News release

Deer Hunting Season Opens in Nova Scotia

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Safety is the order of the day for hunters as the deer hunting season opens Friday, Oct. 28.

About 45,000 deer hunting licences are expected to be issued this year.

"While Nova Scotia has an enviable record for hunter safety," said Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt. "We cannot allow ourselves to become too relaxed about the need for caution. Thousands of hunters will head into the woods this weekend for another deer season. I want each one to finish the season without injury."

Hunters must have the proper training, permits and licenses to hunt in Nova Scotia.

All first-time hunters are required to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course provided by the Nova Scotia Community College and the Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course co-ordinated by the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Bowhunters must take the International Bowhunter Education Program sponsored by the Bowhunter Instructors Association of Nova Scotia.

Hunter education has been mandatory in Nova Scotia since 1980. The delivery of these courses relies heavily on volunteers across the province.

"Our hunter safety record over the past number of years is impressive. Last year, the deer season ended without incident," said Mr. Hurlburt. "We owe this as much to our volunteer instructors as to the care and caution of our hunting community."

Detailed information on changes for the 2005 hunting season can be found in the Nova Scotia Hunting and Furharvesting License and Summary of Regulations booklet produced by the Department of Natural Resources. Information is also available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/ .

Hunting is not permitted on Sundays. The public is urged to report illegal hunting activities to the local Department of Natural Resources office or call 1-800-565-2224. The regular deer season closes on Saturday, Dec. 3.