Changes to Hunting Regulations Effective October 1

The Province is changing regulations under the Wildlife Act to create more hunting opportunities for Nova Scotians.

Hunting of big game species such as deer and bear is a popular recreational activity for many Nova Scotians. The amendments will lengthen the season for deer hunting, ensure gun safety and training remains a priority and make it easier for families to hunt together.

“Nova Scotia is a province with a very rich tradition in hunting, fishing and outdoor living,” said Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton. “Every year, tens of thousands of Nova Scotians hunt safely and responsibly during hunting season. These changes will increase opportunities for Nova Scotians to hunt and support our wildlife management objectives.”

Amendments to the General Wildlife Regulations, Bear Harvesting Regulations and Deer Hunting Regulations will:

• reduce the minimum age to 12 from 16 for hunting deer and bear, consistent with hunting small game
• adding 11 more Sundays per year when hunting is permitted
• adding one week to the end of general deer hunting season annually.

The new regulations come into effect Wednesday, October 1.

Youth under 18 must still hunt under direct supervision of a licensed adult hunter to ensure safety and mentoring. Training requirements, including the hunter education course and the firearms safety course, remain mandatory.

Increasing the number of Sunday hunting opportunities means more Nova Scotians – particularly those who work during the week – can participate. Until now, Nova Scotia was the last province with significant restrictions on Sunday hunting. The move is also expected to support rural economies through increased travel and equipment purchases.

Extending the hunting season for deer also supports population management, a concern in some parts of the province.

Quotes:

“This is very good news. So many people these days work irregular hours or shift work so these changes will provide flexibility and increase the opportunities for hunters to harvest game. Lowering the minimum age also helps encourage the culture of hunting and outdoorsmanship among our young people.”
— Donnie Lushington, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters

Quick Facts:

• Sunday hunting increases to 13 days from two for all hunting seasons; it was previously restricted to the first two Sundays of the general deer hunting season
• a lower age limit supports youth engagement in safe, mentored hunting opportunities; early introduction fosters outdoor skills, wildlife stewardship and family participation
• hunters in Nova Scotia are required to follow strict safety protocols, including maintaining regulated distances from buildings, schools and public areas
• the minimum age for moose hunting remains 18
• the pause on the Cape Breton moose hunt continues this year; it is illegal to hunt mainland moose because it is an endangered species

Additional Resources:

Bills tabled in the legislature are available at: https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-65-session-1

Hunting information: https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/

Hunting and Fur Harvesting Summary of Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/pdf/hunting-and-furharvesting-summary-of-regulations.pdf

News release – Temporary Suspension of Cape Breton Moose Hunt: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/07/19/temporary-suspension-cape-breton-moose-hunt

Hunt Nova Scotia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/HUNT-NS-100092347262725/

Natural Resources on X: https://x.com/NS_DNR

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.