Québec Hunting Season Calendar 2026-2027 & ZEC Rules
Québec’s 2026–27 hunting season brings major regulatory changes effective April 1, 2026, focused on protecting fragile moose populations while expanding deer opportunities. The biggest shift replaces the old alternating-year system for antlerless moose (females and calves, now grouped as “moose without antlers”) with a draw system in southern zones 3–8, 26, and 27, requiring a special license alongside a regular moose permit. White-tailed deer hunters gain flexibility: a second deer may now be harvested in the same zone across parts of Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, and Montérégie (zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), provided only one is an adult male. Other notable updates include the opening of deer hunting in zone 18 (Côte-Nord), removal of the mandatory wild turkey training attestation, a ban on selling natural moose urine, and a new annual bag limit of one moose per three hunters in several ZECs.
Québec hunting starts with knowing the zone, not just knowing the species. The province has 28 hunting zones, and several are further divided when special rules are needed for a particular species or area. A hunt in the Laurentians, the Gaspé Peninsula or the forests around Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean can therefore involve a very different set of dates and conditions even when the target species is the same.
There is another layer that matters once you leave the basic zone map: the territory where you actually intend to hunt. ZECs, wildlife reserves and outfitters with exclusive rights can have additional rules or conditions, and Québec’s official regulations specifically direct hunters to check the provisions applying to these territories. The current Québec hunting regulations cover April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028, so this page is best used as a practical 2026–2027 planning reference rather than as a replacement for the regulation text. Before leaving home, confirm the zone, species, weapon, dates and territory-specific rules that apply to your actual hunting location.
📅 Quick Reference Points
- Moose: Representative 2026 openers start as early as September 19 in parts of zone 19 South, while some archery/crossbow stretches run September 26 to October 4 and a Restigo firearms example runs October 10 to October 18.
- White-tailed deer: Most mainland opportunities cluster in October and November, with a Macpès bow/crossbow example at October 3 to 16, 2026 and firearm examples including November 7 to 12 or November 10 to 22, depending on zone.
- Black bear: Spring runs May 15 to June 30 in many zones, with fall opportunities in selected areas from August 1 to October 25 depending on zone.
- Wild turkey: Spring opens April 24, 2026 in permitted zones; fall runs October 24 to October 30, 2026 in zones 3 to 11.
- Small game: Grouse and hare/rabbit open mostly September 12 or 19, 2026 depending on the zone.
- Waterfowl: District-based openers range from September 1 in District A to September 26 in District G.
- Youth/new hunter note: Québec lists a white-tailed deer introductory weekend on October 31 to November 1, 2026, and Canada offers a free Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit for minors.
🦌 Big Game Schedules
| Species | Archery / Crossbow Window | Firearm / Modern Gun Window | Muzzleloader Notes | Permit / Tag Notes | Key Zone Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moose | Examples include Sept. 26–Oct. 4, 2026 in zones 1, 2, 10 West, 11 West, 15 | Some mixed-weapon stretches run as long as Sept. 19–Nov. 1, 2026 in parts of 19 South; Restigo example Oct. 10–18, 2026 | Québec often combines muzzleloaders into broader firearms segments rather than a separate province-wide moose-only muzzleloader block | Regular moose license required; moose without antlers often requires a resident-only draw in many zones | Alternating-year rules end in many zones starting 2026, but zones 13, 18, 28 still keep that system |
| White-tailed deer | Macpès example: Oct. 3–16, 2026 | Representative firearm windows include Nov. 7–12 and Nov. 10–22, 2026, depending on zone | Some areas include short muzzleloader segments, including examples such as Oct. 17–21, 2026 for antlerless or small-antler deer in certain zones | Deer license required; antlerless deer is tied to a resident-only random draw | Zones 6 North and 6 South have antler restrictions; Zone 20 Anticosti uses its own deer calendar |
| Black bear | Bow/crossbow examples range from Aug. 29–Oct. 16, 2026 depending on zone | Spring in many zones: May 15–June 30; fall in selected zones: Aug. 1–Oct. 25, 2026 | Zone 10 has a short shotgun/muzzleloader/crossbow/bow segment Oct. 17–21, 2026 | Black bear license required | Crossbows are prohibited in zones 17, 22, 23, 24; Macpès allows bow only, no firearm |
These dates are best read as a working field summary. Québec publishes the final species-by-zone calendars on its official season pages, and some wildlife reserves, ZECs, and exclusive-right outfitters follow modified rules.
