Youth Outdoor Education & Safety Program

 

FAMILY TRADITIONS START HERE.​

Welcome to the YR Firearms Youth Program—where learning, safety, outdoor skills, and family values come together to build traditions for generations.  Our Youth Program is dedicated to giving young people the opportunity to learn responsible firearms safety, hunter education, outdoor skills, and respect for Canada's hunting and outdoor traditions in a welcoming and professional environment.

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Whether hunting and shooting sports have been part of your family for generations—or you're starting a brand-new tradition—we're here to help the next generation get started.

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WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Youth Ages 12–17​

Our Youth Program is designed primarily for youth ages 12–17, with exclusive discounts available on the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and Ontario Hunter Education Course.

 

Parental/guardian consent is required for minors and will be completed at registration on the morning of the course.

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Under 12, You Can Learn Too!

Youth under the age of 12 are also welcome to take our Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and Ontario Hunter Education Course, and the applicable youth discounts will still apply.

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NOTE:  That youth under the age of 12 cannot obtain a Minor's Licence until they reach the minimum eligible age of 12.  Taking the courses earlier provides younger participants with an opportunity to begin learning about firearms safety, responsible handling, ethical hunting, conservation, and outdoor traditions alongside their families.

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CANADIAN FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE - CFSC

Give your child a strong foundation in safe and responsible firearm handling.

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Youth participants receive: $25 OFF

Use discount code: YOUTH25

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ONTARIO HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE

Introduce the next generation to safe, responsible, and ethical hunting while developing the knowledge and skills needed to participate in Ontario's hunting and outdoor traditions.

 

Youth participants receive: $75 OFF

Use discount code: YOUTH75

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TAKE BOTH & SAVE $100

Want to complete both courses?

Youth registering for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course + Ontario Hunter Education Course receive: $100 OFF

Use discount code: ONESTEP

A convenient way to complete both programs while saving even more.

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IMPORTANT YOUTH DISCOUNT INFORMATION

Youth promotional codes are exclusively for participants 17 years of age and younger, including eligible participants under the age of 12.

Identification will be required at registration to confirm eligibility.

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If a youth promotional code is used by someone who does not meet the age requirements, the difference between the discounted price and the applicable regular course fee must be paid on the morning of the course before participation.

 

Important: Completing a course does not automatically make a participant eligible for a firearms licence. Youth under 12 may participate in the educational course but cannot apply for a Minor's Licence until they meet the applicable minimum age of 12.

 

MORE THAN A COURSE.

We want the YR Firearms Youth Program to go beyond the classroom. Our goal is to give young people opportunities to become involved in firearms safety, hunting, conservation, shooting sports, and Canada's outdoor community.  That's why eligible youth who take a course with YR Firearms become part of our Youth Opportunity Program.

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ANNUAL YOUTH FIREARM DRAW

DECEMBER 15

Every year, YR Firearms will hold a special draw exclusively for eligible youth who have taken a qualifying course with us.  Any eligible youth participant who has registered for and taken either of the following courses with YR Firearms during the qualifying period will be entered:

• Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC)

• Ontario Hunter Education Course

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ONE FIREARM WILL BE AWARDED DECEMBER 15

One eligible youth participant will be selected in our annual December 15 draw to receive a firearm. There is no additional entry required for eligible youth course participants.

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FIREARM PRIZE ELIGIBILITY 

Possession, acquisition and transfer are subject to all applicable Canadian laws and regulations and the official contest rules. Where a selected youth is not legally eligible to acquire or possess the firearm directly, any transfer or possession must comply with applicable legal requirements.

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​​​​​Take a course.  Learn the skills.  Build the tradition.

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​​​​Learn to Hunt in Ontario

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Get Your Ontario Hunter Education Certificate and Outdoors Card

Are you ready to become a licensed hunter in Ontario? The first step is to complete the Ontario Hunter Education Program (OHEP) — a mandatory course for all new hunters.

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What is the Ontario Hunter Education Program

The Ontario Hunter Education Program (OHEP) is a 7-hour in-class training course plus an examination. The course fee is $170 + HST.

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your Ontario Hunter Education Certificate, which is required to apply for your Ontario Outdoors Card and purchase your first Ontario Hunting Licence.

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What You’ll Learn in the OHEP Course

The Ontario Hunter Education Course is designed to help new hunters become safe, responsible, and ethical participants in Ontario’s hunting traditions. Topics include:

• Ontario hunting laws and regulations

• Hunter responsibilities and ethics

• Wildlife management and conservation

• Safe hunting practices and equipment use

• Hunting methods and techniques

• Wildlife identification skills

• This course also reinforces essential firearms safety principles covered in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC).

 

Who Must Take the Course?

All new hunters in Ontario must complete the Hunter Education training and pass the exam before they can legally purchase a hunting licence. You must be at least 12 years old to register for this course.  Whether you’re interested in bow hunting, waterfowl, or big game, this course is your legal first step toward safe and responsible hunting in Ontario.

 

Administered by Trusted Partners

The Ontario Hunter Education Program is delivered in partnership with:

• The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH)

• The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)​

• ​​In 1960, Ontario became the first Canadian province to establish a mandatory Hunter Education course that included training on safe and responsible hunting.  

• More than one million individuals have successfully completed hunter education training.  

 ​​​​​PAL Course in Ontario: Canadian Firearm Safety Course (CFSC)

​If you want to hunt with a firearm, you’ll need to complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and apply for your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL).  You can do this before or after taking the Hunting Course.​

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Start your journey toward a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) with the mandatory CFSC training—required to legally own non‑restricted firearms (e.g. rifles, shotguns) in Canada. Serving York Region and Elmvale, our CFSC is RCMP‑approved and delivered with professionalism and expertise.    

 

Course Summary

• Duration: 8‑hour instructional day plus written & practical examination

• Pricing: $210 + HST

• Provided By: Certified instructors accredited by Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO)

• Intent: Learn firearms safety, legal responsibilities, ammunition types, actions & handling, transportation & storage

• Eligibility: All ages can register; minors need parental consent and may receive a Minor’s Licence upon successful completion at the age of 12

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