Moose Hunting Season Canada – 2026-2027 Dates for Every Province and Territory
If you’re planning a moose hunting trip to Canada, timing is everything — and the good news is that moose seasons run somewhere in the country from early September through mid-December, with the exact window depending on your province, zone, and weapon. The strongest provinces for moose hunting in Canada are Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba, where published harvest success in managed zones can climb to 60–90 percent when you pair the right zone with the right week. Below you’ll find the 2026–2027 moose season broken down province by province and territory — open dates, draw requirements, non-resident rules, real costs, and the application deadlines you cannot afford to miss.
If you’ve ever stared at a provincial draw calendar and felt your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. Canadian moose regulations are a patchwork of wildlife management units, quotas, and application windows that shift every season. However, the system is far less intimidating once you understand how it works — and that understanding is exactly what separates a booked hunt from a wasted year. Let’s walk through it the way a hunter actually thinks: where to go, when to go, and what it takes to get a tag in your pocket.
Why Hunters Choose Canada for Moose
Canada holds the largest moose inventories on the continent, and the numbers back up the reputation:
- An estimated 800,000+ moose roam Canadian provinces and territories, dwarfing most US state populations.
- Newfoundland and Labrador alone issued 28,705 moose licences for 2026 — up 1,090 from 2025 — with outfitters reporting success rates around 90 percent on the island.
- You can hunt four subspecies: the Shiras moose in the west, the Canada moose across the interior, the Alaska-Yukon moose in BC, Yukon, and NWT, and the Eastern Canada moose in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.
- Prices range from a $4,600 guided five-day hunt in New Brunswick to $40,000 trophy-class Alaska-Yukon moose hunts in the Northwest Territories.
- Non-residents gain legal access in every jurisdiction except Nova Scotia’s moose draw, which stays resident-only.
How Moose Hunting Seasons Work Across Canada
Before we get to dates, here’s the mental model you need — the same one provincial biologists use:
- Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) — Every province splits its land into management units, and each carries its own open dates. A season that opens September 19 in one Ontario unit may not open until October 17 in the next.
- Draws vs. Open Seasons — Most high-quality moose zones are draw-only (special licence), while remote or lower-density units sell licences over the counter. Saskatchewan, for example, restricts bulls in forested zones 55–69 to a draw, while zones 70–76 run regular seasons.
- Weapon-Based Windows — Archery generally opens first (late August to late September), followed by rifle/general seasons, with muzzleloader windows sprinkled between.
- Resident vs. Non-Resident Timing — Several provinces shorten non-resident seasons. In Ontario, resident moose seasons can run to December 15, but non-resident seasons close November 15 in most units.
- Outfitter Requirements — Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, NWT, and much of Nunavut require non-residents to book a licensed outfitter (and in Newfoundland, a licensed guide as well).
Moose Season Dates by Province and Territory (2026–2027)
| Province / Territory | Typical Season Window | Access Type | Non-Resident Access | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Sept 1 – Oct 31, plus Nov 1 – Nov 30 split in boreal WMUs | Draw (special licence) in most units | Draw-eligible, no outfitter required in most zones | Big bulls, DIY-friendly, archery opener late August |
| British Columbia | Sept 10 – Nov 5 by region | LEH (Limited Entry Hunting) in many units, open seasons elsewhere | Permitted; verify regional LEH / guide rules | Alaska-Yukon moose, huge range, expensive but elite |
| Manitoba | Sept 14 – Sept 22 and Sept 22 – Sept 30 (2026) | Draw in Game Hunting Areas | Usually arranged through licensed outfitters | Rut-focused 7–10 day hunts, strong fly-in lodges |
| New Brunswick | Sept 22 – Sept 26 (5 days) | Draw across 25 WMZs | Can apply through outfitters | Short, intense rut hunt at a friendly price |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Sept 8 – Nov 7 (2026) | Quota licence via draw (28,705 total) | Outfitter + guide mandatory | ~90% success, biggest Eastern Canada bulls, 3,930 non-resident tags |
