Newfoundland & Labrador Hunting Season Calendar 2025-2026: Permits, Dates & Zone Information
Welcome to your complete guide for planning the perfect outdoor adventure in Canada’s easternmost province! Whether you’re a local resident looking to stock up for winter or a visiting outdoor enthusiast ready to experience some of the world’s finest wildlife opportunities, this comprehensive breakdown covers everything you need to know about Newfoundland & Labrador’s 2025-2026 game calendar.
From the rugged coastlines perfect for sea duck pursuing to the interior forests teeming with moose, this guide walks you through permit requirements, zone-specific regulations, and essential dates you can’t afford to miss. We’ve organized the information to help both seasoned veterans and newcomers navigate the province’s wildlife management system with confidence.
📅 Quick Reference Points
Here’s what awaits outdoor enthusiasts in Newfoundland & Labrador this season:
- Moose – Island of Newfoundland: September 13 – December 31, 2025 | Labrador: September 13, 2025 – March 8, 2026
- Caribou – Island areas only: September 13 – December 7, 2025 (George River and Boreal populations remain closed for conservation)
- Black Bear – Island: May 10 – June 8 and August 10 – November 30, 2025 | Labrador: August 10 – November 30, 2025
- Waterfowl – Ducks and geese: September 16 – December 31, 2025 (varies by coastal zones)
- Small Game – Grouse shooting: September 20 – December 28, 2025 | Ptarmigan: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- Murres (Turrs) – Zone-specific dates from September 1, 2025 through March 10, 2026
- Legal Methods – Firearms, archery, and snaring (species-dependent)
- Youth Opportunities – Special licenses available for hunters under 18
Big Game Schedules
The province’s big game opportunities center around three primary species, each offering unique challenges and rewards.
| Species | Zone/Area | Season Dates | Method | Tag/Quota Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moose | Island of Newfoundland | Sept 13 – Dec 31, 2025 | Firearms | 27,515 total licenses available |
| Moose | Labrador (All areas) | Sept 13, 2025 – Mar 8, 2026 | Firearms | Either-sex opportunities |
| Caribou | Island Management Areas | Sept 13 – Dec 7, 2025 | Firearms | Limited quotas, draw system |
| Black Bear | Island – Spring | May 10 – June 8, 2025 | Firearms | 2-bear bag limit per license |
| Black Bear | Island – Fall | Aug 10 – Nov 30, 2025 | Firearms | Extended season from previous years |
| Black Bear | Labrador | Aug 10 – Nov 30, 2025 | Firearms | Regional management areas |
The province has made significant improvements to bear opportunities by extending the fall season through November 30 and consolidating management areas into larger regional zones. For caribou, certain populations remain under conservation measures, but island herds continue to offer excellent trophy potential during the autumn rut period.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Newfoundland & Labrador’s diverse coastal environments provide exceptional waterfowl pursuing across multiple zones with varying dates to maximize opportunities.
| Zone | Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Coastal | Ducks (general) | Sept 16 – Dec 31, 2025 | 6 | 18 |
| Northwestern Coastal | Sea Ducks | Nov 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | 6 | 12 |
| All Other Coastal Zones | Ducks (general) | Sept 16 – Dec 31, 2025 | 6 | 18 |
| All Other Coastal Zones | Sea Ducks | Nov 24, 2025 – Mar 10, 2026 | 6 | 12 |
| Inland Newfoundland | Ducks (general) | Sept 16 – Dec 31, 2025 | 6 | 18 |
| Northern Labrador | All Waterfowl | Sept 1 – Dec 16, 2025 | 6 ducks/5 geese | 18 ducks/10 geese |
| Other Labrador Zones | All Waterfowl | Sept 1 – Dec 16, 2025 | 6 ducks/5 geese | 18 ducks/10 geese |
| All Zones | Snipe | Varies by zone | 10 | 20 |
Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permits are required for all waterfowl pursuing, along with the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp. The province has changed duck season start dates from the third Saturday in September to a fixed September 16 date for better consistency.
Small Games Dates
Small game provides excellent opportunities for both newcomers and experienced outdoors enthusiasts looking for action-packed adventures.
| Species | Zone | Shooting Season | Snaring Season | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spruce/Ruffed Grouse | Island of Newfoundland | Sept 20 – Dec 28, 2025 | Oct 4, 2025 – Mar 8, 2026 | No daily limit |
| Willow Ptarmigan | Island of Newfoundland | Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | Oct 1, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026 | No daily limit |
| Rock Ptarmigan | Island of Newfoundland | Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | Oct 1, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026 | No daily limit |
| Grouse Species | Labrador | Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | Oct 1, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026 | No daily limit |
| Ptarmigan Species | Labrador | Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | Oct 1, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026 | Special license required |
Remember that ptarmigan shooting requires a specific Ptarmigan Shooting License, and Bell Island remains closed to ptarmigan snaring. These species provide excellent table fare and are perfect for introducing youth to outdoor pursuits.
Murre/Turr Hunting Zones
The unique murre (locally called “turr”) opportunity remains exclusive to Newfoundland & Labrador residents and represents one of North America’s most distinctive migratory bird experiences.
| Zone | Area Description | Season Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Northern/Central Labrador coastal | Sept 1 – Dec 16, 2025 | 20 daily/40 possession |
| Zone 2 | Southern Labrador/Northern NL coastal | Oct 6, 2025 – Jan 20, 2026 | 20 daily/40 possession |
| Zone 3 | Southwestern/Avalon-Burin coastal | Nov 25, 2025 – Mar 10, 2026 | 20 daily/40 possession |
| Zone 4 | Avalon-Burin/Northeastern coastal | Nov 3, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026; Feb 2 – Mar 10, 2026 | 20 daily/40 possession |
Murre pursuing is the only migratory bird activity where pursuing from a moving motorboat is legal. This traditional practice requires federal migratory bird permits but offers a truly authentic Newfoundland & Labrador experience.
