With the fall hunting season now underway, hunters are reminded to review regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

“Hunting has long been part of the heritage and culture of Nova Scotia,” said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill, “I encourage hunters to enjoy the season but hunt responsibly with a focus on safety.

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The hunting seasons vary according to licence. Nova Scotians with archery and muzzleloader licences may hunt deer as of Sept. 8 but using only bows. Beginning Sept. 22, both crossbows and muzzleloaders may be used to hunt deer. Bear hunting season also is underway.

General deer hunting with a rifle or shotgun begins Oct. 31. Both this season and bear hunting season end Dec. 6.

The licensed archery and muzzleloader deer hunt ends Dec. 13.
All hunting is prohibited on Sundays.

Hunters must purchase a Wildlife Habitat Stamp for five dollars at any Natural Resources office along with the appropriate stamps required, depending on the type of game and weapon.

This year, more antlerless deer stamps are available to hunters to help address deer-nuisance problems in agricultural and urban locations within three zones. Antlerless stamps are no longer required in Zones 108 and 109, while the number of stamps available in Zone 101 was doubled from 800 to 1600.

A special deer-hunting season for youth, aged 16 or 17 years, will take place between Oct. 17 and Oct. 25, excluding Sunday. Participating youth must hold a deer-hunting licence and be accompanied by an adult who is a licensed hunter.

Hunters and non-hunters are reminded to wear hunter-orange clothing when in the woods during the hunting seasons.

Hunting regulation booklets are available at all Department of Natural Resources offices. The regulations and safety advice are available at www.novascotia.ca/natr/hunt .

Source: Release