| Nova Scotia | Mid-Sept – early Oct (Cape Breton) | Limited-entry draw, residents only | Not available | Smallest opportunity; moose hunting is a local affair |
| Ontario | Sept 19 – Dec 15 resident; non-resident ends Nov 15 | Tag allocation, draws + points system | Draw-eligible | Huge zone network, bow seasons from mid-September |
| Prince Edward Island | No moose season | — | — | No wild moose population |
| Quebec | Sept 5 – 13 and Sept 26 – Oct 4 (2026) by zone | Draw for antlerless in most zones; zones 13/18/28 alternate years | Draw-eligible, outfitters common | Massive wilderness blocks, strong calf/bull mix |
| Saskatchewan | Oct 1 – 14, Oct 15 – 31, Nov windows by zone | Draw-only bulls in forest zones 55–69; regular seasons in 70–76 | Draw-eligible | Underrated prairie-edge hunting, fewer hunters |
| Northwest Territories | Late Sept – Oct | Outfitter quota | Outfitter mandatory, west of Mackenzie River only | True trophy Alaska-Yukon moose, 200″+ class |
| Nunavut | Limited, mostly Sept – Oct | Community-based (HTO) management | Extremely limited; written community consent | Remote, expensive, near-zero pressure |
| Yukon | Late Sept – early Oct rut (e.g., Sept 25 – Oct 4) | Outfitter quota | Outfitter mandatory | Classic Alaska-Yukon moose country, stunning scenery |
The Big Six: A Closer Look at Canada’s Best Moose Provinces
Alberta
Alberta runs one of the most accessible big-bull programs in the country, and the 2026 rules follow the same rhythm as recent years:
- Boreal WMUs (500 series) split into Sept 1 – Oct 31 or Nov 1 – Nov 30 seasons depending on the unit.
- Most moose seasons require a special licence from the draw; applications open June 1.
- Archery-only opportunities open as early as late August, catching bulls before the rut.
- Non-residents can apply and hunt without an outfitter in most zones — a rarity in Canada.
- The rut peaks the first and second weeks of October, making late September and early October the premium windows.
Always confirm unit-level dates against the current guide before booking: Alberta moose season regulations keep the per-WMU breakdown updated.
Ontario
Ontario is the DIY capital of Eastern moose hunting, but the tag system takes patience:
- General seasons span September 19 to December 15 for residents, with non-resident seasons closing November 15 in most units.
- Bow-only seasons open September 19 – October 9 in several units, then September 26 – October 16 in others.
- The primary allocation application window runs April 1 – 30, with a second stage in mid-May.
- Ontario uses a points-based tag system, so new applicants should expect a wait in the best units.
- Fly-in lodges in the northwest offer guided options with much higher odds than DIY ground hunts.
Check the official Ontario moose season dates (ontario.ca) before finalizing any plan — those tables list every WMU individually.
Quebec
Quebec throws scale at you: more wilderness than most hunters will see in a lifetime, with a moose program that keeps changing:
- 2026 antlered moose seasons include September 5 – 13 and September 26 – October 4, varying by zone.
- Starting in 2026, most zones require a draw licence for moose without antlers (antlers under 10 cm).
- Zones 13, 18, and 28 keep the alternating-year system — antlerless hunting is closed in 2026 and reopens in 2027.
- Zones 19 south and 29 stay open every year with no special antlerless licence.
- Emphasis on group hunting: Quebec’s rut-driven drives are legendary among locals and outfitters alike.
Manitoba
Manitoba flies under the radar, and that’s exactly why savvy hunters like it:
- The 2026 fall moose season runs September 14 – 22 and September 22 – 30, with the 2027 season shifting to September 20 – 28.
- Historically, the season begins the third Monday in September and runs seven days per window.
- Most productive zones are draw-based, and non-resident access usually flows through licensed outfitters.
- Fly-in lodges around Dogskin Lake and the east side deliver consistent rut activity with minimal road pressure.
Newfoundland and Labrador
If your priority is a tag in your pocket and meat in the freezer, Newfoundland is the safest bet in Canada:
- The 2026 island quota is 28,705 licences — 18,492 either-sex, 5,803 male-only, and 3,930 set aside for non-residents.
- Non-resident big-game hunting requires a licensed outfitter, and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide on every hunt.
- The 2026 season window runs roughly September 8 to November 7, letting you chase the rut at your own pace.
- Labrador adds another 373 either-sex licences with no change from 2025.
