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 17 species with open seasons and 38 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

Big Game

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

12 species

Deer (Antlered Or Antlerless)

Upcoming

5 WMUs

Direct Answer

Season dates differ by WMU — check yours

Quick Links — Nova Scotia Season Dates

Big Game

Deer (Antlered Or Antlerless)

Deer

Deer (Tobeatic Wma)

Deer (Antlered)

Deer (Antlerless (Draw))

Deer (Liscomb Game Sanctuary)

Moose (Season 2 (Draw))

Moose (Season 7 (Draw))

Moose (Season 3 (Draw))

Moose (Season 4 (Draw))

Moose (Season 5 (Draw))

Moose (Season 6 (Draw))

Predators

Coyote

Coyote (Landowner)

Bear

Bobcat

Fox

Cougar

Lynx

Small Game

Bullfrog

Chipmunk (Landowner)

Crow (Landowner)

English Sparrow (Landowner)

Mice & Rats (Landowner)

Pheasant

Porcupine (Landowner)

Raccoon

Red Squirrel (Landowner)

Shrews (Landowner)

Skunk (Landowner)

Starling (Landowner)

Voles & Moles (Landowner)

Woodchuck (Groundhog) (Landowner)

Beaver

Buffleheads (Zone 1)

Buffleheads (Zone 2)

Crow

Goldeneyes (Zone 1)

Goldeneyes (Zone 2)

Mink

Muskrat

Otter

Red Squirrel

Ring-Necked Pheasant (Male)

Ruffed Grouse

Skunk

Weasel

Woodcock (Zone 1, Zone 2)

Fisher

Hungarian Partridge

Marten

Waterfowl

Rock Dove (Landowner)

Common And Red-Breasted Mergansers (Zone 1)

Common And Red-Breasted Mergansers (Zone 2)

Ducks (Zone 1)

Ducks (Zone 2)

Eiders (Zone 1)

Eiders (Zone 2)

Geese (Zone 1)

Geese (Zone 2)

Long-Tailed Ducks (Zone 1)

Long-Tailed Ducks (Zone 2)

Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)

Scoters (Zone 1)

Scoters (Zone 2)

Snipe (Zone 1, Zone 2)

Season dates differ by WMU — check yours

Popular Nova Scotia Hunting Seasons

Other Provinces

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