Northwest Territories Game Calendar 2025-2026: Complete Guide to Seasons, Permits & Wildlife Zones
Welcome to your complete guide for planning an unforgettable hunt in Canada’s Northwest Territories during the 2025-2026 calendar! This comprehensive resource covers everything from big game schedules to small game opportunities, complete with permit requirements, wildlife management areas, and essential deadlines you’ll need to know. Whether you’re a local resident planning your annual harvest or a visiting hunter exploring the vast northern wilderness, this guide provides the current information to help you navigate the territory’s unique regulatory framework and diverse opportunities.
The Northwest Territories offers some of Canada’s most pristine and challenging adventures, from barren-ground caribou in the Arctic tundra to muskox across the expansive landscape. With co-management agreements between Indigenous communities and territorial government, the regulations here reflect both conservation priorities and traditional harvesting rights, creating a distinctive system that requires careful planning and respect for local protocols.
📅 Quick Reference Points
- Barren-ground Caribou: Summer archery/rifle (July 1 – August 31), Fall rifle (September 1 – October 15)
- Muskox: August 1 – September 30 (quota draw system)
- Moose: August 15 – September 30 (limited allocation)
- Polar Bear: August 1 – October 31 (quota only, community allocation)
- Waterfowl: Snow/Canada goose (July 15 – September 15), Ducks (August 10 – September 30)
- Ptarmigan: August 1 – December 31 (subsistence limits)
- Arctic Hare: August 1 – March 31 (no daily limit)
- Wolf/Wolverine: Year-round on approved lands with proper permits
- Youth Programs: Available with adult supervision (minimum age 12)
- Non-resident Requirements: Must use licensed outfitter for big game pursuits
🦌 Big Game Schedules
| Species | Season Type | Dates | Method | Tags/Permits Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barren-ground Caribou | Summer | July 1 – August 31 | Rifle/Archery | Community-managed draw |
| Barren-ground Caribou | Fall | September 1 – October 15 | Rifle | Community-managed draw |
| Muskox | General | August 1 – September 30 | Rifle | Limited draw (Apr 1-30 application) |
| Moose | General | August 15 – September 30 | Rifle | Limited allocation draw |
| Polar Bear | Quota | August 1 – October 31 | Rifle | Community quota allocation |
| Wood Bison | Unit U | Year-round* | Rifle | Resident tag required |
| Wood Bison | Area D/WB/05 | Year-round* | Rifle | Community approval + tag |
*Subject to specific management area restrictions and harvest reporting requirements. All big game requires immediate tagging after harvest and mandatory reporting within 48 hours to local Environment and Climate Change office.
🦃 Turkey Schedules
Currently, the Northwest Territories does not maintain established turkey populations or designated seasons. Hunters interested in turkey opportunities should consider Alberta’s diverse turkey programs which offer both spring and fall opportunities in nearby regions.
🦝 Furbearer Season Dates
| Species | Season Dates | Method | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wolf | Year-round | Rifle/Trap | Minimum .222 caliber |
| Wolverine | Year-round | Rifle/Trap | Minimum .222 caliber |
| Arctic Fox | October 1 – March 31 | Trap/Snare | Trapping license |
| Beaver | November 1 – April 30 | Trap/Snare | Trapping license |
| Lynx | November 1 – February 28 | Trap/Snare | Trapping license |
| Marten | November 1 – February 28 | Trap/Snare | Trapping license |
Note: Certain furbearers in land claim areas require permission from Indigenous organizations. Ground squirrel, red squirrel, and marmot have specific restrictions in settlement regions.
🐦 Small Games Dates
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willow Ptarmigan | August 1 – December 31 | Subsistence limits* | Shotgun/Rifle |
| Rock Ptarmigan | August 1 – December 31 | Subsistence limits* | Shotgun/Rifle |
| Arctic Hare | August 1 – March 31 | No formal limit | Rifle/Shotgun |
| Spruce Grouse | August 1 – December 31 | Subsistence limits* | Shotgun/Rifle |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | August 1 – December 31 | Subsistence limits* | Shotgun/Rifle |
*Subsistence limits vary by area and community agreements. Verify local guidelines with regional Environment and Climate Change offices.
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snow Goose | July 15 – September 15 | 10 | 20 |
| Canada Goose | July 15 – September 15 | 10 | 20 |
| Ducks (all species) | August 10 – September 30 | 5 | 15 |
| Mourning Dove | September 1 – November 30 | 15 | 45 |
Federal Requirements: Valid Migratory Game Bird Permit and Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp required. Non-toxic shot mandatory throughout the territory. Youth permits available free through e-permitting system for hunters under 18.
🐗 Other Available Game
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane | September 1 – October 31 | 2 daily | Federal permit required |
| American Coot | August 10 – September 30 | 8 daily | Included in duck regulations |
| Common Snipe | August 10 – December 10 | 10 daily | No federal stamp required |
Limited opportunities exist for specialized game depending on population status and conservation priorities. Always verify current availability with territorial wildlife officials.
