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Hunting Seasons in Alberta, Canada 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 Alberta hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from mule deer to ducks.
Alberta’s vast landscapes—from boreal forests and foothills to prairie grasslands—offer premier deer seasons, elk hunts, moose stalking and small‑game pursuits. Hunters will find diverse habitat, robust provincial regulations and ample opportunity for big game and small game across multiple Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). This guide covers 2025–26 season windows, license requirements, bag limits and provincial regulations to ensure a compliant, ethical hunt of whitetail deer, elk, moose, black bear, upland birds and waterfowl.
What Is There to Hunt in Alberta?
Big Game: Whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, black bear
Small Game & Upland Birds: Sharp‑tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, snowshoe hare, wild turkey
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, swans, doves (federal permit required)
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, wolf, fox, beaver, muskrat
Alberta’s varied terrain supports year‑round opportunity—from archery deer seasons to late‑fall waterfowl wingshooting.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Alberta?
Unprotected species such as coyote and fox may be taken any time on private land with landowner permission. Public‑land restrictions require licence and may limit methods outside established seasons; always confirm WMU‑specific rules before targeting unclassified predators.
Alberta Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Whitetail Deer
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 15
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 1 – Dec 15
WMUs: 102–166, 200–260, 300–446, 500–544
Licences: OTC in most units
Mule Deer
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 15
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 1 – Nov 30
WMUs: 300–360, 400–446
Licences: OTC only
Elk
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 31
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 25 – Dec 7
Licences: Archery OTC; Rifle draw required in WMUs 212, 247, 248, 300–308
Moose
Archery: Sep 3 – Oct 31
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 25 – Nov 30
Licences: Archery OTC in WMU 410; Rifle draw only in WMUs 102–166, 200–260
Black Bear
Fall: Aug 25 – Aug 31; Sep 3 – Oct 31 (WMUs 326–360, 410–442)
Spring: Apr 1 – May 31 (WMUs 212, 410)
Licences: OTC in all WMUs; cub harvest prohibited citeturn1search1
Note: Special licences (antlerless, youth, MSL) required where indicated by small “box” in official tables—applications May 27 – June 19, 2025
Alberta Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Game:
Sharp‑tailed Grouse, Ptarmigan: Sep 1 – Dec 15 (daily limit 5)
Hungarian Partridge: Sep 1 – Dec 15 (daily limit 5)
Snowshoe Hare: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (daily limit 3)
Wild Turkey: Apr 1 – May 15; Sep 1 – Dec 15 (daily limit 1; draw for spring hunt)
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds:
Ducks (all species): Aug 23 – Dec 31; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5)
Canada Geese: Aug 23 – Dec 31; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5)
Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15)
Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit & Conservation Stamp
Bag Limits by Species
Whitetail/Mule Deer: 1 antlered or antlerless per season
Elk & Moose: 1 legal antlered or antlerless (where drawn)
Black Bear: 1 (cub harvest prohibited)
Wild Turkey: 1 (per licence period)
Grouse/Partridge: 5 daily; possession 10
Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6
Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15
Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45
Coyote/Fox (nuisance): no limit on private land; season applies on public land
License & Tags Information for Alberta Hunters (2025–26)
Resident Licence: $25 (annual); tags $10/species
Non‑Resident Licence: $150 (annual); tags $10/species; draw application fee $20
Additional Permits:
Federal Migratory Bird Permit & Habitat Stamp (free; required)
Special MSL Licence draws (elk, antlered deer, mountain goat, etc.)
Hunter Education: Mandatory Certified Hunter Education Course for all first‑time hunters.
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed only Dec 1 – Jan 31 in most WMUs; broadhead minimum 7/8″ cutting diameter.
Rifle: Centrefire calibres ≥ .24 cal; straight‑wall pistols prohibited; shotguns permitted for muzzleloader context when using single‑projectile conversion.
Muzzleloader: Must be .40 cal or larger, patched round ball or conical bullet; approved ignition systems only; shotgun 12‑, 16‑, 20‑gauge with muzzleloader conversion and single‑projectile only.
Regulations & Resources
Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
Zone Maps & WMU Boundaries: Available at AlbertaREL M.org
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours of kill (online or phone)
Special Areas: Provincial Parks/Rec Areas require firearm discharge permit
Verification Reminder:
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations: https://open.alberta.ca/guide-to-hunting-regulations
Hunting Seasons in Quebec, Canada 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 Quebec hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from whitetail deer to waterfowl.
