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

Plan your 2025–26 Newfoundland and Labrador hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species: Moose, Caribou, Ducks and more. Newfoundland and Labrador’s rugged island barrens, coastal peatlands and boreal forests host robust moose herds, migratory caribou herds on the island and in Labrador, and world‑renowned waterfowl staging areas. From the interior plateau to the remote tundra, popular pursuits include limited moose and caribou tag draws, spring and fall duck hunting, and black bear seasons—under clear provincial regulations across 30 Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs). Plan an ethical, compliant hunt with exact season dates, bag limits and zone‑specific requirements for 2025–26. What Is There to Hunt in Newfoundland and Labrador? Big Game: Moose, caribou, black bear Small Game & Upland Birds: Spruce grouse, willow ptarmigan, snowshoe hare, wild turkey Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, eiders, murres, doves (federal permit required) Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, fox, beaver, muskrat This province’s mix of habitats delivers year‑round opportunity—from spring bear and turkey to autumn waterfowl and tundra caribou hunts. What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Newfoundland and Labrador? Unprotected predators (coyote, fox) may be taken any time on private land with landowner permission. Public‑land predator control outside open seasons requires a Fur Harvesting Licence and compliance with WMZ regulations. Always verify zone‑specific rules before targeting nuisance species. Newfoundland and Labrador Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Moose Island of Newfoundland – Rifle: Sep 13 – Dec 31, 2025 Labrador – Rifle: Sep 13 – Mar 8, 2026 Tags: Draw only; quotas by WMZ; applications Jan 15 – Feb 15, 2025 Caribou (Woodland & Barrenground) Rifle: Sep 15 – Oct 15 (select WMZs) Tags: LE draw; very limited quotas; applications Jan 15 – Feb 15, 2025 Black Bear Spring: Apr 1 – Jun 30 Fall: Sep 1 – Oct 31 Tags: One per hunter; cub harvest prohibited; some WMZs closed to hounds Note: Detailed WMZ calendars, quotas and weapon‑type restrictions are published annually by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. Newfoundland and Labrador Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26 Upland Birds & Small Game: Spruce Grouse, Willow Ptarmigan: 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, Eiders: Aug 23 – Dec 31; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5 ducks; 5 geese; 6 eiders) Murres: Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 15; island only) Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15) Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit & Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Bag Limits by Species Moose: 1 per draw tag Caribou: 1 per draw tag Black Bear: 1 per season (no cubs) Wild Turkey: 1 per licence period Spruce Grouse/Ptarmigan: 5 daily; possession 10 Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6 Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15 Eiders: 6 daily; possession 12 Murres: 15 daily; possession 45 Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45 Coyote/Fox: no limit private; Fur Harvesting Licence required public License & Tags Information for Newfoundland and Labrador Hunters (2025–26) Resident Licence: $48 (annual); includes one black bear tag; moose and caribou draw fees $15/tag Non‑Resident Licence: $180 (annual); tag fees $75/species; draw fees $25 Additional Permits: Fur Harvesting Licence (free; required) Spring Turkey draw (applications Mar 1 – 15, 2025) Hunter Education: Mandatory Newfoundland and Labrador Hunter Education Certificate or equivalent. Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed only with special permit; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″. Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .24 cal; straight‑wall handgun calibres prohibited; shotguns with slugs permitted for moose where specified. 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 WMZ Maps & Calendars: Available from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours via online portal or phone Special Areas: Some wildlife reserves and protected areas require additional access permits Verification Reminder: Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture hunting and trapping site to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. https://www.gov.nl.ca/hunting-trapping-guide/2025-26/ With precise season windows, zone‑specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Newfoundland and Labrador hunt. Prepare thoroughly and experience this province’s extraordinary wilderness and wildlife heritage.