Sustainable Wildlife Use

Program Overview

The Sustainable Use Program is responsible for the management of harvestable species of large mammals, furbearers and upland game, and addressing human/wildlife conflicts. Activities include, as required, various population and habitat surveys, biological studies, biological collections from harvested species, analysis of harvest trends and liaison with user/interest groups. The synthesis of this information provides the framework for scientifically based decisions on regulatory management of harvested species, input for species and habitat management into the Integrated Resource Management process of NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, and development of policies related to the management of furbearer and game species. This program actively promotes continual improvement on wild furbearer and wild game harvest tools and techniques. We provide conservation oriented legislation and enforcement which allows for the sustainable and equitable use of wildlife, as well as for the safety of people.

We represent NR&R as a partner with the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers & Hunters of in the on-going development and delivery of fur and game hunting education programs. We are also active at the national and international level, sitting on various committees related to furbearers, upland game and large mammals.

For information on hunting in Nova Scotia, including hunter education and licensing, visit https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/