Moose Hunting Season In New Brunswick

Moose hunting season in New Brunswick, Canada, typically runs from late September to early October. The season usually begins on a Tuesday and ends on a Saturday, with hunters arriving on the Sunday prior to the hunt. In 2023, the season ran from 26 September to 30 September, while in 2022, it ran from 20 September to 24 September. Hunters in New Brunswick must obtain a licence to participate in the moose hunt, with the province issuing a limited number of licences each year based on the size of the moose population and the success rate of hunters.

Moose hunting season dates for 2024

The moose is the largest member of the deer family, and the only one with full-spread antlers. Each year, around 175,000 hunters patrol the forests of New Brunswick in search of this animal.

The New Brunswick moose season for 2024 consists of five days of hunting, from 24-28 September. This takes place during the peak rutting season for the bulls. The season is open to both rifle and archery hunting.

To qualify for a moose license, you must enter an automated draw by 30 April 2024. The application period for the 2024 hunt is from 29 January to 30 April, with results available from 21 May to 14 June. The cost of a non-resident moose license is $630.20 Canadian dollars, subject to change, and this includes all taxes and conservation fees.

It is important to note that New Brunswick Moose hunting licenses are zone-specific, and hunting can only be done within the zone specified on the individual's license.

Hunting fees and licences

To hunt in New Brunswick, you will need a New Brunswick Outdoors Card and a hunting licence. These can be obtained from authorised vendors, the Natural Resources and Energy Development site, and all Service New Brunswick centres.

Moose Hunting Licences

To hunt moose in New Brunswick, residents and non-residents must enter the appropriate annual draw. Moose hunting outfitter licences cost $6500 (US) and $4000 (US) if you are drawn.

Deer and Game Bird Hunting Licence

Both resident and non-resident hunters must be 16 years old or older (non-residents must show proof of identity) to hunt deer and game birds in New Brunswick. They must also not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence.

Bear Hunting Licence

Both resident and non-resident hunters must be at least 16 years old (non-residents must show proof of identity) and must not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence. A non-resident bear licence may be purchased in any Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ) where the annual quota has not been exhausted for that year. Non-resident hunters may acquire a bear licence either by entering and succeeding in a random access draw or through a designated, licensed guide or outfitter who has received an allocation of bear licences.

Bird and Small Game Hunting Licence

Resident hunters must be at least 16 years old to obtain a bird and small game hunting licence. Non-resident hunters must be at least 12 years old (and show proof of identity) and must not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence. Depending on the hunter's age, they must meet experienced hunter and/or Hunter Education requirements. While hunting, non-resident hunters aged 12-15 who hold small game licences must be accompanied by an adult.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit

To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, hunters must possess a valid Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit with a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp. These documents are issued by the federal government and are valid in all provinces and territories. Hunters can purchase and print their Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit online. It is no longer required to sign the permit, and hunters can carry it in a digital format, such as on a mobile device.

Fur Harvester's Licence

A Fur Harvester's Licence (not issued to non-residents) is required to snare, trap or hunt furbearers and to sell or possess pelts.

Additional Costs

Canadian licensing fees are approximately $184.19 CAD in New Brunswick. Hunters will also need to budget for food and travel expenses.

Arrival and departure days

The moose hunting season in New Brunswick usually runs from the last Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of September. For example, in 2024, the season will run from September 24 to 28, and in 2025, it will be held from September 23 to 27.

Hunters must apply for a licence to participate in the moose hunting season. In 2022, hunters in New Brunswick had until June 10 to apply for a chance to win a licence, and 5,107 licences were available for the season. The results of the draw were announced on July 4.

The cost of participating in the moose hunting season includes fees for the hunt, lodging, and transportation from lodging to bait sites. Additional costs may include Canadian licensing fees, food, and a deposit to reserve dates. Hunters should also be prepared for expenses such as meat cutting and taxidermy services.

