Nova Scotia extends deer season for hunters, lowers minimum age

CITYnews halifax / By Natasha O’Neill

A fall pastime for many and one that the Nova Scotia government recognizes, could include more people with some amendments.

Starting Oct. 1, the government is changing regulations under the Wildlife Act to extend the deer hunting season and add more weekend opportunities for people. The amendments only apply to big game species, like bear and deer.

Some of the changes include reducing the minimum age from 16 to 12 for a hunting licence for big game, adding 11 more Sundays when hunting is permitted and adding one extra week to the end of general deer season.

Previously, legislation only allowed people to hunt on the first two Sundays of the season.

The province hopes that by changing the age limit for hunting licences, it will engage more youth in safe and mentored opportunities.

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“Every year, tens of thousands of Nova Scotians hunt safely and responsibly during hunting season,” Tory Rushton, Natural Resources Minister, said. “These changes will increase opportunities for Nova Scotians to hunt and support our wildlife management objectives.”

Those under 18 still have to have direct supervision of a licensed adult to make sure they are safe. Training requirements, like hunter education and firearms safety courses, are still mandatory.

“Increasing the number of Sunday hunting opportunities means more Nova Scotians – particularly those who work during the week – can participate,” the press release reads.

The minimum age for moose hunting is still 18, and the government notes that it is illegal to hunt mainland moose because they are endangered.

“So many people these days work irregular hours or shift work so these changes will provide flexibility and increase the opportunities for hunters to harvest game,” Donnie Lushington, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, said. “Lowering the minimum age also helps encourage the culture of hunting and outdoorsmanship among our young people.”