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Hunting Seasons in NUNAVUT: Main Hunting Periods, Modern Regulations & Required Documents
Nunavut, Canada’s northernmost territory, offers vast wilderness and unique hunting opportunities. However, due to its Arctic climate and fragile ecosystems, hunting is strictly regulated. This guide covers hunting seasons, licensing, rules, and optimal periods for harvesting game to help hunters plan responsibly and effectively.
Seasonal Hunting Calendar and Regional Specifics in Nunavut
Hunting seasons in Nunavut vary by species and region. The main periods include spring (April–June), when waterfowl and polar bear hunts occur in some areas; summer (July–August), a time of limited hunting activity focused mostly on fishing; fall (September–November), the peak season for caribou, muskox, moose, and waterfowl; and winter (December–March), which allows for trapping and some big game hunting under extreme conditions. These dates are set by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) and the Government of Nunavut, with decisions based on animal migration patterns, breeding seasons, and local climate conditions.
Regional differences significantly influence hunting opportunities. In northern Nunavut, particularly in the High Arctic, seasons are shorter due to extreme cold and sparse wildlife populations. Meanwhile, southern regions like Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk offer longer seasons for caribou and muskox. Compared to the Northwest Territories and Manitoba, Nunavut maintains stricter quotas due to generally lower game numbers. Since 2012, reforms have introduced species-specific quotas and seasonal restrictions, with recent adjustments between 2020 and 2023 aimed at preventing overharvesting of caribou.
Game Behavior and Prime Hunting Time in Nunavut
Big game hunting includes caribou—both barren-ground and Peary types—with seasons typically running from August 1 to October 31, varying by community. The best time to hunt them is in September, after the rut, when movement increases. Muskox can be hunted year-round in some areas but are most commonly targeted during winter when tracking in snow makes them easier to locate. Polar bear hunting is allowed from November to June and is conducted only through guided hunts under a strict quota system.
For small game and birds, waterfowl such as geese and ducks are available from September 1 to December 16 depending on species, with early September being prime time during migration. Ptarmigan may be hunted year-round in some regions.
The best overall hunting periods in Nunavut are late August through October for caribou and muskox, and September through October for waterfowl during their migratory peak. The territory hosts few large hunting events, but one notable gathering is the Nunavut Hunting Expo in Iqaluit each September. There, Inuit elders demonstrate ancestral seal and caribou hunting methods alongside modern gear workshops, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary technology.
Regulations and Ethical Considerations in Nunavut
To protect vulnerable species, Nunavut enforces strong bans and restrictions. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales are strictly regulated with only Indigenous harvest permitted. Sport hunting of grizzly bears is not allowed. Sex- and age-based restrictions apply in certain zones—for example, pregnant female caribou cannot be harvested in some communities, and bull-only muskox hunting is enforced elsewhere. Breeding season closures also apply—May to July is off-limits for nesting bird hunting, and most big game hunting is prohibited during June and July to protect calving herds.
Licensing Requirements in Nunavut
Obtaining a hunting license depends on residency status. Local residents must hold a valid Nunavut Resident Hunting License, while non-residents are required to hunt with licensed outfitters and cannot hunt independently. Tags are needed for big game including caribou, muskox, and polar bear.
Supportive organizations such as Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) manage Inuit harvesting rights, while Local Hunters & Trappers Organizations (HTOs) issue tags and permits. Violating Nunavut’s hunting laws carries serious consequences. Hunting without a license may result in fines up to $100,000 CAD or even jail time. Exceeding bag limits incurs fines up to $50,000 CAD, and illegal polar bear harvests face severe penalties under CITES regulations.
Preparing for Your Hunt in Nunavut
For successful hunting trips, location matters. Baffin Island is known for muskox and caribou, while the Kivalliq Region offers excellent opportunities for waterfowl and barren-ground caribou. Gear selection should match the season—winter hunts demand heavy insulated clothing and snowmobiles, while fall hunting calls for lightweight camouflage and GPS units to track moving herds.
Non-resident hunters must use NWMB-approved outfitters, as local guides are mandatory. Their knowledge of terrain, animal behavior, and traditional practices is invaluable for both success and safety.
