Airgun law · Canada

Are Airguns Legal in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes. Airguns are legal here for adults.

No meaningful state or national barrier for adult buyers, though local rules can still apply.

Tier 4 — Permissive

Minimal provincial-level barrier beyond the federal floor. Local rules may still apply.

The picture at a glance

Each measure below scores how restrictive Newfoundland and Labrador is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).

ClassificationFederal framework governs

Age rule18+ for PAL

PossessionPAL required (above threshold)

Transfer / saleStandard PAL process (above threshold)

TransportFederal STDR (above threshold)

Provincial layerFederal floor only

The rules in detail

Classification

Federal framework governs

Federal framework governs.

Age rule

18+ for PAL

18+ for PAL. No NL-specific airgun age verified below threshold.

Possession

PAL required (above threshold)

Lawful for adults below threshold; PAL required above.

Transfer / sale

Standard PAL process (above threshold)

Below threshold: no provincial process. Above: standard non-restricted process.

Transport

Federal STDR (above threshold)

Below threshold: no province-specific rule. Above: federal STDR applies.

Provincial layer

Federal floor only

Federal for firearms; provincial Wild Life Act for hunting.

Hunting with an airgun

Largely rural province; small-game and ptarmigan tradition is well-established. Specific airgun rules not located in source set.

Deer

Unresolved / not addressed

Unresolved (note: there are no native white-tailed deer in NL; moose and caribou are the big game)

Turkey

Unresolved / not addressed

Unresolved (no native turkey population)

Small game

Explicitly allowed

Allowed under general framework (rabbit/hare, ptarmigan tradition is rooted in rural use)

Predators

Unresolved / not addressed

Unresolved

Other big game

Unresolved / not addressed

Unresolved

Notes

The Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting and Trapping Guide is the authoritative source. Confirm method legality and licensing before any hunt.

Keep exploring

Open the interactive mapSee how this compares across the map and switch between legal and hunting views.Ballistics toolkitCheck energy, velocity, and range for any airgun and load.Ammo databaseBrowse 600+ pellets and slugs by caliber and weight.

This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.