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.

White-tailed Deer

BAG LIMIT IS ONE (1) FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR FOR ALL HUNTERS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HUNTERS WHO HAVE ACQUIRED A BONUS DEER HUNTING STAMP FOR ZONE 2A.
DEER HUNTING IS LIMITED TO ANTLERED DEER, EXCEPT:
• FOR THOSE HUNTERS HAVING A VALID ANTLERLESS DEER
HUNTING STAMP AFFIXED TO THEIR DEER HUNTING LICENCE,
• IN ZONE 2A DURING THE SPECIAL OPEN SEASON FOR
BOWHUNTING DEER,
• IN ZONE 2A DURING THE YOUTH SEASON FOR HUNTING
DEER, AND
• IN ZONE 2A FOR HUNTERS HOLDING A BONUS DEER
HUNTING STAMP.

For definitions of "ANTLERED" and ANTLERLESS DEER" see page 38 of the 2008 Summary of Regulations. Also see pages 56-57 for a map of Deer Management Zones and information on hunting antlerless deer.

General Open Season for Hunting Deer
OCTOBER 31 TO DECEMBER 6, EXCLUDING SUNDAYS.

Special Open Season for Bowhunting Deer
SEPTEMBER 27 TO OCTOBER 30, AND DECEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 13, EXCLUDING SUNDAYS
To hunt deer with a bow and arrow, a hunter must be certified as a qualified Bowhunter (B) , have a Bow Stamp and a valid Deer Hunting Stamp or Bonus Deer Hunting Stamp.

Special Youth Season for Hunting Deer
OCTOBER 17 TO OCTOBER 25, 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 2008 Summary of Regulations.

Moose Hunting Seasons

SEASON 1 - SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 4
SEASON 2 - OCTOBER 6 TO OCTOBER 11
THIRD - DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 11
BAG LIMIT — ONE (1) MOOSE
Moose Draw Entry Fee: $6.00 + HST.

Note: To hold a moose hunting licence, a person must be a
resident of Nova Scotia and 18 years of age or older. There are
a limited number of licences available which are allocated
through an application/draw process. Hunting is only in
Inverness and Victoria Counties. Each licence holder may
designate up to two companions who can fully participate in
the hunt. See Big Game, page 21 in the 2008 Summary of Regulations or the Moose Draw website.