Nunavut offers unparalleled hunting experiences but demands strict compliance with regulations. Proper preparation, adherence to rules, and respect for local knowledge ensure rewarding hunting adventures in this remarkable Canadian territory.
HUNTING SEASONS IN NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 Northwest Territories hunt with our territory‑by‑territory guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species: Barren‑ground Caribou, Muskox, Waterfowl and more.
Northwest Territories’ vast taiga forests, boreal plains and Arctic lowlands host prolific barren‑ground caribou herds, healthy muskox populations and critical migratory waterfowl staging zones. Governed by the Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources, hunting is managed across large wildlife regions that blend indigenous co‑management and clear seasonal frameworks.
Popular pursuits include summer and fall caribou tag draws, muskox hunts, polar bear quotas and waterfowl excursions—supported by detailed regional regulations to ensure sustainable, ethical harvests.
What Is There to Hunt in Northwest Territories?
Big Game: Barren‑ground caribou, muskox, moose, elk, polar bear (quota)
Small Game & Upland Birds: Willow ptarmigan, rock ptarmigan, Arctic hare, grouse species
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Snow goose, Canada goose, ducks (federal permit required)
Furbearers & Predators: Wolf, Arctic fox, wolverine, beaver
Northwest Territories’ vast landscapes deliver seasonal opportunities—from mid‑summer caribou hunts to early‑fall waterfowl wingshooting.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Northwest Territories?
Unprotected species such as wolf and fox may be harvested year‑round on private lands and community lands under local agreements; non‑resident predator hunts require a permit and community consent. Always verify region‑specific rules before targeting unclassified predators.
Northwest Territories Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Barren‑Ground Caribou
Summer Rifle/Archery: Jul 1 – Aug 31 (quota draw)
Fall Rifle: Sep 1 – Oct 15 (quota draw)
Tags: Issued by community‑managed draw; one tag per hunter
Muskox
Rifle: Aug 1 – Sep 30 (quota draw)
Tags: Limited entry; application period Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025
Polar Bear
Rifle: Aug 1 – Oct 31 (quota only)
Tags: Allocated per community under co‑management agreements
Moose
Rifle: Aug 15 – Sep 30 (quota draw)
Tags: Limited allocation; applications Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025
Note: Detailed regional calendars, quotas and weapon restrictions are published annually by the Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Northwest Territories Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Game:
Willow/Rock Ptarmigan: Aug 1 – Dec 31 (subsistence harvest limits)
Arctic Hare: Aug 1 – Mar 31 (no daily limit)
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds:
Snow/Canada Goose: Jul 15 – Sep 15 (daily limit 10)
Ducks (all spp.): Aug 10 – Sep 30 (daily limit 5)
Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15)
Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Permit & Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp
Bag Limits by Species
Caribou/Muskox: 1 per draw tag
Polar Bear: 1 per quota tag
Moose: 1 per draw tag
Ptarmigan/Hare: subsistence‑style limits; verify local guidelines
Geese: 10 daily; possession 20
Ducks: 5 daily; possession 15
Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45
Wolf/Fox/Wolverine: no formal limit for licensed harvesters; community rules apply
License & Tags Information for Northwest Territories Hunters (2025–26)
Resident Licence: $30 (annual); tags $20/species; community‑managed draw systems
Non‑Resident Licence: $200 (annual); draw fee $25; community consent required
Additional Permits:
Predator Harvest Licence (free; required)
Polar Bear Co‑management Tag (free; quota only)
Hunter Education: Recommended Arctic safety and ethics training.
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Bow: Traditional longbow or compound; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″; crossbows prohibited.
Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .30 cal recommended; shotguns for waterfowl; handguns prohibited.
Muzzleloader: .45 cal+ patched ball or conical bullet; approved ignition systems only.
Regulations & Resources
Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset (midnight sun exceptions managed locally)
Region Maps & Quotas: Available from Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 48 hours via local office or online portal
Special Areas: Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks require separate permits
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Government of Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Armed with precise season windows, region‑specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Northwest Territories hunt. Prepare thoroughly, respect community co‑management protocols, and experience Canada’s northern wilderness heritage.
HUNTING SEASONS IN NUNAVUT, CANADA 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 Nunavut hunt with our territory-by-territory guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, rifle & bow rules, and key game species: Caribou, Muskox, Waterfowl and more.
