O. Box 1870
Suite 301-933 Mivvik St.
Iqaluit, NU  X0A 0H0

Telephone: 867-975-4636 / Fax: 867-975-4645
Email: cwspermitnorth@ec.gc.ca

Please visit the Contact information for Canadian Wildlife Service office (by region) for the most up-to-date information.