Manitoba Game Calendar 2025-2026: Species, Dates & Permit Guide
Welcome to your complete guide for Manitoba’s game calendar covering April 2025 through March 2026! Whether you’re a prairie province veteran or planning your first wildlife adventure in the Land of 100,000 Lakes, this comprehensive overview will help you navigate permit requirements, zone boundaries, and draw applications with confidence. From the boreal forests of the north to the agricultural heartland of the south, Manitoba offers diverse opportunities for both residents and visiting sportsmen.
This guide covers everything you need to know about upcoming schedules, tag rules, licensing fees, and game unit boundaries. We’ll walk you through the essential details so you can plan your outdoor pursuits effectively and stay compliant with all provincial regulations.
📅 Quick Reference Points
Here’s your at-a-glance overview of Manitoba’s primary wildlife opportunities for the 2025-2026 license year:
- White-tailed Deer: Archery runs September 1-October 15; rifle/muzzleloader October 10-December 15
- Moose: Draw-only tags; archery September 15-October 31; rifle October 10-31
- Black Bear: Spring season May 1-June 19; fall season August 15-October 31
- Wild Turkey: Spring hunts April-May; fall opportunities in October
- Waterfowl: Early teal September 1-15; regular duck/goose seasons September through December
- Upland Birds: Grouse, partridge, and ptarmigan from September through January
- Small Game: Rabbit, squirrel, and other species with extended fall/winter schedules
- Furbearers: Coyote, lynx, and other species with varied timeframes by region
Youth opportunities exist for most species, with special early access periods and reduced fees available for hunters under 18 years old.
Big Game Schedules
Manitoba’s premier big game opportunities require careful planning, especially for trophy species like moose and elk. Here’s your complete breakdown of the major categories:
| Species | Archery Season | Rifle/Muzzleloader | Tag Type | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Sep 1 – Oct 15 | Oct 10 – Dec 15 | Most zones OTC | Limited entry draw for antlerless in GHAs 15-18 |
| Moose | Sep 15 – Oct 31 | Oct 10 – Oct 31 | Draw only | Applications Feb 1 – Mar 15; spring bear combo available |
| Black Bear | May 1 – Jun 19 (Spring) | Aug 15 – Oct 31 (Fall) | OTC available | Some GHAs have different fall dates |
| Elk | Sep 15 – Nov 30 | Sep 15 – Nov 30 | Draw only | Limited to specific management areas |
| Caribou | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | Draw only | Northern regions only |
GHA = Game Hunting Area. Check official maps for boundary details and any zone-specific restrictions that may apply to your chosen area.
Youth hunters enjoy extended opportunities in many categories, with some areas offering separate drawings or over-the-counter availability when adult tags are limited.
Turkey Schedules
Wild turkey populations continue to expand across southern Manitoba, providing excellent sporting opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters:
| Season Type | Dates | Weapon Options | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Youth | Apr 19 – May 4 | Shotgun, archery | 1 tom | Youth under 18 only |
| Spring General | Apr 26 – May 11 | Shotgun, archery | 1 tom | Most popular season |
| Fall General | Oct 1 – Oct 15 | Shotgun, archery | 1 bird either sex | Limited to specific GHAs |
Turkey licenses are valid for both spring and fall periods, but only one bird may be harvested per license year. Non-residents must hunt with licensed outfitters and guides according to provincial regulations.
Furbearer Season Dates
Trapping and predator control opportunities vary significantly by species and region. Here are the primary furbearer schedules:
| Species | Season Dates | Method | License Required | Regional Variations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Firearms, traps | General license | No closed season |
| Lynx | Nov 15 – Feb 28 | Traps only | Trapping license | Northern regions only |
| Bobcat | Nov 15 – Feb 28 | Traps, firearms | General/trapping | Limited southern range |
| Raccoon | Oct 15 – Jan 31 | Traps, firearms | General license | Southern GHAs only |
| Fox (Red) | Nov 1 – Feb 28 | Traps, firearms | General/trapping | Statewide availability |
Many furbearer opportunities require either a general game license or specialized trapping permits. Check with local conservation officers about any additional requirements or quotas in your intended area.
Small Game Dates
Manitoba’s diverse landscape supports healthy populations of small game species throughout the province:
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit | Weapon Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | Sep 10 – Jan 10 | 5 | 15 | Shotgun, archery |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Sep 10 – Jan 10 | 5 | 15 | Shotgun, archery |
| Spruce Grouse | Sep 10 – Jan 10 | 5 | 15 | Shotgun, archery |
| Ptarmigan | Sep 10 – Mar 31 | 5 | 15 | Shotgun, archery |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sep 10 – Mar 31 | 5 | 15 | Shotgun, archery, .22 |
| Squirrel | Sep 10 – Mar 31 | 5 | 15 | Shotgun, archery, .22 |
Small game licenses are included with deer and game bird permits, making these species accessible to most licensed hunters. Remember that some areas may have additional restrictions or closures during certain periods.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Migratory bird opportunities in Manitoba are governed by both federal and provincial regulations, creating a complex but rewarding system:
| Species Group | Early Season | Regular Season | Late Season | Daily Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teal (Blue-winged) | Sep 1 – Sep 15 | – | – | 4 |
| Ducks (Most species) | Sep 7 – Dec 5 | Varies by zone | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | 6 |
| Canada Geese | Sep 7 – Dec 5 | Varies by zone | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | 5 |
| Snow Geese | Sep 7 – Dec 5 | Varies by zone | Mar 15 – May 31 | 20 |
| Sandhill Cranes | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | – | – | 2 |
Federal migratory bird permits are required in addition to provincial licenses. Game Bird Hunting Zones (GBHZ) have specific boundaries that may differ from other management areas, so consult official maps before planning your waterfowl excursions.
