The 2020-21 Big Game Hunting Season for all Moose Management Areas (MMAs) on the Island opens tomorrow (Saturday, September 12). This marks the first time the starting date for all MMAs on the Island have been aligned as previously, the opening date for eastern region MMAs was three weeks later than the rest of the Island.
For 2020-21 a total of 28,339 moose licences have been issued throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. For the island portion of the province this includes 17,124 Either Sex, 10,356 Male Only; and 475 allocated to Not-for-Profit groups. In Labrador, a total of 384 Either Sex moose licences have been issued for the 2020-21 Big Game Hunting season which also starts on September 12.
Other new policy changes for 2020-21 include the introduction of crossbows for big game hunting and permitting the use of smaller caliber rifle .17 rimfire ammunition for hunting and trapping.
Another important change for the 2020-21 big game season is the re-introduction of the Jawbone Collection Program that requires hunters to submit the lower jawbone of a moose or caribou that has been harvested under their licence. This program provides valuable data that supports ongoing big game population studies and research.
Additional details about each of these changes as well as important information related to wildlife regulations, season dates and hunter safety is available in the 2020-21 Hunting and Trapping Guide. All hunters are strongly encouraged to review the guide prior to the start of hunting season at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.
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“I would like to thank the hunting community for their valuable input on the policy changes we have introduced for the 2020-21 big game hunting season. These new initiatives support the desire for fair and equal opportunities for all hunters while building upon the world-class hunting experiences Newfoundland and Labrador already has to offer. I look forward to continuing a direct and open dialogue with hunters, trappers and other outdoor enthusiasts in support of our wildlife resources.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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Learn more
2020-21 Big Game Hunting Draw Results Now Available
2020-21 Hunting and Trapping Guide
Crossbow Hunting in Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca