2025-2026 Hunting Year

Nova Scotia
Hunting Licence Guide

Everything you need to get your hunting licence in Nova Scotia — step-by-step process, fees, hunter education, and non-resident requirements for 2026.

Direct Answer

To hunt in Nova Scotia, complete required hunter education, register the provincial hunter ID/card, then buy the relevant species licence or draw tag. The exact fees and age requirements are listed below.

Last reviewed: Mar 11, 2026 • Source timestamp: Mar 11, 2026 • Sources: official Nova Scotia licensing portals and HuntScout licence data tables.

Key Facts

1

Wildlife Resources Card is required to hunt

2

Deer is the primary resident big-game opportunity

3

Moose is draw-only in limited zones

4

Confirm Sunday hunting and weapon rules for your zone

How to Get Your Licence — Step by Step

Step 1

Complete Hunter Education

New firearm hunters must pass Nova Scotia hunter education before licensing.

Step 2

Get Your Wildlife Resources Card

Obtain a WRC through the provincial licensing system — required to hunt in Nova Scotia.

Step 3

Buy Hunting Licences

Purchase deer, bear, small game, or other species licences for the upcoming season.

Step 4

Apply for Moose Draw (if eligible)

Cape Breton moose licences are allocated by random draw — apply during the published window.

Nova Scotia Hunting Licence Fees

Licence TypeResidentNon-ResidentNotes
Wildlife Resources CardSee current feesRequired base credential
Deer LicenceSee current feesHigher non-resident rates
Bear LicenceSee current feesHigher non-resident rates
Moose Licence (draw)Draw onlyLimited Cape Breton allocation

Non-Resident Hunting in Nova Scotia

Non-residents need approved hunter education credentials and pay higher licence fees. Moose opportunity for non-residents is limited and often outfitter-linked.

More Nova Scotia Hunting Resources

Track Your Seasons & Licences

Get real-time season dates, offline maps, and WMU boundaries on mobile — or explore from the web dashboard.