Other Available Game
Several additional species provide unique opportunities for specialized hunters:
| Species | Season Dates | Special Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sep 1 – Oct 30 | Migratory bird permit | Federal regulations apply |
| Crow | Mar 15 – Sep 30 | General license | No daily limit |
| Snapping Turtle | Jul 15 – Sep 30 | Fishing license | Size and gear restrictions |
| Frogs | May 15 – Oct 31 | Fishing license | Bag limits apply |
These specialty opportunities often have unique regulations or permit requirements. Always verify current rules before pursuing any of these less common species.
Zones Active for Hunting
Manitoba divides its territory into numbered Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) that help manage wildlife populations and hunter distribution. The province contains 40 distinct GHAs, each with specific boundaries and sometimes unique regulations.
Southern agricultural regions (GHAs 15-25) typically offer the most accessible deer and upland bird opportunities, while northern boreal areas (GHAs 1-10) provide excellent moose and bear prospects. The Interlake region (GHAs 11-14) combines diverse habitat types and species availability.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) provide additional public access throughout the province, with over 90 designated areas offering various recreational opportunities. Some WMAs have restricted access during certain periods to protect sensitive wildlife activities.
For detailed boundary maps and area-specific regulations, consult the official Manitoba Game Hunting Areas map available through the provincial geoportal system.
Licenses, Tags & Permits
Understanding Manitoba’s licensing structure is essential for legal compliance and successful trip planning:
Resident Licenses (2025 Fees):
- Deer and Game Bird License: $39.50 (Adult) / $19.75 (Youth)
- Small Game License: $29.25 (Adult) / $14.50 (Youth)
- Trapping License: $87.75 (Adult) / $43.75 (Youth)
Non-Resident Licenses:
- Deer and Game Bird License: $186.75 (Adult)
- Small Game License: $76.50 (Adult)
- Guide requirements for foreign residents on big game species
Additional Permits:
- Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit: $17.00
- Big Game Draw Application Fee: $61.75 (residents) / $97.25+ (non-residents)
- Habitat stamp and conservation fees may apply
Special Categories:
- Youth pricing applies to hunters under 18 years of age
- Military discounts available with proper identification
- Disability permits offer reduced fees for qualifying individuals
Purchase options include online through Manitoba Licensing, authorized retailers, or telephone orders at 1-877-880-1203. Early license purchase is recommended, especially for draw applications and popular areas.
Manitoba Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: When do big game draw applications open for 2025?
A: Moose and elk draw applications typically open February 1st and close March 15th each year. Apply early as some areas reach capacity quickly.
Q: Can non-residents hunt independently in Manitoba?
A: Canadian non-residents can hunt independently with proper licenses. Foreign residents must use licensed outfitters and guides for big game species like deer, moose, and bear.
Q: Are there any free park entry periods?
A: Yes! Park entry is free throughout 2025, eliminating the need for separate park permits when accessing provincial recreation areas.
Q: What’s required for youth hunters under 16?
A: Youth must complete Hunter Education certification and be accompanied by a licensed adult. Special youth-only seasons offer additional opportunities in many categories.
Q: How do I find current Game Hunting Area boundaries?
A: Official GHA maps are available through the Manitoba government website and licensing portal. GPS coordinates and detailed boundary descriptions help ensure you’re in legal territory.
Q: Can I use crossbows during archery seasons?
A: Crossbows are permitted during designated archery periods, but specific regulations may apply. Check current equipment requirements before your trip.
Q: What happens if I don’t draw a moose tag?
A: Unsuccessful applicants receive preference points for future draws. Alternative opportunities include black bear, deer, and other species with over-the-counter availability.
List of Related Guides
For additional Canadian hunting information and seasonal guides, explore these helpful resources:
- Alberta Hunting Seasons – Compare opportunities in neighboring Alberta province
- British Columbia Hunting Guide – Western Canada hunting opportunities and regulations
These companion guides provide valuable context for planning multi-province adventures or understanding regional differences in wildlife management approaches.
Conclusion
Manitoba’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers exceptional diversity for hunters of all experience levels and interests. From world-class waterfowl opportunities in the prairie potholes to challenging big game pursuits in the northern wilderness, the province delivers memorable outdoor experiences throughout the license year.
Remember that regulations can change, and specific area restrictions may apply beyond what’s covered in this general overview. Always verify current rules through official provincial sources before your trip, purchase permits well in advance, and consider professional guide services for unfamiliar territories or species.
Plan responsibly, respect private property, and help maintain Manitoba’s reputation as a premier destination for ethical, sustainable outdoor recreation. Bookmark this guide for quick reference, and check back regularly for any seasonal updates or regulatory changes that might affect your outdoor plans.
