New wildlife regulations to improve the hunting and trapping experience in Newfoundland and Labrador are in effect for the 2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Season:

• The big game moose hunting season opened on Saturday, September 10 and continues until December 31. It is important for coyote hunters and trappers to be aware that during this time they are not permitted to use center fire rifles calibers up to .225 for taking coyote and wolf on the island portion of the province.
• Hunters with a valid small game licence will be permitted to shoot red squirrel. This change is in effect with the opening of small game season. Opening dates are listed at:
  • 2022-23 Small Game Season Dates: Island of Newfoundland
  • 2022-23 Small Game Season Dates: Labrador
• Hunters are required to purchase a separate shooting licence for ptarmigan. This will assist the department in connecting with hunters and determining better accuracy in terms of populations. In addition, daily bag and possession limits for Rock Ptarmigan have been established for the island. Please review small game bag limits at 2022-23 Small Game Season and Bag Limits: Island of Newfoundland.
• Effective January 1, 2023, big game black bear hunters who wish to use foot-holding trapping devices currently permitted under the Wild Life Regulations must first complete a Trapper Education Course, and hold a valid trapping licence. The implementation date of this legislation gives bear hunters time to complete the new training requirement prior to the spring 2023 black bear season.
• As announced on August 26, licenced hunters and trappers who hold a valid licence can hunt or trap using a firearm on a Sunday within their respective management areas throughout the entire open season.

All hunters and trappers are required to follow firearm and hunting safety practices at all times, and are encouraged to wear blaze orange while hunting. Additional information related to wildlife regulations, hunting season dates, bag limits and other hunting safety reminders is available in the 2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Moose Management Area maps showing moose densities in recently surveyed areas and current population information are now available here. More information on moose management is available in the 2022-2026 Moose Management Plan.

-30-

Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca