Big Game
Moose
On the Island of Newfoundland, a total quota of 28,705 moose licences is available for the 2026 hunting season. This includes:
- 18,492 either sex
- 5,803 male only
- 480 not-for-profit
- 3,930 non-resident
This represents an overall increase of 1,090 moose licences compared to the 2025 season. Nineteen moose management areas (MMA) have quota adjustments that are supported by science-based reviews and sustainable harvest management objectives. Hunters are encouraged to review the breakdown of changes and licence types available that are outlined in the table in the Island Moose Section before making an application for a licence and when selecting your area choice(s). Please refer to the 2025 draw results to help determine your chances of receiving a licence.
In Labrador, a total quota of 373 either sex moose licences are available with no changes compared to the 2025-26 season. Please see the Labrador Moose Section for more information.
Caribou (Island)
On the island of Newfoundland, a total quota of 614 caribou licences including 36 either sex and 578 male only are available. This represents an overall increase of 2 licences compared to the 2025-26 season. The Wildlife Division’s science-based review of all Caribou Management Areas (CMAs) on the island has resulted in a shift of the majority of available caribou licence types to male-only. This approach supports the future growth and stability of caribou populations by protecting more females and enhance calf recruitment. The breakdown of changes is available in the Island Caribou Section. Please review before making an application for a caribou licence.
References to the boundaries for several CMAs have changed and will be implemented for the 2026 fall hunting season; CMA 71A is titled Grey Islands (Lower) and CMA 71B is titled Grey Islands (Upper).
Black Bear
New restrictions will be implemented starting in the spring of 2026 that prohibit black bear licence holders shooting cubs under one year of age or female bears accompanied by cubs under one year of age. Beginning in the spring of 2027, all black bear licence applications for Black Bear Management Areas throughout the province will be limited to two licences (four bears) per hunter for both the spring and/or fall period. Following a review of current black bear management, the Department has determined that hunter return information and black bear population status information is insufficient. While black bear populations are not considered to be in jeopardy, a precautionary approach towards harvest management will be taken as well as other newer strategies to increase hunter return data will be implemented in the future. For more information, please refer to the Black Bear Management Areas for the island and Labrador.
Winter Survey Advisory for Big Game Applicants
Moose and caribou management area surveys conducted during the winter of 2026 may potentially influence quotas once the results are analyzed. Any changes to quotas will be announced prior to the big game licence draw.
Big Game Hunting Area Maps and Boundaries
Big game hunting area maps are available for print or download by clicking here and provide a legal description of management area boundaries that hunters may use for reference purposes and to report harvest information.
Online Applications for 2026
The big game licence application process for the resident moose/caribou draw and for black bear, trapper and guide licences are available online only. Applicants will be notified electronically via email when the big game online applications become available, and the big game draw is completed. Applicants must have an online account to log into the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands Wildlife Information Management System (WIMS) portal. Click here for application deadlines. For further information about our online services, please contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025/709-729-2630 or by email at wildlifelicense@gov.nl.ca. Include your name, Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s Licence/Photo ID and telephone number.
Review in Progress for Online Licencing and Returns
The Wildlife Division is currently reviewing all hunting, trapping, and guide licence processes with the intent to implement broader digital licencing and mandatory licence returns in the future. Currently, resident big game hunters and trappers may complete their online licence returns by logging into the Wildlife Information Management System (WIMS) portal. Eventually, all future licences and return information will be required to be completed online.
Notice to Trappers
Restraining traps certified for use for coyotes under the Canadian Fur Managers Committee and published by the Fur Institute of Canada have been recommended to the Canadian Wildlife Directors including a three-year notification for coming into force. This aligns with the Agreement on International Humane Trap Standards that allow wild-caught furs to be sold in European markets. Trappers are advised to review the list of traps that will be mandatory for coyotes in 2029-2030 trapping season. For more information, please see the complete list of certified traps by clicking here.
Cormorant Shooting Permit
Beginning in the fall season, Double-crested Cormorants will be permitted to be harvested by residents under the authority of a shooting permit available online in the Wildlife Information Management System. Click here for more information on permit conditions, completing returns and safe handling of wild bird carcasses.