Nunavut’s vast Arctic tundra, barren-ground plateaus and fjorded coastlines support some of the world’s largest caribou herds, thriving muskox populations and critical migratory waterfowl staging areas. Overseen by the Government of Nunavut Department of Environment, hunting in four large zones combines indigenous stewardship with clear seasonal frameworks.
Popular pursuits include summer and fall caribou tag draws, muskox hunts, polar bear quotas and late-summer waterfowl excursions—backed by WMU-style area regulations that ensure sustainable, ethical harvests.
What Is There to Hunt in Nunavut?
Big Game: Barren-ground caribou, muskox, polar bear (quota)
Small Game & Upland Birds: Arctic hare, willow ptarmigan, rock ptarmiga
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Snow goose, Canada goose, ducks (federal permit required)
Furbearers & Predators: Wolf, Arctic fox, wolverine, beaver
Nunavut’s extreme landscapes deliver seasonal opportunities—from mid-summer caribou hunts to early-fall waterfowl wingshooting.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year-Round in Nunavut?
Unprotected species such as wolf and fox may be taken year-round on permitted lands by local harvesters; non-resident off-season hunts require written community consent and territory-wide predator tags. Always verify area-specific rules before targeting unclassified predators.
Nunavut Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Barren-Ground Caribou
Summer Archery/Rifle: Jul 1 – Aug 31 (quota draw)
Fall Rifle: Sep 1 – Oct 15 (quota draw)
Tags: Distributed by community-managed draw; one per hunter
Muskox
Rifle: Aug 1 – Sep 30 (quota draw)
Tags: Limited entry; applications Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025
Polar Bear
Rifle: Aug 1 – Oct 31 (quota only)
Tags: Quota allocated per community under polar bear co-management agreements
Moose (southern Kitikmeot)
Rifle: Aug 15 – Sep 30 (quota draw)
Tags: Limited; applications Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2025
Note: Detailed area maps, quotas and weapon restrictions are set by the Government of Nunavut Department of Environment.
Nunavut Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Game:
Willow & Rock Ptarmigan: Aug 1 – Dec 31 (no daily limit; subsistence-style)
Arctic Hare: Aug 1 – Mar 31 (no daily limit)
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds:
Snow & Canada Goose: Jul 15 – Sep 15 (daily limit 10)
Ducks (all spp.): Aug 10 – Sep 30 (daily limit 5)
Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Permit & Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp
Bag Limits by Species
Caribou & Muskox: 1 per draw tag
Polar Bear: 1 per quota tag
Moose: 1 per draw tag
Ptarmigan & Hare: no formal daily limit (traditional harvest)
Geese: 10 daily; possession 20
Ducks: 5 daily; possession 15
Wolf/Fox/Wolverine: no formal limit for licensed harvesters; community rules apply
License & Tags Information for Nunavut Hunters (2025–26)
Resident Licence: $30 (annual); community draws managed locally; tags $20/species
Non-Resident Licence: $200 (annual); draw fee $25; community consent required
Additional Permits:
Polar Bear Co-management Tag (free; quota only)
Predator Harvest Tag (free; required for wolf, fox, wolverine)
Hunter Education: Recommended completion of Arctic-specific safety and ethics training programs.
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Bow: Traditional longbow or compound; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″; crossbows prohibited.
Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .30 cal recommended; shotguns for waterfowl only; straight-wall handguns prohibited.
Muzzleloader: .45 cal+ patched round ball or conical bullet; approved ignition systems only; single-projectile conversions.
Regulations & Resources
Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset (Arctic midnight sun exceptions managed locally)
Area Maps & Quotas: Available from Government of Nunavut Department of Environment
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 48 hours via local community office or online portal
Special Areas: Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks require separate permits; coastal zones may be closed to hunting.
Verification Reminder:
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Government of Nunavut Department of Environment website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Government of Nunavut Department of Environment https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/environment-and-wildlife/hunting-regulations-guide
Armed with precise season windows, territory-specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Nunavut hunt. Embrace rigorous preparation, respect local co-management practices, and experience the Arctic’s unparalleled wilderness heritage.