Furbearer Season Dates
Trapping and furbearer management continue as important wildlife management tools and cultural traditions.
| Species | Zone | Season Dates | License Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Province-wide | Sept 13, 2025 – July 15, 2026 | General small game license |
| Red Fox | Island of Newfoundland | Oct 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | Trapping license |
| Lynx | Island of Newfoundland | Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | Trapping license |
| Marten | Island of Newfoundland | Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | Trapping license |
| Beaver | Various zones | Nov 1, 2025 – May 15, 2026 | Special beaver license available |
The province has introduced a new Trapper’s Beaver License outside the traditional trapline system, providing expanded opportunities for beaver management. Break-away devices on neck snares have become mandatory for all island trappers.
Zones Active for Hunting
Newfoundland & Labrador’s wildlife management system divides the province into numerous zones designed to optimize population management and distribute pursuing pressure effectively.
The island of Newfoundland features over 80 moose management areas, each with specific quotas and regulations. Labrador operates under broader regional management zones that accommodate the territory’s vast wilderness areas and lower population density.
For waterfowl, the province uses coastal and inland zone designations, with coastal areas extending 100 meters from mean high water mark. These zones account for different migration patterns and species distributions across the province’s diverse habitats.
Current official wildlife management unit maps and zone boundaries are available through the provincial Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website. Always verify zone boundaries before planning your adventure, as some areas may have special restrictions or access requirements.
Licenses, Tags & Permits
Understanding the permit system ensures legal compliance and supports wildlife conservation efforts.
Big Game Licenses
| License Type | Moose | Caribou | Black Bear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | $52.00 | $52.00 | $52.00 |
| Resident Senior | $33.80 | $33.80 | $33.80 |
| Non-Resident | $502.00* | $502.00* | $502.00* |
*Non-residents must book through licensed outfitters for big game opportunities.
Small Game & General Licenses
- Small Game License – Resident: $10.00 | Resident Senior: $6.50 | Non-Resident (Canadian): $50.00 | Non-Resident (Non-Canadian): $100.00
- General Trapping License – Resident: $10.00 | Non-Resident: $100.00
- Ptarmigan Shooting License – Additional requirement for ptarmigan shooting
- Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit – Required for all waterfowl and migratory bird activities
Application Process
- Resident moose and caribou applications must be submitted by April 25, 2025
- Applications are processed through the Wildlife Information Management System
- Draw results typically announced in late spring
- Non-residents must arrange all big game opportunities through licensed outfitters
Federal migratory bird permits can be purchased online and are valid from August 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Youth under 18 can obtain free federal permits through the electronic permitting system.
Newfoundland & Labrador Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Can non-residents pursue moose independently in Newfoundland & Labrador?
A: No, all non-resident big game opportunities (moose, caribou, bear) must be arranged through licensed outfitters. This ensures proper guidance and supports local communities.
Q: What’s the difference between “either sex” and “male only” moose licenses?
A: Either sex licenses allow harvesting bulls or cows, while male only licenses restrict harvest to bulls. License type is determined during the draw process based on management area quotas.
Q: Are there special opportunities for youth?
A: Yes! Youth under 18 can obtain free federal migratory bird permits, and many areas offer mentored opportunities. The minimum age for pursuing small game with firearms is 16.
Q: Can I pursue on Sundays?
A: Yes, Sunday pursuing is now permitted throughout the entire season for all valid license holders within their respective management areas.
Q: What makes murre pursuing unique?
A: Murre (turr) pursuing is exclusive to Newfoundland & Labrador residents and is the only migratory bird activity where pursuing from a moving motorboat is legal, reflecting traditional practices.
Q: When do I need to submit my wildlife returns?
A: Big game returns must be submitted within seven days of the season closing date or within seven days of harvest. Small game and furbearer returns have different timelines.
Q: What shot types are required for waterfowl?
A: Non-toxic shot is mandatory for all migratory bird activities except murres. Lead shot is prohibited when pursuing waterfowl to protect wildlife and the environment.
List of Related Guides
Planning adventures in other provinces? Check out these comprehensive guides:
- Explore excellent moose and bear opportunities in neighboring New Brunswick hunting seasons
- Compare waterfowl schedules with Manitoba hunting regulations for your next prairie adventure
Conclusion
Newfoundland & Labrador’s 2025-2026 seasons offer something for every outdoor enthusiast, from world-class moose opportunities to unique coastal waterfowl experiences. The province’s commitment to wildlife conservation, combined with expanded opportunities like extended bear seasons and new beaver management options, demonstrates the balance between tradition and modern wildlife management.
Remember to purchase your permits early, familiarize yourself with zone boundaries, and always check for any late-season updates before heading afield. The province’s wildlife professionals work hard to provide these opportunities while ensuring sustainable populations for future generations.
Whether you’re planning a multi-species adventure or focusing on a specific quarry, Newfoundland & Labrador’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife promise memorable experiences. Book your accommodations early, especially during peak moose season, and prepare for some of the finest outdoor adventures Canada has to offer.
Consider bookmarking this page for easy reference throughout the season, as regulations and dates occasionally require updates based on wildlife population assessments and environmental conditions.
