You’ll want to nail New Brunswick’s hunting calendar for 2024/2025. Migratory game bird season runs Oct. 15 – Jan. 29, with 5 geese, 8 woodcock, and 10 snipe bag limits. Deer hunters, watch those Wildlife Management Zones – some are closed! Bear hunting’s prime in spring (May 19 – June 24) and fall (Sept. 2 – 13). Moose? Limited licenses, Sept. 24-28. Youth get special hunting windows, but need proper permits. Non-residents, budget for that $10 conservation fee. Want the insider scoop on hunting this wild terrain? Stick around, because there’s way more to unpack.
Key Takeaways
- Migratory game bird hunting season runs from October 15 to January 29, with specific bag limits for geese, woodcock, and snipe across designated zones.
- Deer hunting varies by Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ), with archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons in zones 6-8 and 10-27, excluding closed zones 4, 5, and 9.
- Bear hunting opportunities exist in spring (May 19 – June 24) and fall (September 2 – 13), with zone 7 offering significant hunting potential for residents with two-bear licenses.
- Moose hunting is limited, with a short season from September 24-28 and only 100 non-resident licenses available through a random draw process.
- Youth hunting provides expanded opportunities for ages 12-16, with mandatory online hunting courses and specific seasonal dates for different game types and zones.
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to migratory game bird hunting in New Brunswick, understanding the regulations is essential for a legal and successful season.
You’ll need a valid permit and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp – non-negotiable.
Zones matter. Zone 1 runs Oct. 15 to Jan. 29 with strict bag limits: 5 geese, 8 woodcock, 10 snipe. Zone 2? Slightly different dates.
Always use non-toxic shot – lead is a wildlife killer.
Hunting hours are tight: half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset. Watch those provincial restrictions like a hawk.
Tabusintac Lagoon? Hunting stops at 1 p.m. No exceptions.
Different rules for youth and falconry hunters. National Wildlife Areas? Hunting’s a no-go unless explicitly permitted.
Stay sharp, stay legal. Avian influenza guidelines require extra caution when handling migratory game birds to prevent potential disease transmission.
Dark goose hunting regulations now allow expanded hunting opportunities throughout the entire day, with full-day hunting now permitted during open season hours.
Deer Hunting Across Wildlife Management Zones
Deer hunters in New Brunswick must navigate a complex landscape of Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs) to guarantee a legal and successful hunt.
You’ll want to pay attention – zones matter big time.
Forget one detail, and you’re looking at a potential fine. Some zones like 4, 5, and 9? Completely closed.
Others like 6-8 and 10-27 offer multiple hunting seasons: archery, firearms, and muzzleloader.
Zone 22’s your golden ticket – highest deer harvest in a decade.
Southern zones promise better odds with milder winters.
Northern regions? Tough luck. Harsh winters decimate deer populations.
Your success depends on understanding these micro-environments. Hunting strategy requires detailed knowledge of local deer migration and survival patterns.
Pro tip: Always check the official “Hunt & Trap” booklet. Regulations change. Don’t wing it.
Antler restrictions in zones like 6 North and 6 South mean hunters can only harvest deer with antlers 7cm or longer, adding another layer of complexity to the hunting strategy.Severe winter conditions threaten deer survival, particularly impacting young populations in challenging northern territories.
Small Game Hunting Seasons
While big game hunting demands precision, small game offers hunters a different kind of challenge in New Brunswick.
You’ve got three main targets: raccoons, squirrels, and skunks. No bag limits? Sweet deal. The seasons run from October 1 to December 31 for raccoons and skunks, with squirrels getting bonus time until February’s end. Non-resident hunting licenses are mandatory for out-of-province hunters pursuing these game animals. Hunters must be aware that hunting zones vary across the province, impacting seasonal opportunities.
Want in? Grab a Bird and Small Game license. You’ll need it. Hunters 12 to 15 must bring an adult – no solo adventures for the kids.
Gear up with firearms, crossbows, or traditional bows. The entire province’s your hunting ground.
Pro tip: Check your equipment. Be ready. These furry targets won’t wait around. Wildlife populations in New Brunswick provide robust opportunities for small game hunters, ensuring an exciting hunting experience across diverse terrains.
Bear Hunting Rules and Dates
How thrilling can bear hunting get in New Brunswick? Pretty darn exciting if you’re into big game adventure!
You’ll want to mark your calendar for two prime seasons: Spring (May 19th – June 24th in 2024) and Fall (September 2nd – 13th). Zone 7‘s your golden ticket – the largest, least hunted zone in the province.
Got hunting fever? Here’s the deal: you’ll need to be at least 12, and if you’re under 16, bring an adult. Professional guides will enhance your hunting experience by providing expert local knowledge and support throughout your expedition.
Weapon choices are sweet – rifle, archery, crossbow, you name it. Baiting, high seat hunting, blinds – all fair game.
