elk season 2025 - All
HUNTING SEASONS IN SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 Saskatchewan hunt with our province-by-province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species: Whitetail Deer, Moose, Ducks and more.
Saskatchewan’s expansive prairie grasslands, parkland forests and boreal woodlands support some of Canada’s largest whitetail deer herds, robust moose and elk populations, and world-class waterfowl staging areas. Across 39 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), hunters pursue archery and rifle deer seasons, limited-draw moose and elk tag hunts, and spring/fall duck excursions—governed by Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment regulations.
Prepare an ethical, compliant hunt with exact season windows, bag limits and WMU-specific requirements for 2025–26.
What Is There to Hunt in Saskatchewan?
Big Game: Whitetail deer, mule deer, moose, elk, pronghorn antelope
Small Game & Upland Birds: Sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, snowshoe hare, wild turkey
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, swans, mourning dove (federal permit required)
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, fox, wolf, beaver, muskrat
Saskatchewan’s diverse habitats offer year-round opportunity—from spring bear and turkey to late-fall duck seasons.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year-Round in Saskatchewan?
Unprotected predators (coyote, fox, wolf) may be taken any time on private land with landowner permission. Public-land predator control outside open seasons requires a Fur Harvester’s Licence and adherence to WMU regulations.
Saskatchewan Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Whitetail Deer & Mule Deer
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 15
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 1 – Dec 15
Tags: Most WMUs over-the-counter; antlerless drawn in select units
Moose
Archery: Sep 10 – Oct 31
Rifle: Oct 10 – Nov 30
Tags: Draw only; applications Feb 1 – Mar 1, 2025
Elk
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 15
Rifle: Oct 1 – Dec 1
Tags: Limited-draw in northern WMUs; spring application
Pronghorn Antelope
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 7
Rifle: Oct 1 – Oct 15
Tags: Draw only in southeast WMUs
Note: Detailed WMU calendars, quotas and weapon-type restrictions are published annually by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment.
Saskatchewan Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Game:
Sharp-tailed Grouse, Hungarian Partridge: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (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 16 – Dec 5; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5 ducks; 5 geese)
Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15)
Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Permit & Habitat Conservation Stamp
Bag Limits by Species
Deer (Whitetail/Mule): 1 antlered or antlerless per season
Moose & Elk: 1 per draw tag
Pronghorn: 1 per draw tag
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/Wolf: no limit private; Fur Harvester’s Licence required public
License & Tags Information for Saskatchewan Hunters (2025–26)
Resident Licence: $36 (annual); includes one deer tag; big-game tags $12/species
Non-Resident Licence: $150 (annual); tags $45/species; draw fee $15
Additional Permits:
Fur Harvester’s Licence (free; required)
Spring Turkey draw (applications Mar 1 – 15, 2025)
Hunter Education: Mandatory Saskatchewan Hunter Education Certificate or equivalent
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows by special permit only; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″
Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .24 cal; shotguns with slugs permitted; handgun calibres prohibited
Muzzleloader: .40 cal+ patched ball or conical bullet; approved ignition only; single-projectile conversions
Regulations & Resources
Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
WMU Maps & Calendars: Available from Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours via online portal or phone
Special Areas: Provincial parks and Wildlife Refuges require additional access permits
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/parks-culture-heritage-and-sport/hunting-trapping-and-angling/hunting
Armed with precise season windows, WMU-specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Saskatchewan hunt. Prepare thoroughly and experience the province’s unparalleled hunting heritage.
Hunting Seasons in British Columbia, Canada 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 British Columbia hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from whitetail deer to waterfowl.
British Columbia’s mosaic of coastal rainforests, interior plateaus and mountain ranges supports world‑class deer seasons, elk and moose hunts, black bear forays and waterfowl wingshooting. BC’s 225 Management Units (MUs) span nine regions, each with specific season windows, bag limits and provincial regulations. This guide compiles the 2025–26 deer seasons, elk and moose tag draws, small game and migratory bird dates, plus licence and weapon rules to ensure a compliant, ethical hunt in BC.
What Is There to Hunt in British Columbia?
Big Game: Whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, black bear
Small Game & Upland Birds: Ruffed grouse, blue grouse, snowshoe hare, wild turkey
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, swans, doves (federal permit required)
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, wolf, fox, beaver, marten
BC’s diverse ecotypes deliver opportunities from spring bear hunts to late‑fall waterfowl wingshooting—year‑round adventure.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in British Columbia?
Unprotected predators (coyote, fox, wolf) may be taken any time on private land with landowner permission; public land hunting outside open seasons often requires special permits. Always verify MU‑specific restrictions before targeting nuisance species.
British Columbia Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Whitetail Deer & Mule Deer
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 15
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 1 – Dec 7
Licences: Most MUs OTC; Limited Entry Draw for specified bull‑only areas
Elk
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 31
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 15 – Dec 7
Licences: OTC archery; LEH draw for antlered bull hunts in select MUs
Moose
Archery: Sep 15 – Oct 31
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 15 – Nov 30
Licences: Limited Entry Draw only; applications open Feb – Mar 2025
Black Bear
Spring: Apr 1 – Jun 15
Fall: Aug 1 – Oct 31
Licences: OTC; cub harvest prohibited; strict hound‑use restrictions in some areas
Note: Draw application deadlines and MU‑specific tag allocations appear in the online Synopsis corrections & updates; check for in‑season changes.
British Columbia Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Game:
Ruffed Grouse, Blue 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 Hunting Permit & Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp
Bag Limits by Species
Deer (Whitetail/Mule): 1 antlered or antlerless per season
Elk & Moose: 1 legal bull or cow (where drawn)
Black Bear: 1 (cub harvest prohibited)
Wild Turkey: 1 (per licence period)
Grouse (all spp.): 5 daily; possession 10
Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6
Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15
Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45
Coyote/Wolf/Fox: no limit on private land; public‑land restrictions apply
License & Tags Information for British Columbia Hunters (2025–26)
Resident Licence: $30 (annual); individual tags $15/species
Non‑Resident Licence: $200 (annual); tags $30/species; LEH draw fee $25
Additional Permits:
Federal Migratory Bird Permit & Habitat Stamp (free; mandatory)
LEH draw for antlered deer, elk and moose (applications Feb 1 – Mar 15, 2025)
Hunter Education: Proof of BC Hunter Education Program or equivalent mandatory
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed only Dec 1 – Jan 31 in select MUs; broadhead minimum 7/8″ cutting diameter.
Rifle: Centrefire calibres ≥ .24 cal; straight‑wall handgun calibres restricted; shotguns permitted for slug use only.
Muzzleloader: Must be .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
MU Maps & Synopsis: Download the 2024–2026 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis effective July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
Corrections & Updates: In‑season updates listed online (last updated Jul 29, 2025)
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours (online or phone)
Special Areas: Parks and Protected Areas may require separate permits
Verification Reminder:
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/hunting/regulations-synopsis
Armed with exact season windows, bag limits and licence details, you’re set to plan your 2025–26 British Columbia hunt. Review official Synopsis updates, prepare accordingly and embrace BC’s unparalleled wildlife adventure.
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