- Apply online through the province’s Wildlife Information Management System — paperwork is digital-only now.
Practical outfitter details and season breakdowns for the island are collected under Newfoundland and Labrador hunting seasons.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan quietly produces excellent bulls without the crowds:
- Draw-only bull seasons remain in forest zones 55–69 due to population concerns across western Canada.
- Regular bull moose seasons in zones 70–76 are unchanged and monitored closely.
- Non-forest zones (1–54) keep their current structure following the 2021 quota reductions.
- The Big Game Draw application window runs in May, so mark your calendar now.
- Expect October 1 – 31 windows with a late November option in several zones.
Moose Hunting in the Three Territories
The territories are a different league entirely — lower densities, higher costs, and the largest moose genetics on Earth.
- Yukon — Outfitters cover most of the territory, with the rut hitting late September through early October. A typical package (e.g., Sept 25 – Oct 4, 2026) runs seven to ten days and targets Alaska-Yukon moose with serious trophy potential. Non-residents must use a licensed outfitter.
- Northwest Territories — Non-resident moose hunting is restricted to west of the Mackenzie River in the Mackenzie Mountains. These are outfitted expeditions with price tags in the $20,000–$40,000 range — but also the hunts that produce 60-inch-wide frames and record-book entries.
- Nunavut — Moose exist in a few southern mainland regions, but access runs through community-based Hunters and Trappers Organizations. Non-resident opportunities are rare, typically require written community consent, and are strictly guided. Expect logistical complexity more than hunting pressure.
Where There Is No Moose Season
Two jurisdictions deserve an honest mention, because too many articles skip them:
- Prince Edward Island — There is no moose hunting season in PEI because there is no wild moose population. Do not waste a year researching it.
- Nova Scotia — Moose hunting exists only on Cape Breton Island, through a limited-entry draw restricted to residents. The season runs roughly from the second Monday in September to early October, but non-residents simply cannot participate. Firearms are even prohibited in the Cape Breton moose management zones during that window under a standing ministerial order.
Moose Draws and Application Deadlines at a Glance
| Province | Application Window | Draw Results | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Opens ~June 1 | Summer | Special licence required for most moose |
| Ontario | April 1 – 30 (primary) | May onward | Points system; second stage mid-May |
| Saskatchewan | May | July | Big Game Draw; pronghorn draw waits for July surveys |
| New Brunswick | Late spring | July 6, 2026 | 25 WMZs, 5-day season |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Spring – summer | Before season | Online-only via WIMS |
| Quebec | Spring | Spring | Antlerless draw in most zones from 2026 |
| Manitoba | Spring | Summer | Game Hunting Area based |
Deadlines shift every year, so treat this table as a planning aid, not gospel — check the provincial regulator’s site the moment applications open.
Non-Resident Rules Every US Hunter Must Know
Crossing the border adds layers that resident hunters never think about. Here’s the checklist:
- Firearms declaration — Declare every firearm at Canadian customs on arrival and on departure; failure to do so means confiscation. The RCMP’s Canadian Firearms Program governs import rules.
- Outfitter vs. guide — Newfoundland requires both an outfitter and a licensed guide; Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut require an outfitter; most other provinces allow self-guided hunting if you hold the right licence. BC adds regional LEH and guide considerations — verify per management unit.
- Game export — Newfoundland requires a free export permit to take game out of the province; CITES permits apply to bear parts.
- US side — Declare all game entering the United States and pick up the required forms at US Customs before you leave.
- Hunter education — Carry proof of your home jurisdiction’s hunter-education completion; conservation officers can demand it on the spot.
- Licence currency — Non-resident licence fees are typically two to four times resident rates, and some provinces cap non-resident tags entirely.
When Is the Best Time to Hunt Moose in Canada?
Moose are predictable — the rut rules everything:
| Timeframe | What’s Happening | Best Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Late Aug – mid Sept | Early season, bulls still in velvet or just rubbed | Alberta archery, northern BC |
| Sept 20 – 30 | Rut ramping up; calling turns deadly effective | Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba |
| Oct 1 – 10 | Peak rut, most provinces | Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland |
| Mid Oct – Nov | Post-rut, late-season movement | Newfoundland, NWT, late Ontario windows |
| November | Bull survival hunts, cold-weather strategy | Alberta late season, Ontario |
For serious trophy hunters, late September through the first week of October is the consensus window for mature bulls across most of Canada.
