News release

Application Dates for Annual Cape Breton Moose Hunt

Lands and Forestry (July 2018 - Aug. 2021)

The annual Cape Breton moose hunt licence lottery will open May 3 at noon.

This year, 345 licences will be available in five moose-management zones within Victoria and Inverness counties, the only counties where moose hunting is permitted.

“We rely on population surveys and data from hunters to make decisions about sustainable wildlife management practices, including licenced hunts,” said Lands and Forestry Minister Chuck Porter. “The moose population remains healthy in the highlands of Cape Breton and can support a hunt this fall.”

Hunters have until April 30 to check their eligibility and update their PIN and contact information through the Wildlife Resources System website: https://wrs.novascotia.ca/MooseDraw/

Applications can be made online with a debit or credit card. The application fee is $9.25 (including HST). Applications can also be made by phone and require a credit card.

The deadline for applications is May 31 at noon.

The licence draw will take place June 15 and winners will be notified by mail. Hunters can also go online to check if they were successful.

Quick Facts:

  • an average of 10,000 people apply for moose licences each year
  • eligible hunters must be Nova Scotia residents, hold a valid Wildlife Resources Card and be at least 18 years old by Sept. 20, 2021
  • hunters who held a moose hunting licence in the last five years cannot apply this year
  • season dates vary by moose-management zone, with hunts taking place from late September to early December

Additional Resources:

Moose Draw website: https://wrs.novascotia.ca/MooseDraw/

Cape Breton moose population data: https://novascotia.ca/natr/wildlife/sustainable/large-mammals.asp

Lands and Forestry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NSLandsForestry