With three big game species in Nova Scotia, white tailed deer, black bear and moose, hunting enthusiasts will find ample opportunity to enjoy their sport. Hunting seasons are in the fall of each year. As the season dates and bag limits may vary from year to year, please consult the annual Summary of Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations for details.
The annual Summary is also available from licence vendors or from local Department of Natural Resources offices.
Black Bear
Bear Hunting SeasonSEPTEMBER 14 TO DECEMBER 5, EXCLUDING SUNDAYS
Bag Limit One (1) bear. Note: During the period September 14 to October 29, hunters are permitted to hunt only at bait sites that have been registered with the local DNR office.
Bear Snaring Season
OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 5, INCLUDING SUNDAYS
Bag Limit One (1) bear. To obtain a Bear Snaring Stamp, you must be a resident of Nova Scotia and certified as a qualified (FQ) or trained (FT) Furharvester. See page 24 in the 2009 Summary of Regulations.
Attention Bear Hunters!To prevent possible trichinosis, (a parasitic infection), bear meat should be throughly cooked before it is consumed by humans or pets. |
White-tailed Deer
Deer Hunting
BAG LIMIT IS ONE (1) FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR FOR ALL HUNTERS, EXCEPT FOR THOSE HOLDING A BONUS ANTLERLESS DEER HUNTING STAMP FOR ZONE 2A.
DEER HUNTING IS LIMITED TO ANTLERED DEER EXCEPT:
A) FOR HUNTERS HAVING A VALID ANTLERLESS DEER HUNTING STAMP AFFIXED TO THEIR DEER HUNTING LICENCE;
B) IN 2009 ZONE 2A IS OPEN TO EITHER SEX (ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS);
C) FOR HUNTERS HOLDING A ZONE 2A BONUS ANTLERLESS DEER HUNTING STAMP
For definitions of "ANTLERED" and ANTLERLESS DEER" see page 39 of the 2009 Summary of Regulations. Also see pages 60-61 for a map of Deer Management Zones and information on hunting antlerless deer.
General Open Season for Hunting Deer
OCTOBER 30 TO DECEMBER 5, EXCLUDING SUNDAYS.Special Open Season for Bowhunting Deer
SEPTEMBER 26 TO OCTOBER 29, AND DECEMBER 7 TO DECEMBER 12, EXCLUDING SUNDAYS
To hunt deer with a bow and arrow, a hunter must:
a) be certified as a qualified Bowhunter (B) and;
b) possess a Bow Stamp and;
c) possess a valid Deer Hunting Stamp or Bonus Deer Hunting Stamp.
Special Youth Season for Hunting Deer
OCTOBER 16 TO OCTOBER 24, EXCLUDING SUNDAY
During this special youth season, persons 16 and 17 years of age may hunt deer with a firearm or bow, provided they hold the appropriate certification (HT or B) and hold a valid deer hunting licence or a Bonus Deer Hunting Stamp and are under the immediate supervision of a person over the age of 18 who is certified to hold a deer hunting licence. See definition of
“immediate supervision” on page 41 in the 2009 Summary of Regulations.
Moose Hunting Seasons
SEASON 1 - SEPTEMBER 28 TO OCTOBER 3
SEASON 2 - OCTOBER 5 TO OCTOBER 10
THIRD - DECEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 10
BAG LIMIT — ONE (1) MOOSE
Moose Draw Entry Fee: $6.11 + HST.
Note: Moose Hunting Permits are allocated through an application and random draw process. Applicants must be
18 years of age or older by May 31, 2009. Hunting is only permitted in Inverness and Victoria counties. See Big Game, page 21 or: www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/moosedraw