Introduction
Quebec’s vast boreal forests, Laurentian mountains and St. Lawrence lowlands host premier deer seasons, moose hunts, black bear excursions and waterfowl wingshooting. With over 80 wildlife management zones (ZECs, outfitter territories, public lands), Quebec’s “Guide de chasse” (valid Apr 1 2024 – Mar 31 2026) offers detailed provincial regulations, season windows and gear rules to plan an ethical, compliant 2025–26 hunt
What Is There to Hunt in Quebec?
Big Game: Whitetail deer, moose, black bear, caribou (select zones)
Small Game & Upland Birds: Ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, snowshoe hare, wild turkey
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, swans, dove (federal permit required)
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, wolf, fox, beaver, muskrat
Quebec’s mosaic of habitats ensures year‑round opportunity—from spring turkey to late‑fall duck season.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Quebec?
Unprotected species such as coyote and fox may be taken any time on private land with landowner consent; public‑land hunts require a small‑game or predator tag and must comply with zone‑specific restrictions. Always verify zone‑by‑zone regulations online before off‑season predator control.
Quebec Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Whitetail Deer
Archery: Oct 1 – Nov 15
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 12 – Nov 30
Licence: One adult tag per zone; antler‑point restrictions apply
Moose
Archery: Sep 15 – Oct 31
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 1 – Oct 31
Licence: Draw for most zones; cow hunts prohibited in Zone 26 quebec.ca
Black Bear
Spring: Apr 1 – Jun 15
Fall: Sep 1 – Oct 31
Licence: One bear tag per hunter; cub harvest prohibited
Caribou (Woodland)
Rifle: Oct 1 – Oct 15 (Zones 14, 15, 17 only)
Licence: Strict LE draw; limited quota
Note: Detailed zone‑by‑zone calendars (weapon type, sex, maturity) are published biennially; check “Périodes de chasse” for updates
Quebec Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Game:
Ruffed/Spruce Grouse: Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 5)
Snowshoe Hare: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (daily limit 3)
Wild Turkey: Apr 1 – May 15; Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 1; spring draw)
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds:
Ducks/Geese: Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 5 ducks; 5 geese)
Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15)
Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Permit & Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp
Bag Limits by Species
Whitetail Deer: 1 antlered or antlerless per zone
Moose: 1 per season (where drawn)
Black Bear: 1 per season
Caribou: 1 per draw tag
Wild Turkey: 1 per licence period
Grouse: 5 daily; possession 10
Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6
Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15
Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45
Coyote/Fox: no limit on private land; zone regulations apply
License & Tags Information for Quebec Hunters (2025–26)
Residence (Québec) Licence: $62.71; individual big‑game tag $23.24/species
Non‑Resident Licence: $145.71; tags $65.24/species; draw fee $9.08
Additional Permits:
Federal Migratory Bird Permit & conservation stamp (free; mandatory)
Draw application (big game, caribou) May 30 – Jun 16, 2025 Союз агропроизводителей
Hunter Education: Certificate from Quebec Hunter Education Program or equivalent mandatory
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed by special permit only; broadhead cut diameter ≥ 7/8″.
Rifle: Centrefire calibres ≥ .24 cal; straight‑wall calibres restricted in select zones; slug‑only shotgun permitted where specified.
Muzzleloader: .40 cal or larger, patched round ball or conical bullet; approved ignition systems only; single‑projectile conversions only.
Regulations & Resources
Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
Zone Maps & Calendars: “Périodes de chasse” PDF for 2024–26 valid Apr 1 2024 – Mar 31 2026
In‑Season Updates: See “Nouvelles règles de chasse” (last updated May 27 2025) quebec.ca
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours via online portal or by phone
Special Areas: Outfitters (ZECs), wildlife reserves and parks require separate access permits
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Quebec “Périodes de chasse” webpage to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Quebec Government: https://www.quebec.ca/chasse-sportive/periodes-limites
With clear season windows, zone‑specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Quebec hunt. Consult official calendars, prepare thoroughly and experience Quebec’s unrivalled hunting heritage.
Idaho Hunting Season 2025: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025 Idaho hunting with our complete guide to big and small game seasons, including whitetail deer, elk, moose, turkey, ducks, wild boar, and coyote. Learn about hunting licenses, bow and rifle hunting rules, bag limits and Idaho state-specific regulations.
Idaho stands as one of the premier states for both big game and small game hunting in the U.S., thanks to its vast wilderness, diverse terrain, and well-managed wildlife populations. Whether you’re an archery enthusiast, a rifle hunter, or someone looking to explore the backcountry for elk, deer, or bear, Idaho offers countless opportunities. Here's your in-depth guide to the 2025 hunting seasons, regulations, and licensing requirements across the Gem State.
What is There to Hunt in Idaho?
