Safety First During Hunting, Trapping Season

Nova Scotians are reminded to put safety first during hunting and trapping season.

General deer hunting season opens today, October 29, and continues to December 4. The dates vary for other types of game.

“About 140,000 Nova Scotians have a Wildlife Resources Card, which allows them to enjoy the recreational, social and economic benefits of hunting and trapping,” said Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton. “Those planning to be in the woods this time of year are reminded to wear hunter orange, respect private landowners and keep pets on a leash or under supervision when in wildlife habitat.”

Hunters are required to carry a compass, knife or axe, and waterproof matches. Anyone going into the woods should also carry a map or GPS unit, a first-aid kit and a communications device. They should tell someone when and where they will be in the woods and when they plan to be back.

Approved traps and snares can be set in wildlife habitat, on land and in water until March 31.

The public is urged to report poaching or illegal hunting activities to a Department of Natural Resources and Renewables office or call 1-800-565-2224.

Harvests can be reported online through the Wildlife Resources System website: https://wrs.novascotia.ca/

Quick Facts:

• hunting is not allowed on Sundays except for October 31 and November 7
• through the purchase of Wildlife Habitat Stamps, hunters and trappers contribute an average of $200,000 a year to the Nova Scotia Habitat Conservation Fund to support biodiversity conservation and research

Additional Resources:

Season dates and bag limits for hunting and fur harvesting: https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/

Summary of hunting and fur harvesting regulations: https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/regulations.asp

Hunter education courses: https://wrs.novascotia.ca/Education/

Natural Resources and Renewables on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NS_DNRR