Nova Scotia Hunting Season Guide 2025-2026
Planning your hunting adventures in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2026 season? Whether you’re a local resident or visiting hunter, understanding the dates, permit requirements, and wildlife zones is key to a safe and successful season. This guide breaks down the confirmed schedules for migratory game birds and points you to the official resources for other game.
Always remember that this article is a helpful summary. For all hunting activities, you must consult the official Nova Scotia Wildlife Act and federal regulations for the complete and legally binding rules .
📅 Quick Reference Points
- Migratory Birds: Seasons run from fall 2025 through January 2026, varying by zone and species .
- Big Game: For the 2025-2026 season, the province has recently lengthened the deer hunting season and reduced the minimum age for hunting deer and bear. Always check the official hunting regulation summary for exact dates and legal methods .
- Wildlife Areas: Nova Scotia maintains a network of Wildlife Management Areas and Game Sanctuaries designed to protect habitat and wildlife populations .
- Licenses and Permits: You will need a provincial hunting license and, for migratory birds, a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit .
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Migratory bird hunting in Nova Scotia is regulated by the federal government, with the province divided into two primary zones :
- Zone No. 1: Antigonish, Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland, Hants, Kings, and Annapolis counties.
- Zone No. 2: Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg, Halifax, Guysborough, and all counties on Cape Breton Island.
The table below outlines the open seasons and bag limits for the 2025-2026 season (August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026) .
| Area | Species | Open Season | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Ducks (excluding Eiders, etc.) | Oct 1 – Jan 15 | 6 | 18 |
| Eiders, Scoters, etc. | Oct 1 – Nov 1 (No Eiders), Nov 2 – Dec 31 (Eiders only), Jan 1 – Jan 15 (No Eiders) | 5 | 10 | |
| Geese (All) | Sep 1 – Sep 15, Oct 1 – Dec 31 | 5 (Sep); 5 (Oct-Dec) | 20 | |
| Woodcock | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | 8 | 16 | |
| Snipe | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | 10 | 20 | |
| Zone 2 | Ducks (excluding Eiders, etc.) | Oct 8 – Jan 22 | 6 | 18 |
| Eiders, Scoters, etc. | Oct 8 – Nov 1 (No Eiders), Nov 2 – Dec 31 (Eiders only), Jan 1 – Jan 22 (No Eiders) | 5 | 10 | |
| Geese (All) | Sep 1 – Sep 15, Oct 16 – Jan 15 | 5 (Sep); 5 (Oct-Jan) | 20 | |
| Woodcock | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | 8 | 16 | |
| Snipe | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | 10 | 20 |
Important Waterfowl Regulations:
- Permit Required: You must carry a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, which you can purchase online and present in physical or electronic PDF format .
- Non-Toxic Shot: The use of lead shot is prohibited for hunting migratory game birds in Nova Scotia .
- Species at Risk: There is no open season for Harlequin Ducks, and the limit for Barrow’s Goldeneye is one bird .
- Youth Hunting: Hunters under 18 can obtain a free Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, allowing them their own bag limits while accompanied by a mentor .
🦌 Big Game, Turkey, and Other Game Schedules
The search results indicate that regulations for big game, such as deer and bear, have been recently updated. However, the specific dates and draw deadlines for the 2025-2026 season were not available in the search results.
- Big Game: Nova Scotia is divided into 12 Deer Management Zones, and regulations may vary by zone . The province has announced a lengthened deer hunting season and a reduced minimum age for hunting deer and bear for the current season, making it easier for families to hunt together .
- Other Game: For detailed seasons on species like turkey, furbearers, and small game, you must consult the official provincial guide. The government provides a summary of hunting and furharvesting regulations, which is the most reliable source for this information .
🗺️ Zones Active for Hunting
Understanding Nova Scotia’s hunting geography is crucial. Beyond the two zones for migratory birds, the province uses different zoning systems for other game.
- Deer Management Zones: Nova Scotia is divided into 12 Deer Management Zones, and regulations for deer hunting can differ in each one. Always verify the rules for your specific zone .
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and Sanctuaries: The province manages numerous WMAs (like the Tobeatic and Eastern Shore Islands) and Game Sanctuaries (like Chignecto) to conserve wildlife habitats. These areas may have specific rules or restrictions, so it’s important to be aware of them before you hunt . For example, lands around the Chignecto Game Sanctuary are being considered for additional protected status .
🎟️ Licenses, Tags & Permits
Staying legal means having the right paperwork. Requirements are layered between provincial and federal jurisdictions.
| License / Permit | Issuing Authority | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Hunting License | Nova Scotia Government | Required for all hunters. Check the regulation summary for resident, non-resident, and youth options . |
| Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit (MGBH) | Government of Canada | Mandatory for hunting migratory birds. Includes a Habitat Conservation Stamp. Can be purchased online . |
| Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp | Government of Canada | Automatically included with the federal MGBH permit . |
❓ Nova Scotia Hunting Quick FAQ
Do I need a permit to hunt migratory birds?
Yes. In addition to your provincial hunting license, you are required by federal law to possess a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, which you can buy online from Environment and Climate Change Canada .
Can I use lead shot for duck hunting in Nova Scotia?
No. The use and possession of lead shot is prohibited while hunting migratory game birds in Nova Scotia. You must use non-toxic shot approved by the federal government .
Are there any special hunting areas in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Nova Scotia has a system of Wildlife Management Areas and Game Sanctuaries. These are designated to protect wildlife and their habitats. Always check the specific regulations for these areas before you hunt, as they may have special restrictions .
Where can I find the most up-to-date hunting regulations?
The official and legally binding regulations are the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act and the federal Migratory Birds Regulations. The province also provides a helpful summary of hunting regulations for your convenience .
Is there a youth hunting program?
Yes. The federal government offers a free Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit for hunters under 18, which gives them their own bag limit. They must be accompanied by a mentor who has a valid permit .
🔗 List of Related Guides
For hunting regulations in other provinces, check out our guides for:
Conclusion
Nova Scotia offers diverse hunting opportunities, from waterfowl in its coastal zones to big game in its forests. While this guide provides a solid foundation based on available information for the 2025-2026 season, a hunter’s responsibility is to be fully informed. Regulations can change, so always double-check the official sources, purchase your permits early, and plan your trips responsibly. Bookmark this page and the official government sites for the latest updates. Happy and safe hunting!
