Nova Scotia·NewThe change announced Friday under the Wildlife Act brings the minimum age in line with the limit for small game hunting.The rule that states youth under 18 can only hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult remains in placeDanielle Edwards · CBC News · Posted: Sep 26, 2025 6:17 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour agoChanges to the province’s Wildlife Act were announced Friday. (Serova_Ekaterina/Shutterstock)Hunters as young as 12 will be able to hunt big game, like deer and bear, as of Oct. 1 in Nova Scotia.The change announced Friday under the Wildlife Act brings the minimum age in line with the limit for small game hunting.Previously, youth had to be 16 to hunt big game. All hunters under 18 must still be directly supervised by a licensed adult hunter, regardless of the size of game.Peter White, president of the Big Game Society of Nova Scotia, said the hunting community welcomes the changes.”Just imagine what that would do for a youth’s confidence, if they were able … to be a successful hunter and actually provide for their family,” said White, who attended the announcement.The Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters called on the provincial government last year to make the change.Regulations for training requirements and firearm safety remain mandatory.11 Sundays addedThe provincial government also said Friday it will add 11 more Sundays a year when hunting is permitted. Officials added that until now, Nova Scotia was the last province with strict restrictions on Sunday hunting.One week will also be added to the end of the general deer hunting season.The added time is something White said will open up hunting to more people.”It offers more opportunity, especially for the hunters that work 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, with regards to having that extra week … to get a deer,” he said.Hikers association calls for more educationJanet Barlow, the executive director of Hike Nova Scotia, said there’s often concern among hikers when hunting regulations change.”There’s a perception of a safety risk here. There haven’t been many incidents of people getting hurt, but that perception is very real,” she said.”We really hope that the government will be coming out with some strong communications and education around this move just so that they can set people’s minds at ease.”Barlow added that the message from Hike Nova Scotia is: “Wear your hunter orange and just be aware and be careful.”ABOUT THE AUTHORDanielle Edwards is a reporter with CBC Nova Scotia. She has previously worked at The Canadian Press in Halifax and the Globe and Mail in Toronto covering a variety of topics. You can reach her at danielle.edwards@cbc.ca
N.S. lowers age for big game hunting to 12, extends deer season