Pro tip: One resident licence lets you bag two bears. Guides will get you set up near guaranteed active bait sites. Just show up ready to hunt. Recent legislative changes now allow two bears per hunting license without requiring a second permit.
With approximately 30 strategic bait sites maintained throughout the territory, hunters can maximize their chances of a successful expedition.
Moose Hunting Guidelines
From tracking bears to pursuing moose, New Brunswick offers hunters an exhilarating big game experience that’ll test your skills and endurance. Temperatures ranging from 30°-70° F seasonal hunting conditions will challenge even the most seasoned hunters. The healthy moose population means hunters have an excellent opportunity to track and harvest a trophy bull during the prime hunting season.
Want a serious challenge? Moose hunting here is no joke. You’ll need a valid licence, killer orange gear, and nerves of steel. The season runs September 24-28, 2024, with strict rules that’ll make even experienced hunters sweat.
One moose per licence – no exceptions. Your gear better be high-quality: forget rim-fire shells, and make sure your bow meets weight requirements.
Non-residents? Good luck. Only 100 licences awarded by random draw, and you’ll need a licensed guide.
Pro tip: sight in your gun for 200 yards and be ready for early mornings and late evenings. This isn’t a walk in the park – it’s serious hunting.
Wild Turkey Hunting Opportunities
New Brunswick’s wild turkey hunters can anticipate an exciting season that promises challenging and rewarding experiences across the province’s diverse hunting zones. Hunting zones and regulations may vary by specific territory, requiring careful review before hunting. Youth regulatory changes have expanded hunting opportunities for 12-16 year olds, allowing them to participate more actively in wild turkey hunting.
You’ll need to be prepared. The spring season kicks off in late April, with fall hunting running from late October to early November.
Mandatory requirements? Complete the online Wild Turkey Hunting course and get your Bird and Small Game License.
Attention youth hunters: if you’re 12-15, you’ll need an adult companion.
Non-residents, listen up – limited licenses are available with a sweet $10 conservation fee that supports wildlife preservation.
Pro tip: Know your zones. Stick to regulations. Bearded turkeys in spring, both bearded and unbearded in fall.
Stay sharp, hunt smart, and respect the wilderness.
Essential Hunting Permit Information
Beyond bagging your wild turkey, securing the right hunting permits is your gateway to a successful season in New Brunswick.
You’ve got options: Resident, Non-Resident, Bird and Small Game, Deer and Game Bird, and Minor’s Licenses. Don’t forget the Migratory Bird Permit—grab it at Canada Post or online.
Critical checklist: Valid permit? Check. Provincial license? Double-check. Carry that permit everywhere—physical or digital. No excuses.
Heads up: Your Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit runs from August 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Dates matter. Miss them, and you’re hunting nothing but disappointment.
Pro tip: Always verify local regulations. They change faster than your hunting buddy’s excuses for missing shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Register for Hunting Online in New Brunswick?
You’ll need to register online through New Brunswick’s Fish and Wildlife Licensing System.
Get your driver’s license or photo ID ready. Complete the Firearms Safety and Hunter Education courses first.
Grab your Outdoors Card number, which is free. Then purchase your hunting licenses online.
Print and sign those licenses – you’ll need them when hunting. Easy peasy.
What Safety Gear Is Mandatory for Hunting in Canada?
You’ll need hunter orange. Seriously.
Most provinces require 400 square inches of bright orange clothing visible from all sides. Think jacket, vest, hat.
Manitoba wants 50% fluorescent. Saskatchewan demands a full scarlet or orange suit.
Bow hunters get some exceptions, but don’t risk your safety.
Bottom line: wear orange, stay visible, stay alive.
Can Non-Residents Hunt in New Brunswick Without a Local Guide?
In New Brunswick, you can’t hunt solo as a non-resident.
You’ll need a licensed guide – either a Guide I (professional) or Guide II (local resident) – to accompany you on ALL hunting trips.
This rule applies everywhere: public and private lands.
Want an exception? You’ll need to own property and pay local taxes.
Otherwise, bring a guide or forget hunting.
Are Hunting Licenses Transferable Between Family Members or Friends?
Nope, hunting licenses aren’t transferable in New Brunswick – period.
You can’t just hand off your license to family or friends, no matter how close you are. Each license is tied specifically to you, with your unique identification.
Trying to transfer it? You’ll face serious penalties. The rules are strict: buy your own, carry your own, hunt legally.
What Are the Penalties for Hunting Outside Designated Seasons?
If you hunt outside designated seasons, you’ll face serious consequences.
Expect fines ranging from $5,000 to $300,000, potential six-month jail time, and automatic hunting permit revocation.
Federal game officers don’t mess around. They’ll bust you for violating migratory bird hunting regulations, and you’ll not only lose your hunting privileges but also get hit with a hefty financial penalty that goes straight into the Environmental Damages Fund.
