Dominion Outdoors is pleased to work with CFO designated instructors to offer the Canadian Firearm Safety PAL Course (Non-Restricted and Restricted) in Winkler. This course is required in Canada to apply for your PAL (firearm license). The course fee is $175 and is limited to 12 or 24 students per course, depending on how many instructors we have teaching. Our experienced firearms safety instructors help to make the course easy to understand and fun.
Once your course is completed come see us to get your photo taken and printed for your license application. We are also happy to help you with your license application and renewal process.
You can easily sign up for our next available course online here. We post courses weekly and do courses almost every weekend of the month. If you have any questions after reading through the information below, you can email us, or phone us at 204-325-4110 with any other questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the course?
A: We hold our courses on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8am, please arrive at least 10 minutes early. Non-Restricted courses are 8 hours and Restricted courses are 6 hours in length as required by the RCMP. Total course time does not include testing time, expect an additional 1-2 hours for testing time. You can see our upcoming course dates and sign up online here.
Q: Where is the course?
A: Our courses are held in Winkler, we will send an email with the course location and other important information the Thursday before the course. If you do not get the email please contact us so we can get you that information. We do not teach the course at our store.
Q: Do I need to study before the course?
A: There is no need to study beforehand as the course is very thorough. However if you do want to study and look through the student handbook ahead of time feel free to view it online here.
Q: At what age can I take the Non-Restricted course?
A: Ages 12 and up can take the Non-Restricted course. Minors receive a "Minor's Possession License" which allows them to do everything a PAL holder can do except for purchase firearms. Ages 18 and up can take the restricted course, but must take the non-restricted course first.
Q: What is required to take the Restricted course?
A: You must be 18 or older and have successfully completed the Non-Restricted course to sign up for the Restricted course. These are two separate courses, done on separate days, and cannot be combined. The Restricted course cannot be taken the same weekend as the Non-Restricted course.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Valid government issued photo ID, passport, or a birth certificate is required for identification. Bring your receipt with you as it is your ticket into the course. A pen is required for the written test. Taking notes can be beneficial, so paper or a notepad is a good idea as well. Don't forget your glasses or any other personal items you may need throughout the day.
Q: Can I bring my children or pets to the course?
A: Children under 12 are not permitted to attend the course; children over 12 are encouraged to join as long as they purchase a course spot. Pets are not permitted to attend the course, but certified service animals are welcome.
Q: Do we stop for lunch?
A: We teach through the lunch period to keep the course time shorter so please plan accordingly. You will need to bring your own lunch, along with your own coffee, water, and snacks for the day.
Q: What if I don't understand English?
A: The Canadian Firearm Safety Course is taught in English and all students must understand, and be able to read and write in English. No translators are allowed.
Q: Do I need a Hunter Safety to take the course?
A: No, the Hunter Safety is not related to the Canadian Firearm Safety Course in any way. If you're interested in the Hunter Safety course, more information can be found here.
Q: What if I'm sick or cannot make it to the course?
A: If you are sick or cannot make it to the course, we ask that you notify us so we can inform our instructor. Since the course has limited space and fills very quickly we are not able to offer refunds if you cannot attend. All cancellations or changes must be made at least 14 days prior to the course date to be eligible for a future course credit.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: If the weather is bad, but the highways to Winkler are not closed, the course will run as scheduled. We will do our best to watch weather patterns and postpone courses before the course date if possible. If you do not receive an email stating a course postponement and the highways to Winkler are open, the course is still running as scheduled. If a course needs to be postponed for any reason we will do our best to email you prior to the course date, and we will issue a credit for a future course. There are no refunds if you are not able to attend a running course.
Q: What is the PAL application process like?
A: To apply for your Possession Acquisition License (PAL) you need to successfully pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. Upon completion of the course you will receive a course report proving you passed the course along with the necessary paperwork to apply for your license which you will send in to the RCMP CFP along with a processing fee. You will also need a photo to send with your application which we can take and print for you right in the store or on the day of the course. We are also happy to help with your application process and can answer any questions you may have.
Dominion Outdoors Canadian Firearms Safety Course Procedures:
Course fee is non-refundable. Carefully and completely read the following before purchasing and attending the course. Failure to understand the following procedures could result in exclusion of the course without refund.
Carefully and completely read the following procedures before attending the course. Failure to understand the following procedures could result in exclusion of the course without refund.