Manitoba Game Calendar 2026-2027: Species, Dates & Permit Guide
Planning a hunt in the Parkland or the boreal north? Whether you’re a longtime resident or mapping out your first trip to the prairies, the Manitoba Hunting Season 2026-2027 opens up a full calendar of opportunity worth bookmarking. This guide walks you through the season dates, draw deadlines, Game Hunting Area (GHA) structure, bag limits, licence requirements, and a practical FAQ so you can plan with confidence.
Manitoba runs on a licence year from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, and most popular big-game tags (elk and moose) are managed through a draw — not over the counter. With resident draw applications already past, fall plans depend on which species you hunt and which GHA you’re headed to. Read on for the full breakdown, then cross-check details with the official 2026 Manitoba Hunting Guide before heading out.
✔ Verify all season dates, bag limits and licence fees with the Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development website before hunting — regulations can change annually.
✔ Carry printed or digital copies of every licence, tag and stamp while in the field.
✔ Confirm whether your target GHA requires a draw, quota, or outfitter booking before applying.
📅 Quick Reference Points
✔ White-tailed deer – Archery/Muzzleloader runs Oct 19 – Nov 7, 2026; rifle season split into three November windows (Nov 9–14, Nov 16–21, Nov 23–28).
✔ Moose and Elk – Resident draw-only; applications closed June 5, 2026 (extended from May 31); draw results Jul 17, payment deadline Aug 24.
✔ Wild Turkey – Spring season Apr 11 – May 17, 2026; one bird per licence year, limited GHAs.
✔ Black Bear – Spring Apr 27 – Jun 17, 2026 (some areas open Apr 26 – Jun 13, 2027); Fall Aug 15 – Nov 1 in most regions.
✔ Caribou – Aug 31 – Oct 18, 2026; one male per licence.
✔ Waterfowl – Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit + Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp required; non-toxic shot mandatory.
✔ Youth Days – Waterfowl mentoring opportunities under the federal Youth MGBH Permit are available throughout the season.
🦌 Big Game Schedules
| Species | Weapon Type | Season (2026-2027) | Permit / Tag Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Aug 30 – Oct 18, 2026 (varies by GHA) | General licence, plus archery add-on |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader / Crossbow | Oct 19 – Nov 7, 2026 | Included with general licence |
| White-tailed Deer | Rifle (Modern Gun) | Nov 9–14, 16–21, 23–28, 2026 | Resident or non-resident licence; GHAs 33 & 38 extended |
| Moose | Draw only | Sep – Oct, varies by GHA | Resident Big Game Draw required |
| Elk (Bull / Antlerless) | Draw only | Sep – Nov, varies by GHA | Resident or Landowner Draw |
| Black Bear | Spring (Archery or Firearm) | Apr 27 – Jun 17, 2026 | Application deadline Apr 17, 2025 (spring) |
| Black Bear | Fall (Archery or Firearm) | Aug 15 – Nov 1, 2026 | Application deadline Jul 3 (fall) |
| Caribou | Rifle / Archery | Aug 31 – Oct 18, 2026 | One male per licence; non-residents must use outfitter |
🦃 Turkey Schedules
Manitoba offers a spring-only wild turkey season, with licences valid for both spring and fall windows but capped at one bird per licence year.
| Hunt Type | Season Dates | Eligible GHAs | Bag Limit | Weapon Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Wild Turkey | Apr 11 – May 17, 2026 | 22, 23, 24, 25B, 27–35A, 36 | 1 turkey (per licence year) | Shotgun or bow |
| Youth Spring Turkey | Opens Apr 11 (varies by zone) | Same as general season | 1 turkey | Shotgun (must be supervised) |
🦝 Furbearer Season Dates
Manitoba’s furbearer programme covers hunting and trapping across several species. Many of these seasons overlap with the deer rifle window.
| Species | Hunting Season | Trapping Season | Licence / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round (open during big game) | Oct – Feb (region-specific) | No special licence required for residents |
| Wolf | Open during any big game season | Nov 1 – Apr 30 | Resident trapping licence needed |
| Red Fox | Open during big game seasons | Nov 10 – Feb | Resident trapping licence |
| Lynx | Open during big game seasons | Nov 10 – Feb | Tagged and reported |
| Marten / Fisher | Closed to hunting | Nov 10 – Feb | Trapping licence only |
| Beaver | Year-round (with landowner permission) | Dec 1 – Mar 31 | Damage licence often required |
| Raccoon | Open during big game seasons | Oct – Feb | Trapping licence required |
| Skunk / Weasel | Year-round (some regulation) | Oct – Feb | Trapping licence required |
Quick note: Manitoba does not list a bobcat season — the province’s small wild cats are lynx-focused. Hunters chasing bobcat should consider neighboring jurisdictions such as Ontario instead.
