Newfoundland Hunting Information

Age Requirements

Persons must be at least 12 years old to hunt with a firearm for migratory waterfowl, small game and coyotes. For persons who wish to hunt big game, their age must be 16 years by August 31 in the year for which the licence is valid.

Persons who are under 16 years old may also buy licences to take small game and furbearers by trapping or snaring only.

Federal Firearms Regulations

1. Besides the Wild Life Regulations, the Firearms Act and Regulations require licensing of any gun owner. The firearms licence is required to buy ammunition as well.

2. When hunting migratory game birds, small game or coyotes with firearms in Newfoundland and Labrador, youth 16 and 17 years of age may hunt while under the immediate and direct supervision of someone who can lawfully possess firearms ( i.e. has a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence or Possession Only Licence). Persons 16 and 17 years of age may apply for a Minor’s Licence as well

Residency Definitions

1. Residents

 Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are:

1. Canadian citizens who have resided in Newfoundland and Labrador for 6 consecutive months immediately prior to applying for a licence.

2. Persons, other than Canadian citizens, who have resided in Newfoundland and Labrador for twelve consecutive months immediately prior to applying for a licence.

3. While stationed in the province, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or the Canadian Forces.

4. While stationed outside the province, a member of the RCMP or the Canadian Forces who was born in the province. Or

5. Persons ordinarily residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who leave to attend a recognized educational institution and intend to return upon completion of studies at the institution concerned.

2. A Non-Resident Canadian

Persons who are Canadian citizens but are not residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

3. A Non-Resident Alien

Persons who are not Canadian citizens.

General Information for Non-Resident Hunters

1. Besides having a valid non-resident hunting licence, non-resident hunters must possess proof of having met their own jurisdiction’s hunter education requirements as well. This information must be presented immediately upon the request of a wildlife officer.

2. When hunting big game, non-resident hunters are required to be accompanied by licensed guides. Guides are supplied by licensed outfitters. On the other hand, non-resident hunters do not require guides when hunting wolves, coyotes, small game or waterfowl.

3. Non-resident coyote/small game/wolf shooting licences are available through vendor outlets. Migratory game bird hunting permits can be obtained from Canada Post Offices.

4. Non-resident big game licences (caribou, moose, bear) are only available through licensed outfitters.

Hunting Species

You can hunt the following species in Newfoundland:

1. Moose

2. Caribou

3. Black Bear

4. Coyotes & Wolves

5. Small Game, which includes Ptarmigan, Ruffed and Spruce Grouse, Snowshoe Hare, Arctic Hare, Porcupine, and Red Squirrel

6. Migratory Game Birds

Note: There are trapping seasons for different animal species, which include Beaver, Muskrat, Otter, Mink, Coyote, Fox-Coloured, Fox-White, Lynx, Wolf, Ermine (Weasel), Squirrel, and Marten.                                                                         

Hunting Season

The hunting season dates differ for each hunting species and hunting zone. For instance, the hunting season dates for caribou in the Island of Newfoundland are usually during the months of August through December.

The hunting season dates for the black bear in Labrador are usually from April through July and from August through November, while in the Island of Newfoundland, the season dates are usually from May to July and from August through November.

When it comes to moose hunting, their hunting season dates in Labrador are usually during the months of August through March, while in the Island of Newfoundland, the moose hunting season dates are usually from August through January.

The hunting season dates for the red squirrel in the Island of Newfoundland are usually during the months of October through March, while in Labrador, the small game season dates are usually from October through April.

The hunting season dates for wolves in Newfoundland and Labrador are usually during the months of October through March, while the hunting season dates for Coyotes are usually from September through July.

Hunting Zones

1. Moose

Estimates of the moose population in Newfoundland vary from 110,000 and 120,000, which is a huge increase from the small number first introduced to the island in 1904. With the success rate at about 60 percent, it is likely for many moose hunters to have a successful hunt. The best area to encounter the moose is the Northern peninsula, a drive along St. John’s driveway.

2. Caribou

Presently, there are no open seasons for caribou hunting in Labrador, while in Newfoundland, the caribou population is an estimated 30,000 caribou, and hunting is managed conservatively. With the success rate sitting at about 75 percent, hunters who are drawn for this hunt have an excellent chance.

3. Black Bear

There is a stable population of 6,000 to 10,000 black bears in Newfoundland, open seasons in both spring and fall, and a bag limit of two. This all adds up to another good year for bear hunters. 

Black bears are believed to be abundant in Labrador, although there is no formal estimate of black bear numbers there, and that bodes well for hunters in Labrador as well. For the best hunting, it is better to be away from the major road corridors.

Possession & Transport of Migratory Game Birds

1. In order to possess or transport a migratory game bird, the head or at least one wing with its feathers must remain attached to the bird. You may remove the wing and feathers after the bird is stored at the residence of the owner or when the bird is prepared for immediate cooking.

2. In order to transport or ship a package ( which contains migratory birds), this container or package must be clearly marked with the shipper’s name and address, the exact contents of the package, and the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit number under which the birds were taken.

3. In order to possess a migratory game bird carcass that belongs to or was taken by someone else, the carcass must have attached to it a tag or note that is signed by the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit holder under which the game bird was taken that indicates the permit holder’s name and address, the date the bird was taken, and the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit number.

Export of Game

You may export or take any game legally taken out of the province if you have a valid hunting licence and an export permit. Non-resident hunters may require a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permit in order to export black bear parts outside Canada.

Hunting Outfitters in Newfoundland and Labrador

Here is a list of the hunting outfitters in Newfoundland and Labrador:

1. Hinterland Outfitting Ltd

2. Ironbound Lake Outfitters

3. Gander River Outfitters

4. Adventure Quest Outfitters

5. JB Outfitters

6. Efford’s Hunting Adventures

7. Woodman’s Outfitters

8. Grand Lake Adventures

9. Sou’wester Outfitting