🗺️ Zones Active for Pursuing Wildlife
The Northwest Territories manages wildlife through an extensive system of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and specialized zones that reflect both ecological boundaries and Indigenous land claim agreements. Key management regions include:
Mackenzie Mountains Region: Dall’s sheep, mountain caribou, moose, and alpine species
Barrenlands Region: Barren-ground caribou herds, muskox, Arctic species
Boreal Forest Region: Wood bison, black bear, woodland species
Arctic Coastal Region: Polar bear, marine mammals, Arctic foxes
Each area operates under specific quotas, seasonal restrictions, and co-management protocols. The official NWT Wildlife Management Area map provides detailed boundaries and zone-specific regulations. Contact regional Environment and Climate Change offices for current maps and area-specific requirements.
Remember that land claim areas may have additional restrictions or exclusive harvesting rights for Indigenous beneficiaries. Always verify permissions before pursuing wildlife in settled claim territories.
🎟️ Licenses, Tags & Permits
Resident Licenses
- Annual License: $30
- Wildlife Tags: $20 per species
- Youth License: Free (under 18 with adult supervision)
Non-Resident Licenses
- Non-Resident License: $200 (Canadian citizens/landed immigrants)
- Non-Resident Alien License: $300+ (non-Canadian citizens)
- Draw Application Fee: $25 per species
- Outfitter Requirement: Mandatory for big game pursuits
Additional Permits
- Migratory Game Bird Permit: Federal requirement
- Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp: Required for waterfowl
- Export Permits: Mandatory for non-residents removing game
- CITES Permits: Required for bears, bison, wolves leaving Canada
Special Considerations
- Hunter education training mandatory as of January 1, 2020
- Aboriginal harvesters with traditional rights may require General permits for certain areas
- Muskox and wood bison tags available through annual draws
- All hunters must carry valid permits and identification while afield
❓ Northwest Territories Quick FAQ
Q: Can non-residents hunt without an outfitter?
A: Non-residents must use licensed NWT outfitters and guides for all big game pursuits. Small game and waterfowl can be pursued independently with proper permits.
Q: What’s the minimum age for obtaining a license?
A: Hunters must be at least 12 years old to obtain a license. Youth under 18 require parental consent and adult supervision while afield.
Q: Are there equipment restrictions for big game?
A: Yes. Minimum .243 caliber for most big game, .30 caliber for wood bison, .222 caliber for wolves/wolverines. Bows require 20kg draw weight with 25mm broadheads.
Q: How do quota draws work?
A: Major species like caribou and muskox use community-managed draw systems. Applications typically open April 1st with draws completed before June 1st. Previous tag holders may have waiting periods.
Q: Can I export my harvested game?
A: Non-residents require export permits for all big game. Gifts over 10kg also need permits. CITES permits mandatory for bears, bison, and wolves leaving Canada.
Q: What about Indigenous harvesting rights?
A: Aboriginal harvesters with traditional rights may pursue certain species without territorial licenses in specific areas. General permits required for activities outside traditional territories.
Q: Is lead shot prohibited?
A: Yes, non-toxic shot is mandatory for all migratory bird pursuits throughout the territory. Lead shot possession is prohibited while waterfowl enthusiasts are afield.
🔗 List of Related Guides
For hunters planning multi-province adventures or comparing opportunities across Canada, explore these comprehensive provincial guides:
- Western Connections: Check out British Columbia’s diverse mountain and coastal opportunities for extended wilderness experiences
- Prairie Alternatives: Manitoba offers excellent waterfowl and big game options with different seasonal timing and species variety
These neighboring regions provide complementary experiences and may offer different approaches to species management and access.
Conclusion
The Northwest Territories presents unique opportunities for dedicated hunters willing to embrace the challenges and protocols of Canada’s vast northern wilderness. From the community-managed caribou draws to the specialized muskox allocations, each aspect of the territorial system reflects careful balance between conservation priorities, Indigenous rights, and sustainable harvesting practices.
Success in the Northwest Territories requires thorough preparation, respect for local protocols, and early engagement with draw systems and outfitter arrangements. The territory’s co-management approach creates additional layers of consideration, but also ensures that opportunities remain sustainable for future generations while honoring traditional relationships with the land.
Before finalizing your plans, always verify current regulations through the official NWT Summary of hunting and Trapping Regulations and consult with regional Environment and Climate Change offices. Permit requirements, quota allocations, and seasonal timing can change based on wildlife population assessments and community consultation processes.
Consider bookmarking this guide for reference throughout the planning year, as draw deadlines and application periods occur months before actual seasons. With proper preparation and respect for the territory’s unique regulatory framework, your Northwest Territories experience promises to be both challenging and deeply rewarding.
