Nova Scotia Lowers Big Game Hunting Age to 12 and Extends Deer Season

Nova Scotia has officially lowered the minimum age for big game hunting to 12 years old and extended the deer hunting season by one week, while also adding 11 new Sunday hunting days. Learn how these changes to the Wildlife Act impact hunters, youth, and conservation efforts across the province. 🦌 Major Changes to Nova Scotia’s Wildlife Act The Government of Nova Scotia announced significant updates to the province’s Wildlife Act on Friday, introducing reforms that directly affect hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The most notable change is the reduction of the minimum age for big game hunting from 14 to 12 years old. In addition, the province has extended the general deer hunting season by one week and approved 11 additional Sundays for hunting activities. These measures are designed to modernize hunting regulations, increase participation, and align Nova Scotia with other Canadian provinces that already allow youth hunters at younger ages. 👨‍👩‍👧 Encouraging Youth Participation in Hunting By lowering the age threshold, Nova Scotia aims to encourage more young people to engage in hunting traditions under the guidance of experienced adults. Officials emphasized that safety remains a top priority: all youth hunters must complete the mandatory hunter education course and be accompanied by a licensed adult while in the field. Supporters of the reform argue that introducing youth to hunting earlier helps foster responsible wildlife stewardship, strengthens family traditions, and ensures the long‑term sustainability of hunting culture in the province. 📅 Extended Deer Hunting Season The general deer hunting season will now run one week longer than in previous years, giving hunters additional opportunities to harvest deer across Nova Scotia. Wildlife managers believe this extension will help balance deer populations, reduce crop damage, and provide more flexibility for hunters who may have limited time during the fall. The province also confirmed that 11 new Sundays have been added to the hunting calendar. This change is expected to benefit hunters with busy work schedules, making the sport more accessible to families and younger participants. 🌲 Balancing Conservation and Tradition Provincial officials highlighted that these changes were carefully considered to ensure they do not negatively impact wildlife populations. The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables stated that sustainable management practices remain central to all hunting regulations. By expanding opportunities while maintaining strict licensing and reporting requirements, Nova Scotia hopes to strike a balance between conservation goals and the cultural importance of hunting in rural communities. 📰 Public Reaction and Broader Context The announcement has sparked discussion among hunters, conservationists, and parents. Many welcome the reforms as a way to strengthen intergenerational hunting traditions, while others have raised questions about whether 12 is too young for big game hunting. Nova Scotia now joins several other provinces, such as New Brunswick and Alberta, where youth hunters as young as 12 are already permitted to participate in big game seasons. 🔑 Key Takeaways - Minimum age for big game hunting lowered from 14 to 12 - General deer season extended by one week - 11 additional Sundays added to the hunting calendar - Youth hunters must complete mandatory safety training and be accompanied by a licensed adult Changes aim to increase accessibility, preserve traditions, and support conservation Final Note With these reforms, Nova Scotia is positioning itself as a province that values both heritage and sustainability. By opening the door for younger hunters and extending the season, officials hope to ensure that hunting remains a vibrant part of the province’s cultural and ecological landscape for generations to come.