Moose (Island): The total number of resident moose licences available on the Island portion of the province is 24,830. Quota adjustments have occurred in twenty eight Moose Management Areas; MMAs 1(-50), 2(-100), 2A(-20), 2B(-10), 2E(-250), 3(-100), 4(-150), 5A(-20), 6(-50), 8(-100), 20(-20), 23(-100), 25(-50) 27(-50), 28(-125), 29(-50), 31(-100), 32(-75), 33(-175), 34(-50), 35(-125), 36(-200), 39(-100), 40(-50), 42(-50), 43(-25), 44(-175) and 45(-100) for an overall decrease of 2470 licences compared to the 2017-18 hunting season. In Labrador, the overall quota has increased by 10 licences with changes occurring in two areas; MMAs 53(+5) and 58(+5).
Seasons (Island Moose): Beginning in the fall of 2018, moose seasons will close on December 31st for all MMAs on the Island portion of the province, except Grose Morne and Terra Nova National Parks.
Caribou (Island): The total number of resident caribou licences available on the Island portion of the province is 602. Quota adjustments have occurred in seven Caribou Management Areas; CMAs 61(-15), 62(-15), 64(+40), 66(-5), 67(-20) and 69(-28) and 79 (-5) representing an overall decrease of 48 licences compared to the 2017-18 hunting season.
Program for Hunters with a Disability: Changes have been made involving regulations for hunters with a disability. A designated hunter can remain within 800 metres or line of sight, whichever is greater, of the person with a disability. More information can be found in the Persons with Disabilities section. Addtionally, the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources is restructuring the Problem Moose Policy for the 2018-19 hunting season to give priority access to big game for persons with disabilities not able to complete the Firearm Safety-Hunter Education Program and will develop a new policy to provide persons with disabilities priority access to moose put down by conservation officers for humane or public safety reasons.
Minimum Age Requirements (Hunting and Trapping): The minimum age requirement to shoot small game, coyotes and other furbearers has been lowered from 16 to 12 and the minimum age requirement to shoot big game has been lowered from 18 to 16. Youth hunters are only permitted to use a firearm under supervision of a qualified adult. Additional details can be found in the Youth Hunting and Trapping Licence section.
Boundary Changes involving MMA 57, 87 and 88 and Labrador Black Bear Zone:
Boundary adjustments have occurred to provincial moose and black bear management areas in Labrador that exclude the new Akami-uapishku – KakKasuk Mealy Mountain National Park Reserve. As well, zones known previously as the George River and Labrador South Black Bear Management Zones have now been combined into one management area now called Labrador Black Bear Management Area and corresponding seasons for the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019.
Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve
For 2018-19, small game, waterfowl hunting and fur-bearer trapping will continue to be permitted within the national park reserve boundary under the authority of a valid provincial licence. For more information concerning other activities inside the national park reserve boundary, please consult the Parks Canada website, www.parkscanada.gc.ca or contact Parks Canada Western Newfoundland and Labrador Field Unit (709)458-2417 or email: mealymountains.gmp@pc.gc.ca.
Bowhunting (Labrador): Beginning this season, licenced moose hunters will be permitted to use bow hunting equipment only in Labrador Moose Management Areas starting August 25, 2018, two weeks earlier than the general opening season for moose. The general season begins on September 8th and hunters may use a rifle or continue to use a bow as prescribed in the regulations. See Regulations for Big Game for more information about using bow equipment.
Canid Carcass Collection Program (Wolf, Coyote, Wolf-Coyote Hybrid):
The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources has reinstated the canid carcass collection program to help monitor and investigate the distribution of wolf and wolf-coyote hybrids within the province by collecting genetic samples of these animals that are harvested on a valid licence by hunters and trappers. Effective immediately, hunters or trappers who voluntarily submit wolf, coyote and wolf-coyote carcasses to a local Department of Fisheries and Land Resources office will receive a $25 fee. For more information, see Regulation Summaries for Coyotes and Wolves or contact your nearest Department of Fisheries and Land Resources or Wildlife Division office.