🦃 Turkey Schedules
| Period | 2026 Dates | Allowed Zones | Legal Methods | Bag / Region Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring bearded turkey | Apr. 24–May 18, 2026 | Zones 3–11, 26, 27 | Shotguns, muzzle-loading and breech-loading firearms, bow, crossbow | Main spring window |
| Spring bearded turkey | Apr. 24–May 5, 2026 | Zones 2, 12, 13, 15 | Same as above | Shorter spring window |
| Fall turkey | Oct. 24–Oct. 30, 2026 | Zones 3–11 | Same as above | Bearded or unbearded birds allowed |
A hunter may take 3 wild turkeys per year in Québec: 2 in spring and 1 in certain fall zones. The official schedule does not list a separate youth-only turkey opener, so beginners should focus instead on the standard calendar and the general mentoring rules that apply to young hunters.
🦝 Furbearer Season Dates
| Species | 2026–2027 Window | Method / Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Oct. 18 or Oct. 25, 2026 to Mar. 31, 2027 in many zones; some areas to Apr. 15, 2027 | Sport small-game rules | Varies by zone |
| Wolf | Same as coyote where listed | Sport small-game rules | Zone-specific |
| Bobcat | See provincial trapping periods by UGAF | Trapping program | Not listed as a general sport-game schedule |
| Red fox | See provincial trapping periods by UGAF | Trapping program | Managed mainly under trapping |
| Raccoon / Beaver and similar fur species | See trapping tables by UGAF | Trapping program | Check local unit dates and permit rules |
In Québec, many fur species are managed through the trapping calendar, not the standard sport-hunting schedule. The province uses UGAF units for trapline management, so bobcat, fox, raccoon, beaver, and similar species should be checked under trapping periods rather than assumed to follow the coyote/wolf game calendar.
🐦 Small Games Dates
| Species | Typical 2026 Opener | 2026–2027 Closing Date | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed grouse / spruce grouse / sharp-tailed grouse / grey partridge | Sept. 12 or Sept. 19, 2026 depending on zone | Jan. 15, 2027 | 5 per day, possession 15 |
| Snowshoe hare / eastern cottontail / Arctic hare | Sept. 12 or Sept. 19, 2026 depending on zone | Mar. 31, 2027 or Apr. 30, 2027 in northern zones | No daily limit in most zones; 5/day in zone 8; 2/day on Île du Havre Aubert |
| Ptarmigan | Sept. 12 or Sept. 19, 2026 | Mar. 31, 2027 or Apr. 30, 2027 | 10 per day, possession 30 |
| Frogs | Check license plus species rules | Varies | No general bag limit listed in the small-game summary |
| Other small-game species | Zone specific | Zone specific | Often no bag limit or possession limit |
Two unusual points are easy to miss. First, snowshoe hare is generally closed in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, except for a short Île Havre Tobert period from Nov. 14 to Dec. 6, 2026. Second, crossbows are prohibited in zones 17, 22, 23, and 24 for several small-game birds and mammals.
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
| District | Main Duck Opener | General Pattern | Notable Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Sept. 1, 2026 | Ducks, geese, woodcock, and snipe run into Dec. 16 | Early opener |
| B | Sept. 12, 2026 | Ducks broken into several sub-periods; some sea-duck opportunity runs into Feb. 5, 2027 | Eiders/Long-tailed ducks get extra late days |
| C & D | Sept. 12, 2026 | Ducks to Dec. 26 | Sandhill crane Sept. 12–25, residents only, farmland only |
| E | Sept. 12, 2026 | Ducks through Dec. 26 | Canada geese have early farmland segment |
| F | Sept. 19, 2026 | Ducks through Jan. 2, 2027 | Mourning dove listed Sept. 19–Jan. 2 |
| G | Sept. 26, 2026 | Ducks through Dec. 26, with sea-duck dates to Feb. 14, 2027 | Latest regular opener |
For migratory birds, hunters need both the federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit with the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp and, in practice, the relevant provincial small-game authority as well. Québec’s small-game page sends hunters to the federal summary for exact district bag limits, which vary by species and district. Young hunters under 18 can use the free Youth MGBH Permit under supervision and keep their own daily bag.