What a Canadian Moose Hunt Actually Costs
| Hunt Type | Typical Price Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY ground hunt (Alberta, Ontario) | $1,200 – $3,500 | Licences, tags, travel, camp |
| Guided New Brunswick (5 days) | ~$4,600 USD | Outfitter, lodging, meals, tag help |
| Guided Canada-wide packages | From $6,500 (5 days) | Outfitter, lodge, guide, often flights |
| Fly-in Ontario / Manitoba | $5,000 – $9,000 | Float-plane access, camp, guide |
| Newfoundland outfitted | $6,000 – $10,000 | Outfitter, guide, licence handling |
| British Columbia outfitted | $8,000 – $15,000 | Full-service, remote camps |
| Yukon / NWT trophy hunts | $15,000 – $40,000 | Elite outfitting, 1-on-1 guiding, record-class bulls |
Prices come from current outfitter listings and vary with season and zone — always request a written quote before committing.
Packing and Preparation Checklist
- Calls — Grunt tube and cow call; late-season hunters add a wet-weather call set.
- Optics — 10×42 binoculars minimum; a spotting scope for open-country Yukon and BC work.
- Firearm — 30-06, 300 Win Mag, or 7mm Rem Mag class; verify ammunition limits crossing into Canada.
- Clothing — Layered system with a blaze orange layer (legally required in most provinces) and a quiet outer shell.
- Boots — Waterproof, broken-in, and rated for swamps if you’re chasing Eastern moose.
- Registration — Mandatory hunter reports in BC (due January 15) and Nova Scotia; file them whether or not you harvest.
Tips for First-Time Canadian Moose Hunters
- Apply early — Miss the draw window and you lose a full year; most provinces close applications by May or June.
- Book lodges a season ahead — The best outfitters sell out before the application deadline, not after.
- Match the zone to your weapon — Archery-only zones often have less pressure and more bulls.
- Hunt water in the morning, ridges at dusk — Moose feed aquatic plants at dawn and stage on high ground by evening.
- Learn to call before you go — A bad cow call spooks more bulls than it attracts.
- Plan for meat — A mature bull is 400–700 pounds of boned meat; arrange cold storage and transport before you tag it.
FAQ
What is the best province for moose hunting in Canada?
Newfoundland and Labrador leads on success rate (roughly 90 percent on the island) and licence availability, with 3,930 non-resident tags in 2026. Alberta and Ontario are the best DIY options, while Quebec and BC offer the largest wilderness blocks.
Do US citizens need a guide to hunt moose in Canada?
It depends on the province. Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut require a licensed outfitter (and in Newfoundland, a guide). Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick generally allow self-guided non-resident hunting once you hold the proper licence and tags.
When is the moose rut in Canada?
The rut runs late September through mid-October, peaking the first two weeks of October in most provinces. Northern territories and BC sees rut activity from late September; Newfoundland’s long season covers it from early October into November.
Can you hunt moose in Canada without entering a draw?
Yes, in limited zones. Saskatchewan’s zones 70–76 run regular bull seasons, and some BC management units offer open seasons without LEH. However, the highest-odds units in Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick are draw-based.
How much does a moose hunt in Canada cost?
Guided hunts run from about $4,600 USD for five days in New Brunswick to $40,000 for elite NWT trophy hunts. DIY hunters in Alberta and Ontario can hunt for $1,200–$3,500 including licences and travel.
What is the success rate for moose hunting in Canada?
Published outfitter success runs 60–90 percent in Newfoundland, the higher end in Ontario and Manitoba fly-in camps, and 40–60 percent across most DIY zones. Zone selection matters more than skill in many cases.
Final Thoughts
Picking a Canadian moose province comes down to one honest question: what matters more — a high-odds harvest, a massive set of antlers, or the adventure itself? Newfoundland answers the first, the territories answer the second, and Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec give you room to answer the third on your own terms. Whatever you choose, lock in your applications early, verify every date against the provincial regulator, and book your outfitter before the tags run out. The moose will be waiting — the season won’t.
