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

Plan your 2025–26 Nunavut hunt with our territory-by-territory guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, rifle & bow rules, and key game species: Caribou, Muskox, Waterfowl and more. Nunavut’s vast Arctic tundra, barren-ground plateaus and fjorded coastlines support some of the world’s largest caribou herds, thriving muskox populations and critical migratory waterfowl staging areas. Overseen by the Government of Nunavut Department of Environment, hunting in four large zones combines indigenous stewardship with clear seasonal frameworks. Popular pursuits include summer and fall caribou tag draws, muskox hunts, polar bear quotas and late-summer waterfowl excursions—backed by WMU-style area regulations that ensure sustainable, ethical harvests. What Is There to Hunt in Nunavut? Big Game: Barren-ground caribou, muskox, polar bear (quota) Small Game & Upland Birds: Arctic hare, willow ptarmigan, rock ptarmiga Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Snow goose, Canada goose, ducks (federal permit required) Furbearers & Predators: Wolf, Arctic fox, wolverine, beaver Nunavut’s extreme landscapes deliver seasonal opportunities—from mid-summer caribou hunts to early-fall waterfowl wingshooting. What Animals Can You Hunt Year-Round in Nunavut? Unprotected species such as wolf and fox may be taken year-round on permitted lands by local harvesters; non-resident off-season hunts require written community consent and territory-wide predator tags. Always verify area-specific rules before targeting unclassified predators. Nunavut Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Barren-Ground Caribou Summer Archery/Rifle: Jul 1 – Aug 31 (quota draw) Fall Rifle: Sep 1 – Oct 15 (quota draw) Tags: Distributed by community-managed draw; one per hunter Muskox Rifle: Aug 1 – Sep 30 (quota draw) Tags: Limited entry; applications Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025 Polar Bear Rifle: Aug 1 – Oct 31 (quota only) Tags: Quota allocated per community under polar bear co-management agreements Moose (southern Kitikmeot) Rifle: Aug 15 – Sep 30 (quota draw) Tags: Limited; applications Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025 Note: Detailed area maps, quotas and weapon restrictions are set by the Government of Nunavut Department of Environment. Nunavut Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26 Upland Birds & Small Game: Willow & Rock Ptarmigan: Aug 1 – Dec 31 (no daily limit; subsistence-style) 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) 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: no formal daily limit (traditional harvest) Geese: 10 daily; possession 20 Ducks: 5 daily; possession 15 Wolf/Fox/Wolverine: no formal limit for licensed harvesters; community rules apply License & Tags Information for Nunavut Hunters (2025–26) Resident Licence: $30 (annual); community draws managed locally; tags $20/species Non-Resident Licence: $200 (annual); draw fee $25; community consent required Additional Permits: Polar Bear Co-management Tag (free; quota only) Predator Harvest Tag (free; required for wolf, fox, wolverine) Hunter Education: Recommended completion of Arctic-specific safety and ethics training programs. Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader Bow: Traditional longbow or compound; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″; crossbows prohibited. Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .30 cal recommended; shotguns for waterfowl only; straight-wall handguns prohibited. Muzzleloader: .45 cal+ patched round ball or conical bullet; approved ignition systems only; single-projectile conversions. Regulations & Resources Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset (Arctic midnight sun exceptions managed locally) Area Maps & Quotas: Available from Government of Nunavut Department of Environment Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 48 hours via local community office or online portal Special Areas: Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks require separate permits; coastal zones may be closed to hunting. Verification Reminder: Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Government of Nunavut Department of Environment website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from Government of Nunavut Department of Environment https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/environment-and-wildlife/hunting-regulations-guide Armed with precise season windows, territory-specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Nunavut hunt. Embrace rigorous preparation, respect local co-management practices, and experience the Arctic’s unparalleled wilderness heritage.