Idaho is home to a wide variety of animals available for hunting. These include big game species like elk, moose, mule deer, whitetail deer, black bear, and mountain lion, as well as small game such as rabbits, ducks, turkey, coyote, and grouse. There are also opportunities for hunting wild boar in limited regions. The state is a year-round haven for outdoorsmen thanks to its game diversity and structured hunting seasons.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year-Round in Idaho?
Certain species in Idaho are classified as unprotected and can be hunted all year with no bag limits. These include coyote, jackrabbits, European starlings, flying squirrels, and other invasive or non-game species. However, even for these animals, some weapon and land access regulations may apply.
Idaho Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025
Deer Seasons (Whitetail & Mule Deer)
Archery: August 30 – September 30 (varies by unit)
General Rifle: October 10 – November 24 (unit dependent)
Muzzleloader: Late November – mid-December (selected units only)
Controlled Hunts: October–December (application required)
Idaho offers specific units and dates for both whitetail deer and mule deer hunting. Be sure to check the 2025 regulation booklet to match your unit and method of take.
Elk Seasons
Archery: August 30 – September 30
General Rifle: October 15 – November 8
Muzzleloader: November 10 – December 15 (in select zones)
Controlled Hunts: Dates vary by zone
Controlled hunts are extremely popular for elk in Idaho. Tags are limited and often require advance application.
Moose Seasons
Controlled Hunts Only: September 15 – November 23 (varies by zone)
Moose tags are allocated via a lottery-based controlled hunt system and are very limited in number. Only one moose may be harvested in a lifetime.
Black Bear Seasons
Spring Season: April 15 – June 30
Fall Season: August 30 – October 31
Bear hunting is permitted with bait and dogs in some regions, depending on unit regulations.
Idaho Small Game Hunting Seasons 2025
Turkey Seasons
Spring General Season: April 15 – May 25
Fall Season: August 30 – December 31 (unit-dependent)
Youth Hunt: April 8 – April 14
Ducks & Waterfowl Seasons
Regular Duck Season: October 5 – January 18 (North & South zones differ slightly)
Youth Waterfowl Day: September 28
Goose Season: October 5 – January 25
All migratory bird hunters must have a federal duck stamp and Idaho Migratory Bird Permit.
Upland Game Birds (Grouse, Partridge, Quail)
Season: September 15 – January 31
Coyote
Open Season: Year-round, no bag limit
Coyote hunting is a great option for hunters in the off-season or those seeking predator control opportunities.
Bag Limits
Every hunter should be aware of the legal bag limits for each species during the season. Here are the basic limits for Idaho (always verify specific rules for each hunting unit):
Whitetail & Mule Deer: 1 trophy buck per season under a general tag. Additional harvest may be possible through controlled hunts.
Elk: 1 bull or cow elk (depending on the tag type), with only one tag available per season.
Moose: 1 trophy moose per lifetime, only through controlled lottery hunts.
Black Bear: Up to 2 bears in certain units, if allowed under specific zone regulations.
Turkey: Up to 2 birds in the spring season (1 per day), with additional opportunities in the fall.
Ducks & Geese: Up to 7 ducks per day, including no more than:
2 canvasbacks
2 black ducks
2 hen mallards
1 scaup — only allowed for 15 days of the season
Coyote & Wild Boar: No bag limit — hunting is permitted year-round with unlimited harvest.
License & Tags Information for Idaho Hunters (2025)
To hunt in Idaho, both residents and non-residents must purchase a valid hunting license, and often species-specific tags.
License Types:
Resident Adult Hunting License: $38.75
Nonresident Adult Hunting License: $185.00
Junior, Senior, and Disabled Licenses available at discounted rates
Tag Fees (Big Game):
Elk Tag: Resident $36.75 | Nonresident $651.75
Deer Tag: Resident $23.00 | Nonresident $351.75
Bear Tag: Resident $13.75 | Nonresident $231.75
Moose Tag (Controlled): Resident $216.50 | Nonresident $2,626.50
Hunting with Bow, Rifle, or Muzzleloader in Idaho
Hunters in Idaho can choose from several legal weapon types including compound bows, recurve bows, rifles, muzzleloaders, and shotguns depending on the species and season. Always verify your unit-specific restrictions regarding weapon types and legal calibers.
Regulations & Resources
Hunters are responsible for understanding and following all Idaho Fish and Game regulations, which cover topics such as:
Legal shooting hours
Hunting zones and boundaries
Blaze orange requirements
Weapon restrictions
Private land access rules
It’s highly recommended to review the official 2025 Idaho Big Game Regulations booklet before your hunt.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website.
This guide was created based on information from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG): https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game
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