🐦 Small Game Dates
Small-game hunting is a great way to scout new GHAs without entering the big-game draw.
| Species | Season | Daily Bag | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed / Sharp-tailed Grouse | Sep 1 – Jan 15 | 4 | 8 |
| Grey (Hungarian) Partridge | Sep 1 – Jan 15 | 4 | 8 |
| Ptarmigan | Sep 1 – Mar 31 | 10 | 20 |
| Cottontail Rabbit / Snowshoe Hare | Sep 1 – Mar 31 | No fixed limit | No fixed limit |
| Red Squirrel | Year-round | No limit | No limit |
| Crow | Sep 1 – Mar 31 (no fixed limit) | No limit | No limit |
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Manitoba sits on the Prairie Pothole Region, which makes it one of North America’s top duck and goose destinations. All migratory bird hunters need both a federal MGBH Permit and a provincial licence.
| Game Type | Season (Aug 2026 – Jul 2027) | Daily Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks (most zones) | Sep 1 – Nov 30, 2026 | Varies (typically 6–8) | Non-toxic shot mandatory |
| Canada / Cackling Geese | Sep 1 – Nov 30, 2026 | 5 | Restricted hours in GBHZ 4 |
| White-fronted Geese / Brant | Sep 1 – Nov 30, 2026 | 5 | Same restriction zones apply |
| Snow / Ross’s Geese (Fall) | Sep 1 – Nov 30, 2026 | 50 | No possession limit |
| Spring Conservation Goose | Mar 1 – Apr 10 (GBHZ 3 & 4) | 5 | Free electronic licence required |
| Spring White Goose | Mar 15 – May 31 (GBHZ 2, 3, 4); Apr 1 – Jun 15 (GBHZ 1) | 50 | Free electronic licence required |
| Youth Waterfowl Day | One designated weekend in Sep | Same as general | Youth MGBH Permit (free) |
🐗 Other Available Game
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Woodchuck (Groundhog) | Year-round (with landowner permission) | No licence required for residents |
| Frog (Bullfrog / Leopard) | Open during small-game season | Daily bag limits apply |
| Magpie / Starling (non-protected) | Year-round | No bag limit |
Manitoba does not allow hunting of snakes, turtles or songbirds — these populations are protected year-round.
🗺️ Zones Active for Hunting
Manitoba is divided into 66 Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) stretching from the agricultural south to the subarctic north. Every big-game tag, bear permit and turkey licence is tied to a specific GHA, so you’ll want to study the Wildlife Lands Interactive Map before applying.
- GHA 1–36 – Southern agricultural & parkland zones (deer and turkey dominate).
- GHA 37–38 – Interlake region; rifle deer season extended in GHA 38.
- GHA 5, 6, 8, 15, 18, 23, 23A – Common draw zones for elk and moose.
- Northern GHAs (beyond 25A) – Boreal wilderness; caribou, wolf and remote bear hunts.
Always confirm whether you’re on Crown (public) land or private property. Many northern GHAs require a registered lodge or outfitter for non-residents hunting moose, caribou or black bear.
🎟️ Licences, Tags & Permits
| Licence Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hunting Licence | $34.00 | $108.00 (Canadian non-resident) | Required for all hunters 12+ |
| Youth Licence | $14.75 | $20.75 | Ages 12–17 |
| White-tailed Deer Licence | $48.00 | Up to $250+ | Big-game tag required |
| Moose Licence | Draw fees apply | Only through outfitter | Big-game tag required |
| Wild Turkey Licence | $30.00 (approx.) | $80.00 (approx.) | Game bird tag required |
| Migratory Game Bird Permit | Federal fee | Federal fee | Plus CWHC Stamp |
| Non-Canadian Resident MGB Draw | N/A | $250+ | Draw window Jun 15 – Jul 15 |
| Trapping Licence | $40.00 (approx.) | Higher for non-residents | Required for beaver, mink, otter, etc. |
Also remember:
- Habitat Conservation Stamp – mandatory federal add-on for migratory bird hunters.
- Archery Add-On – required if hunting any archery-only season.
- Big Game Game Tag – issued alongside licence, must be affixed immediately on harvest.
- Outfitter Booking – required for non-Canadian residents hunting black bear, moose, caribou, wolf or coyote.
❓ Manitoba Hunting Quick FAQ
1. When did the 2026 Manitoba big game draw close?
Applications closed June 5, 2026 (extended from May 31) at 11:59 p.m. through Manitoba eLicensing. Results were scheduled for July 17, 2026, with payment due by August 24.
2. Is the white-tailed deer hunt draw-based in Manitoba?
No. Most deer licences are sold over the counter, though a few GHAs (especially in the north) limit rifle access to manage pressure.
3. Do I need a separate permit for migratory birds?
Yes. You need a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit with the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, plus a provincial licence.
4. Can non-residents hunt moose on their own?
No. Non-Canadian residents hunting moose, caribou or black bear must book a registered outfitter and hunt with a licensed Manitoba guide.
5. What’s the youth minimum age?
Hunters must be at least 12 years old and have completed an approved Hunter Education Course (or show equivalent certification).
6. Are there spring options for snow geese?
Yes — the spring white goose season runs March–June depending on which Game Bird Hunting Zone (GBHZ) you’re in, and requires a free electronic licence.
7. Where can I find GHAs on a map?
Use the official Wildlife Lands Interactive Map from the Manitoba government to draw boundaries, view Crown land status and confirm zones.
🔗 List of Related Guides
- 📘 Manitoba Hunting General Season Overview – year-round species summary
- 📗 Ontario Hunting Season 2026-2027 – compare deer and moose rules east of the Manitoba border
Conclusion
The 2026-2027 Manitoba hunting season packs everything from spring conservation goose hunts in the south to fall caribou pursuits in the far north. Most of the heavy lifting now happens in spring or early summer — draw applications in May–June, bear licences purchased by July, and deer licences opening August 1. Bookmark this page so you can revisit it each licence year, double-check dates with the official Hunting Guide, and plan responsibly for a safe season in the field.
⚠️ Reminder: Regulations update annually. Always confirm dates, fees and GHA rules with the Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development website and the official 2026 Manitoba Hunting Guide before hunting.
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