HUNTING SEASONS IN MANITOBA, CANADA 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide

Plan your 2025–26 Manitoba hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species: Deer, Moose, Waterfowl and more. Introduction Manitoba’s prairies, boreal forests and lake‑lined Parklands offer varied terrain and rich biodiversity. With some of North America’s largest deer herds, vast moose populations and world‑class waterfowl concentrations, the province hosts exceptional hunting opportunities across 20 Game Hunting Zones. Popular pursuits include whitetail deer archery and rifle seasons, trophy moose tag draws and spring/fall duck seasons—backed by clear provincial regulations and zone‑specific rules to guide your ethical, compliant hunt. What Is There to Hunt in Manitoba? Big Game: Whitetail deer, moose, black bear Small Game & Upland Birds: Ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, snowshoe hare, wild turkey Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, swans, mourning dove (federal permit required) Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, wolf, fox, beaver, muskrat Manitoba’s varied habitats deliver all‑season opportunity—from spring bear and turkey to late‑fall duck season. What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Manitoba? Unprotected predators (coyote, fox, wolf) may be taken anytime on private land with landowner permission. Public‑land predator control outside open seasons requires a Fur‑Harvest Tag and compliance with zone‑specific restrictions. Manitoba Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Whitetail Deer Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 15 Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 10 – Dec 15 Tags: Most zones OTC; Limited Entry Draw for antlerless in Zones 15–18 Moose Archery: Sep 15 – Oct 31 Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 10 – Oct 31 Tags: Draw only; applications open Feb 1 – Mar 15, 2025 (Spring Supplement) Black Bear Spring: Apr 1 – May 31 Fall: Aug 1 – Oct 31 Tags: OTC; cub harvest prohibited; hound restrictions in Zones 1–5 Note: Draw deadlines, tag quotas and zone‑specific weapon restrictions appear in the 2025 Spring Supplement and 2024 Guide. Manitoba Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26 Upland Birds & Small Game: Ruffed/Spruce Grouse: Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 5) Snowshoe Hare: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (daily limit 3) Wild Turkey: Apr 1 – May 15; Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 1; spring draw) Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks & Geese: Sep 1 – Dec 31; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5 ducks; 5 geese) Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15) Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Permit & Habitat Conservation Stamp citeturn0search2 Bag Limits by Species Whitetail Deer: 1 antlered or antlerless per season Moose: 1 per draw tag Black Bear: 1 per season (no cubs) Wild Turkey: 1 per licence period Grouse (all spp.): 5 daily; possession 10 Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6 Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15 Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45 Coyote/Fox/Wolf: no limit private; Fur‑Harvest Tag required public License & Tags Information for Manitoba Hunters (2025–26) Resident Licence: $36 (annual); big‑game tags $12/species Non‑Resident Licence: $150 (annual); tags $60/species; draw fee $20 Additional Permits: Fur‑Harvest Tag for predator control on public land (free) Spring Supplement Draw (moose, antlerless deer, turkey) Hunter Education: Mandatory Manitoba Hunter Education Certificate or equivalent. Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed only Dec 1 – Jan 31 in select zones; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″. Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .24 cal; straight‑wall pistol calibres prohibited; shotguns with slugs permitted. Muzzleloader: .40 cal+ patched ball or conical bullet; approved ignition only; single‑projectile conversions. Regulations & Resources Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset Zone Maps & Supplement: 2025 Spring Supplement and 2024 Hunting Guide PDF (Apr 1 2024 – Mar 31 2025) Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours (online or phone) Special Areas: Provincial Parks & Wildlife Management Areas require separate permits Verification Reminder: Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Manitoba Hunting Guide website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from Manitoba Government Inquiry: https://www.gov.mb.ca/ With accurate season windows, zone‑specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re set to plan your 2025–26 Manitoba hunt. Prepare thoroughly and savour Manitoba’s exceptional wildlife.