Big Game Hunting Season Opening in Newfoundland and Labrador

Big game season opens in most areas of Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Saturday, September 13):

• Moose (island): September 13 – December 31, 2025 (except for national parks)
• Moose (Labrador): September 13, 2025 – March 8, 2026.
• Caribou (island): September 13, 2025 – December 7, 2025 (closing dates vary for Caribou Management Areas 70, 71, 72, 80). Note: Caribou hunting is prohibited in Labrador.
• Black bear (island): September 13, 2025 – November 30, 2025.
• Black bear (Labrador): August 10, 2025 – November 30, 2025.
• Coyotes and wolves: September 13, 2025 – July 15, 2026 (coyote, province-wide). Dates for wolf vary by region.
• Trapping Seasons and Zones: Dates vary by species and region.
• Small game (island): Dates vary by species and region.
• Small game (Labrador): Dates vary by species and region.

All hunters and trappers must observe firearm regulations and safe practices. Wildlife

regulations, hunting season dates, bag limits, safety tips and more are available in the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Information gathered from hunters and trappers is critical to establishing harvest rates for big game species. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to submit hunter return forms to the Wildlife Division and participate in specimen collection programs for moose, caribou, black bears or coyotes/wolves. License holders from last season who have not already done so can submit 2024-25 hunter return forms to:

Wildlife Division/Licencing
P.O. Box 2007
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 7S1
Email wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca

Big game jawbones can be dropped off at one of 50 locations across the province. Participating hunters will receive a Cooperating Hunter Crest for supporting big game population research.

New hunters wishing to become eligible for the 2026-27 Big Game Licence Draw must complete the Canadian Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course before November 30, 2025.

Resource Enforcement Officers will carry out dedicated hunting and trapping patrols throughout the season. It is the responsibility of hunters and trappers to be aware of hunting and trapping regulations. Firearm safety is critical, and hunters are reminded that loaded firearms are not permitted in or on vehicles.

The public plays a vital role in protecting our natural resources. If you observe potentially illegal activity, please report it by calling 1-877-820-0999 anonymously or submitting information online at stoppoaching.ca.

Hunters and trappers are reminded that Forest Fire season is in effect until September 30. In accordance with provincial Forest Fire Regulations, anyone travelling through forest land on an all-terrain or motorized vehicle during the Forest Fire Season is required to have the vehicle fitted with a muffler and a screening or baffling device to prevent sparks or particles of burnt carbon from escaping. Operators are required to be equipped with a fire extinguisher containing a minimum of 225 grams of ABC-class fire retardant.

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“As hunters and trappers head out into the woods and barrens of Newfoundland and Labrador’s great outdoors, please keep safety top of mind. I encourage you all to be caretakers of our wildlife resources by reporting poaching activities to the Resource Enforcement Division. I wish you a safe and successful hunting season.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture