As Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, I am pleased to present the 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Guide.
The great outdoors is part of life here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether you’re hunting, cutting wood, picking berries, or just out for a walk in the woods, time outside is always good for our physical and mental health, and a reminder of how lucky we are to call this place home.
Along with big and small game seasons, bag limits and quotas, this year’s guide outlines some upcoming changes designed to support wildlife conservation and future hunting and trapping opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The overall moose population has increased on the Island of Newfoundland in recent years. As a long-time hunter, I am pleased that this season’s game plan offers more opportunities for hunters, with an additional 1,090 moose licences allocated for the island.
Regulations have been updated for the spring 2026 to make clear the prohibition on black bear licence holders harvesting cubs under one year old or harvesting female bears with cubs under one year old.
The department is also exploring implementing mandatory licence returns by 2028. Licence return information submitted by hunters and trappers from all over our beautiful province is essential to wildlife management.
By participating in initiatives such as hunter and trapper licence returns and the jawbone collection program, you are helping wildlife managers make science-based recommendations about our wildlife resources, including quotas and regulatory changes.
As always, the Provincial Government’s wildlife staff, resource enforcement officers and regional services teams are committed to conserving and protecting our wildlife resources. Their work to promote safe, knowledgeable and responsible hunting and safety practices is crucial.
As we look forward to another hunting and trapping season, I ask everyone to please be safe and enjoy our great province responsibly, wherever your outdoor pursuits may take you.
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands