News release

Changes to Wildlife Act Regulations

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Deer hunters will be able to register their deer online or at traditional registration stations this year thanks to one of five recent changes to regulations under the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act.

The five regulatory changes relate to deer hunting, bear snaring and the Wildlife Resources Card.

The changes are:

  • The fee for the wildlife habitat stamp is increased from $2 to $3 to provide additional funding for projects sponsored by the Habitat Conservation Fund. This increase, which takes effect immediately, is supported by the Nova Scotia Federation of Hunters and Anglers.

  • Successful deer hunters will have the option to register their deer online as an alternative to going to a traditional deer registration station. Most of the stations will remain in place this year but online registration will be a more convenient way of registering for many hunters.

  • Beginning in the fall of 2006, hunters will require a Wildlife Resources Card before they can obtain any hunting related licenses. The card will replace the current orange provincial hunting card. The new card can be obtained free by eligible hunters until Dec. 31, by calling 1-888-729-2917. More details are available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wrcard/default.asp .

  • The bear snaring season has been extended by nine days with the season now opening on Oct. 1.

  • A resident bear hunting license or resident bear snaring license is now free for eligible hunters 65 years of age or older.

For more information on any of the changes, contact officials at a regional office of the Department of Natural Resources.