When does deer season start in Nova Scotia?

Deer hunting seasons in Nova Scotia vary by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) and weapon type. Archery typically opens in September, firearms in October. Use our season checker to find exact dates for your WMU.

What hunting seasons are currently open in Nova Scotia?

Currently there are 38 species with open seasons and 16 upcoming in Nova Scotia. Check the detailed listings above for specific species and dates.

How many WMUs have hunting in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has 37 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). Season dates vary by WMU—use the species links below to see which zones allow hunting and when.

Is moose season open in Nova Scotia?

Moose season status in Nova Scotia varies by WMU and often uses a draw system. Check our moose season page for Nova Scotia to see current open/closed status and dates.

Nova Scotia Hunting Seasons 2026: Dates by Zone

Direct Answer

Nova Scotia hunting season dates differ by zone(37 zones). Enter your postal code below to see the dates for your zone, or use the species cards for province-wide open/upcoming status.

Last reviewed: Mar 11, 2026 • Source timestamp: Mar 11, 2026 • Sources: provincial wildlife authority publications and HuntScout season snapshots.

Big Game

Large game animals including deer, moose, elk, and bear

12 species

Deer (Antlered Or Antlerless)

Open

5 WMUs

Direct Answer

See NS hunting zones and Crown land on one offline map

Quick Links — Nova Scotia Season Dates

Big Game

Deer (Antlered Or Antlerless)

Deer (Antlered)

Deer (Antlerless (Draw))

Deer

Deer

Deer

Moose

Moose

Moose

Moose

Moose

Moose

Predators

Bear

Coyote

Coyote

Bobcat

Fox

Cougar

Lynx

Small Game

Buffleheads

Buffleheads

Chipmunk

Crow

Crow

English Sparrow

Goldeneyes

Goldeneyes

Mice & Rats

Pheasant

Porcupine

Raccoon

Red Squirrel

Ring-Necked Pheasant (Male)

Ruffed Grouse

Shrews

Skunk

Starling

Voles & Moles

Woodchuck (Groundhog)

Woodcock

Beaver

Mink

Muskrat

Otter

Red Squirrel

Skunk

Weasel

Bullfrog

Fisher

Hungarian Partridge

Marten

Waterfowl

Common And Red-Breasted Mergansers

Common And Red-Breasted Mergansers

Ducks

Ducks

Geese (Zone 1)

Long-Tailed Ducks

Long-Tailed Ducks

Rock Dove

Scoters

Scoters

Snipe

Eiders

Eiders

Geese (Zone 2)

Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)

See NS hunting zones and Crown land on one offline map

Popular Nova Scotia Hunting Seasons

Other Provinces

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