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

Plan your 2025–26 Nova Scotia hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species: Deer, Moose, Ducks and more. Nova Scotia’s Acadian forests, rolling highlands and coastal wetlands host healthy deer herds, moose populations and some of North America’s highest densities of migratory waterfowl. From the Cape Breton Highlands to the Annapolis Valley, popular pursuits include whitetail deer archery and general rifle seasons, limited moose tag opportunities and spring/fall duck hunting—supported by clear provincial regulations and 12 Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs). Plan an ethical, compliant hunt with precise season dates, bag limits and zone‑specific requirements for 2025–26. What Is There to Hunt in Nova Scotia? 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, fox, beaver, muskrat Nova Scotia’s varied ecosystems deliver year‑round opportunity—from early‑season spring bear hunts to late‑fall waterfowl wingshooting. What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Nova Scotia? Unprotected predators (coyote, fox) may be taken anytime on private land with landowner consent. Public‑land predator control outside open seasons requires a Fur Harvesting Licence and compliance with WMZ restrictions. Nova Scotia Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Whitetail Deer Archery & Muzzleloader (bow‑only Sept 9 – 21): Sep 9 – Dec 15 Youth Rifle: Oct 11 – 19 General Rifle: Oct 25 – Dec 7 Tags: One tag per licence; no antler restrictions Moose Rifle: Sep 23 – 27 Tags: Draw only; moose tags allocated per WMZ; application period July 14 – 31, 2025 Black Bear Spring: Apr 1 – Jun 15 Fall: Sep 1 – Oct 31 Tags: One per hunter; cub harvest prohibited; hound restrictions apply Note: Specific WMZ dates, quotas and weapon‑type restrictions detailed in annual Nova Scotia Hunting & Furharvesting Summary. Nova Scotia 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: Aug 23 – 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 Hunting Permit & Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Bag Limits by Species Whitetail Deer: 1 per season Moose: 1 per draw tag Black Bear: 1 per season (no cubs) Wild Turkey: 1 per licence period Grouse: 5 daily; possession 10 Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6 Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15 Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45 Coyote/Fox: no limit private; Fur Harvesting Licence required public License & Tags Information for Nova Scotia Hunters (2025–26) Wildlife Resources Card (WRC): $52 (annual); includes one deer tag Moose Tag Draw: $15 application fee; limited allocation per WMZ Black Bear Tag: $10 per tag Additional Permits: Federal Migratory Bird Permit & Habitat Stamp (free; mandatory) Fur Harvesting Licence (free; required) Hunter Education: Nova Scotia Hunter Education Certificate or equivalent. Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed only under special permit; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″. Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .24 cal; shotguns with slugs permitted for deer; muzzleloader seasons use traditional flintlock or percussion. Muzzleloader: .40 cal+ patched ball or conical bullet; single‑projectile only; approved ignition. Regulations & Resources Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset WMZ Maps & Regulations: See annual Hunting & Furharvesting Summary (2024–26) Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours via online system or phone Special Areas: Protected areas and certain private lands require landowner or permit authorization Armed with exact season windows, precise bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Nova Scotia hunt. Consult your WMZ summary, prepare thoroughly and experience Nova Scotia’s exceptional hunting heritage. Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Department of Natural Resources to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources: https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/regulations.asp