Population and hunting impact

Moose hunting season in New Brunswick typically runs from a Tuesday to Saturday in September. In 2023, more than 5,000 moose licences were issued by the province, with 5,115 resident licences and 120 non-resident licences. The number of licences issued is based on estimated moose numbers, with the Department of Natural Resources aiming for a sustainable harvest that doesn't lead to a population decline.

The New Brunswick moose population has been described as "doing quite well" and "more or less stable" by Dwayne Sabine, a wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources. The population was estimated to be around 31,000 in 2023, and it has been stable at this level for several years. However, populations in the north are stronger than in the south, with a decline in moose populations along the Bay of Fundy area over the last 15 to 20 years.

The success rate for moose hunters in New Brunswick varies from year to year but is usually around 70 to 80%. In 2015, a record number of moose were killed, with 3,728 registered with the Department of Natural Resources. This represented an 81% success rate out of the 4,592 resident licences issued. In 2020, there were 4,794 licences available, and 81% of hunters were successful in harvesting a moose, with a total of 3,904 moose taken.

The impact of hunting on the moose population in New Brunswick appears to be well-managed, with the Department of Natural Resources aiming for a sustainable harvest that doesn't exceed 10-15% of the population. The number of licences issued and the success rate of hunters suggest that the hunting impact is within sustainable limits. However, it is important to consider other factors affecting the moose population, such as parasites and deer populations.

According to Sabine, the non-resident licences issued by the province provide economic benefits to outfitters and guides who rely on income from moose hunting. The hunting industry in New Brunswick appears to be significant, with organised hunts, guides, and meat-cutting services all contributing to the local economy.

Application process

Moose hunting season in New Brunswick, Canada, typically takes place in the fall, from September to November. The specific dates vary slightly each year, but generally fall within this period. For example, the 2024 season is scheduled for September 24-28, while the 2025 season will run from September 23-27. Hunts are usually scheduled from Monday to Friday, with weekends serving as arrival and departure days.

To participate in the moose hunt during this season, applicants must go through a well-defined application process. Here is a detailed guide on the application procedure:

• Eligibility: Before initiating the application process, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. Non-resident moose draw applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and must not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence.
• Application Methods: Non-residents of New Brunswick can apply for a moose hunting licence through any of the following methods: online, over the phone, or by mail. Each method has its own set of requirements, so be sure to review them carefully.
• Required Documents: Regardless of the application method, you will need to submit specific documents as part of your application package. These typically include a completed application form, a declaration of eligibility, two passport-sized photographs (1" x 1"), a copy of your driver's licence, and a hunting licence from your home jurisdiction if applicable.
• Fees: There are various fees associated with the application process. A processing fee of $30 per tag (or $20 for youth) must be paid, and this can usually be done via credit card or cheque. Additionally, the actual moose hunting licence has a cost; for instance, a non-resident moose licence can cost around $630.20 Canadian, including applicable taxes and conservation fees.
• Deadlines: Keep in mind that there are deadlines for submitting applications. For instance, for the computerized random access draw, applications are typically accepted annually from the beginning of February to the end of April.
• Additional Requirements: Aside from the standard application process, there are other requirements that must be fulfilled before or during your hunt. These include obtaining a NB Outdoors Card, completing a Hunter Safety Course, possessing a valid driver's licence, and making arrangements with a licensed outfitter if you are a non-resident.
• Meat Tags: Meat tags are required for hunters who intend to tag a moose. The cost varies depending on whether you are a youth or an adult. Youth tags cost $20 and are valid for 12 months, while adult tags cost $50 and are valid for 24 months.
• Other Permits and Certificates: Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need additional permits and certificates. These include a valid export permit for hunting trophies, a current CWD certificate, a valid CITES certificate (for protected species), and a current wildlife inspection certificate for imported meat and meat products.

By following these steps and meeting the outlined requirements, non-residents can successfully apply for a moose hunting licence in New Brunswick and participate in the annual moose hunting season.

Frequently asked questions