News release

Province Seeking Input on Spring Bear Hunt Pilot

Natural Resources and Renewables (to December 2024)

Nova Scotians are invited to provide feedback on a spring bear hunt pilot, proposed to start this May and June.

Currently, bear hunting is permitted only in the fall. The Department is proposing a five-week bear season this spring as it considers whether there should be a spring bear season every year.

“Nova Scotia is the only province with a black bear population and no spring bear hunt, so we’re proposing a pilot project this spring to help inform future decisions,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “We want to hear from Nova Scotians. Their voices matter and will help the Department run this proposed hunt in a safe and responsible manner.”

Details of this year’s proposed spring bear season include:

  • open only to Nova Scotia residents
  • only male bears and females with no cubs could be taken
  • no hunting on Sundays.

Hunters would need a bear hunting licence and would be required to report their hunt. The data collected from a pilot hunt would help inform decisions about potential future hunts.

An online survey and other ways to share input are at: https://novascotia.ca/spring-bear-hunt-engagement/. The consultation ends on February 24.

Quick Facts:

  • the annual bear hunting bag limit – one bear – would not increase with a spring hunting season
  • bear hunting licences would be sold only at Natural Resources and Renewables offices
  • changes to regulations under the Wildlife Act would be made to allow the pilot project

Additional Resources:

Hunting in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/

Anyone who suspects illegal hunting activity should report it to the Department by calling 1-800-565-2224

Natural Resources and Renewables offices: https://novascotia.ca/natr/staffdir/offices.asp

Natural Resources and Renewables on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/NS_DNRR

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