resources
Requirements to Hunt in Nova Scotia
Resident Hunters
Resident Hunters require:
- Nova Scotia Wildlife Resources Client Card
- Valid Nova Scotia Hunting License
- Wildlife Habitat Stamp (acquired at time of purchase of hunting License)
- any Federal permits or licenses applicable to carrying a firearm and or to pursue federally regulated wildlife.
First Time Hunters
In Nova Scotia, all first-time hunters who intend on hunting with a firearm must be trained in firearm safety and hunter education. If hunting with a bow, hunters must have completed bowhunter education. The Hunter Education Program is delivered in two parts:
The Canadian Firearms Safety (non-restricted) Course
The Canadian Firearms Safety Course is provided by the Department of Justice and is delivered through Safety Services Nova Scotia. The course includes instruction in safe firearm handling. Students must complete a practical test and a written test; pass mark is 80%.
Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course
The Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course is taken following successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
The Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course in Nova Scotia is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables through Safety Services Nova Scotia.
Further Information can be found here:
https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/
Regulation Summary and Resources can be found here:
https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/regulations.asp
Wildlife and Hunting Online Services can be found here:
As a licensed hunter In Nova Scotia, you are required by law to submit a report for every type of hunting license you hold (deer hunting, moose hunting, bear hunting& snaring, fur harvesting, upland game and waterfowl harvesting). This report is required even if you didn’t harvest an animal and even if you did not hunt.
You can report online at https://novascotia.ca/natr/harvests/ or to your local NS Lands and Forestry office.
Data from your harvest report card assists us in managing the wildlife populations in Nova Scotia for future sustainable hunting opportunities.
MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
falls under Federal Jurisdiction and more information is updated yearly here: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird-hunting.html
Requirements to Fish in Nova Scotia
To fish for any species of fish (except salmon) in fresh water in Nova Scotia, you need to have a General Fishing License. You also need to follow provincial and federal fishing rules, including seasons, gear and bag limits. A General Fishing License isn’t valid for salmon fishing.
The Anglers handbook describes the rules and regulations that are in place for sportfishing to help protect the sustainability of fishing throughout the province.
Information includes:
- regulation changes
- catch and release
- special management areas
- seasons, bag limits and size limits
- general regulations
- licenses
- recreational fishing areas map
- winter fishing opportunities
- tagged fish
Anglers Handbook can be found here:
https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/anglers-handbook
Further Information on licenses can be found here:
https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/
https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-general-fishing-licence-sportfishing
Habitat Conservation Fund
The Habitat Conservation Fund was established under the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act to help protect and enhance wildlife habitats. The fund is supported through the Wildlife Habitat Stamp purchased by hunters and trappers. People can also make monetary gifts, donations and bequests to the fund. Sometimes land is acquired and sold so that the revenue can support the fund.
The fund has 4 objectives:
- enhancement of wildlife and wildlife habitats
- land acquisition
- research on wildlife habitats
- education on wildlife habitats
Sportfish Habitat Fund
The Nova Scotia Sportfish Habitat Fund was established in 2005 in response to a request by organized angling groups to provide financial support to volunteers working on the protection of fish habitat and improvement of public access to the sportfishing resource.
The $5.00 Habitat Fund fee added to General and Salmon licenses contributes to this initiative.