🐗 Other Available Game
| Species | Window / Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sandhill crane | Sept. 12–25, 2026 in Districts C and D | New federal opportunity, farmland only, Canadian residents only |
| Mourning dove | Sept. 19, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027 in District F | Managed under migratory bird rules |
| Frog species | License available for residents | Check species-level rules before harvest |
Québec’s game list includes a few items that surprise first-time visitors, especially sandhill crane in selected migratory districts and a separate frog license for residents. These are exactly the sorts of niche rules worth double-checking before packing gear.
🗺️ Zones Active for Québec
Québec is divided into 28 hunting zones, and several are split again into subzones. On top of that, wildlife reserves, ZECs, and outfitters may impose their own access rules or quota systems. Use the official provincial zone maps here: Hunting zone maps. Also, never confuse an open public zone with automatic access to private land. You still need the landowner’s permission before entering or harvesting there.
🎟️ Licenses, Tags & Permits
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-resident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | $68.41 | $366.77 | Zone-based |
| Additional deer | $38.61 | $180.32 | Valid only with regular deer license |
| Deer, zone 20 Anticosti | $86.81 | $469.95 | Separate island rules |
| Antlerless deer, zone 20 | $45.47 | $243.11 | Separate island rules |
| Moose | $90.36 | $598.77 | Zone-correction license available |
| Black bear | $64.88 | $231.32 | Special non-resident rules apply |
| Wild turkey, spring | $42.68 | $206.09 | Some zones have purchase deadlines |
| Wild turkey, fall | $19.22 | $69.95 | Selected zones only |
| Small game incl. snare | $24.65 | — | Residents only |
| Small game, no snare | — | $114.71 | Non-residents only |
| Hares & cottontail rabbits | $25.69 | — | Residents only |
| Frogs | $25.69 | — | Residents only |
A few practical permit rules matter a lot. Moose without antlers and antlerless deer are resident-only random draws, with May 30 to June 16, 2026 registration and results at the end of June. Wildlife reserve big-game draws run from December to January 15, with results at the end of January. Non-residents cannot obtain antlerless deer or moose-without-antlers draw privileges, and many non-resident moose or bear trips south of the 52nd parallel must go through an outfitter, ZEC, or wildlife reserve.
❓ Québec Hunting Quick FAQ
Do I need a hunter’s certificate?
Usually yes. Québec generally requires a hunter’s certificate for the weapon used, unless you qualify under an introductory license or certain non-resident exceptions.
Can non-residents hunt moose on their own?
Not always. South of the 52nd parallel, non-residents usually need outfitter services or must hunt in a ZEC or wildlife reserve, unless they meet one of the listed exemptions.
When do draw applications close?
For 2026, moose-without-antlers and antlerless deer draws run May 30 to June 16. Wildlife reserve big-game draws run December to January 15.
Is there a beginner event for deer?
Yes. Québec lists a white-tailed deer introductory weekend on October 31 to November 1, 2026 for novice participation.
Do I need a separate permit for ducks and geese?
Yes. Migratory birds require the federal MGBH permit and habitat stamp, and you must carry them while afield.
Can I hunt on private property if the zone is open?
No. You still need the landowner’s permission.
🔗 List of Related Guides
Conclusion
Québec offers one of Canada’s more detailed wildlife schedules, and that’s both the appeal and the challenge. The province has strong opportunities for moose, deer, bear, turkey, small game, and migratory birds, but your success depends on matching the right license, the right zone, and the right dates to the species you want. Before you finalize a trip, double-check the live regulations, buy permits early, and confirm whether your area is public land, private land, a ZEC, or a wildlife reserve. Bookmark this page and come back before each new opener so you can stay current and hunt responsibly.
- Canada Hunting Youth Regulations 2026–2027: Age Requirements, Licences & Hunter Rules by Province - October 10, 2026
- Where to Hunt in Canada: Provinces, Species & Planning Guide - October 10, 2026
- Hunting Tags in Canada: Validation, Attachment and Transport Rules Every Hunter Must Know - October 5, 2026