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

Plan your 2025–26 Northwest Territories hunt with our territory‑by‑territory guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species: Barren‑ground Caribou, Muskox, Waterfowl and more. Northwest Territories’ vast taiga forests, boreal plains and Arctic lowlands host prolific barren‑ground caribou herds, healthy muskox populations and critical migratory waterfowl staging zones. Governed by the Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources, hunting is managed across large wildlife regions that blend indigenous co‑management and clear seasonal frameworks. Popular pursuits include summer and fall caribou tag draws, muskox hunts, polar bear quotas and waterfowl excursions—supported by detailed regional regulations to ensure sustainable, ethical harvests. What Is There to Hunt in Northwest Territories? Big Game: Barren‑ground caribou, muskox, moose, elk, polar bear (quota) Small Game & Upland Birds: Willow ptarmigan, rock ptarmigan, Arctic hare, grouse species Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Snow goose, Canada goose, ducks (federal permit required) Furbearers & Predators: Wolf, Arctic fox, wolverine, beaver Northwest Territories’ vast landscapes deliver seasonal opportunities—from mid‑summer caribou hunts to early‑fall waterfowl wingshooting. What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Northwest Territories? Unprotected species such as wolf and fox may be harvested year‑round on private lands and community lands under local agreements; non‑resident predator hunts require a permit and community consent. Always verify region‑specific rules before targeting unclassified predators. Northwest Territories Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Barren‑Ground Caribou Summer Rifle/Archery: Jul 1 – Aug 31 (quota draw) Fall Rifle: Sep 1 – Oct 15 (quota draw) Tags: Issued by community‑managed draw; one tag per hunter Muskox Rifle: Aug 1 – Sep 30 (quota draw) Tags: Limited entry; application period Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025 Polar Bear Rifle: Aug 1 – Oct 31 (quota only) Tags: Allocated per community under co‑management agreements Moose Rifle: Aug 15 – Sep 30 (quota draw) Tags: Limited allocation; applications Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025 Note: Detailed regional calendars, quotas and weapon restrictions are published annually by the Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Northwest Territories Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26 Upland Birds & Small Game: Willow/Rock Ptarmigan: Aug 1 – Dec 31 (subsistence harvest limits) Arctic Hare: Aug 1 – Mar 31 (no daily limit) Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Snow/Canada Goose: Jul 15 – Sep 15 (daily limit 10) Ducks (all spp.): Aug 10 – Sep 30 (daily limit 5) Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15) Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Permit & Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Bag Limits by Species Caribou/Muskox: 1 per draw tag Polar Bear: 1 per quota tag Moose: 1 per draw tag Ptarmigan/Hare: subsistence‑style limits; verify local guidelines Geese: 10 daily; possession 20 Ducks: 5 daily; possession 15 Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45 Wolf/Fox/Wolverine: no formal limit for licensed harvesters; community rules apply License & Tags Information for Northwest Territories Hunters (2025–26) Resident Licence: $30 (annual); tags $20/species; community‑managed draw systems Non‑Resident Licence: $200 (annual); draw fee $25; community consent required Additional Permits: Predator Harvest Licence (free; required) Polar Bear Co‑management Tag (free; quota only) Hunter Education: Recommended Arctic safety and ethics training. Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader Bow: Traditional longbow or compound; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″; crossbows prohibited. Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .30 cal recommended; shotguns for waterfowl; handguns prohibited. Muzzleloader: .45 cal+ patched ball or conical bullet; approved ignition systems only. Regulations & Resources Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset (midnight sun exceptions managed locally) Region Maps & Quotas: Available from Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 48 hours via local office or online portal Special Areas: Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks require separate permits Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Armed with precise season windows, region‑specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Northwest Territories hunt. Prepare thoroughly, respect community co‑management protocols, and experience Canada’s northern wilderness heritage.