Hunting Season Quebec: What You Can Hunt and When (2025 Guide)

When planning your hunting trip, knowing when the hunting season is in Quebec will be important for success, safety and overall compliance. Quebec’s vast wilderness, varied game animals and plenty of rules and regulations are just some of the features that attract hunters to this province. In this overview, you will learn the specific dates, zone details, species information and licensing rules to help make sure your Quebec hunt in 2025 is both fruitful and legal.

Why Quebec is a Top Hunting Destination

With large swaths of forests, rivers and diverse land from southern woodlands to the boreal north, Quebec offers a variety of game species in their natural habitat. This diversity means that you can hunt everything from moose and white-tailed deer to bears, small game and migratory birds. Its regulations around hunting, with specific areas and quotas and season dates, is designed to promote sustainable management of wildlife which can be equally accessible for those who live here as well as tourists.

Hunting in Quebec involves getting to know its zone map as well as the species-specific rules. The province's hunt infrastructure of ZECs (controlled harvesting zones), outfitters and wildlife reserves also contributes to access and conservation efforts, making it a role model for ethical hunting.

Big Game Hunting in Quebec

Big game including white-tailed deer, moose and black bear represent the attractions of hunting season in Quebec. Here are the detailed season dates, zones, weapon restrictions and bag limits you need to know.

White-Tailed Deer

Hunting white-tailed deer in Quebec is a big temptation. Hunting dates vary by weapon type (bow, crossbow, firearm, muzzleloader), sex and age of deer as well as zone.

Hunting Zones and Restrictions

Exceptions to general zone regulations can also be subject to ZEC, wildlife reserve or outfitter rules. For local area regulations please confirm with administrators of the area. In Zone 2 (Macpès), deer hunting with bow and crossbow is only allowed from October 4th to October 17th, 2025.

There are antler restrictions in Zones 6 North and 6 South; hunters must harvest a deer with antlers that have at least 7 cm of beam. Island bow hunting is open during the any-deer season on zones 2 East and West, 3 East and West and 27 East and West with varying antler restrictions; deer may be taken either antlered or antlerless.

Specific Season Dates by Weapon

Crossbow and Bow Seasons (2025)

• Zones 1 North, 1 South, 2 East & West, 3 East (excluding certain islands), 9 East & West, 10 East, 11 East & West, 15 West: October 4 to October 17 for deer with antlers ≥7 cm.
• Zones 15 East, 26 East & West, 27 East & West, 28: November 8 to November 13 for deer with antlers ≥7 cm.
• Zones 3 West, 4, 5 East & West, 7 North & South, 8 East, North & South, 10 West, 12, 13 Southwest: October 4 to October 17 for deer with or without antlers.
• Zones 6 North & South: October 4 to October 17 for deer with antlers ≥7 cm or without antlers.

Firearms (Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzleloader), Crossbow, and Bow Seasons (2025)

• Zone 1 North, 1 South, 2 East: November 8 to November 16 for deer with antlers ≥7 cm.
• Zones 2 West, 3 East & West, 4, 5 East & West, 7 North & South, 8 East & South, 9 East & West, 10 East & West, 11 East & West, 12, 13 Southwest, 15 West: November 8 to November 23 for deer with antlers ≥7 cm.
• Zones 6 North & South: November 8 to November 23 for deer with antlers ≥7 cm.
• Zone 20 (except western part): August 1 to August 31 for deer with antlers ≥7 cm; September 1 to December 24 for deer with or without antlers.

Novice Hunters’ Weekend

Dedicated special limited hunting days for novices, usually on November 1 and 2, 2025, for bow, crossbow and firearm in various zones.

Moose

The regulations around moose hunting in Quebec are tight, particularly in areas with decreasing populations or where Indigenous people are reliant on subsistence use only, like Zone 17.

Hunting Zones and Special Conditions

• In Zone 17, moose hunting is banned, unless it is for subsistence hunting by indigenous people.
• Hunting of adult female moose is subject to a draw-permit system with limitations to where permits are valid. It is not permitted in some wildlife reserves and ZECs.

Weapon and Zone Season Dates (2025)

Crossbow and Bow Season

• Zone 1: September 27 to October 5 (moose with antlers ≥10 cm and calves).
• Zones 2, 5, 11 West: Same dates as Zone 1, allowing male, female, and calves.
• Zones 3, 4, 9, 6: October 4 to 10 (moose with antlers ≥10 cm).
• Zone 7: October 4 to 19 (all genders and calves).
• Zone 8: September 27 to October 19 (all genders and calves).
• Zones 10 East & West: Sept 20 to Sept 28 (moose with antlers ≥10 cm).
• Zones 11 East, 12, 26, 27 (except Seigneurie de Beaupré), 13, Seigneurie de Beaupré (zone 27), 15 East & West, 14, 18, 28, 19 South (parts), 29: Season windows vary between late August and mid-October with specifics by zone for all sexes and calves.

Muzzleloading Firearm, Crossbow, and Bow Season

• Zones 1, 2 (except Macpès and Duquesne townships), and 10 East: Late October dates (Oct 25 to 31).

Firearm, Crossbow, and Bow Season

• Zone 1, 2 (except Macpès and Duquesne), 3, 4, 10 West, 11 West, 12, 13, 15 North & West, 14, 16, 18, 19 South (parts), 20, 22, 26, 28: Season varies widely from September 1 to December 1 with exact dates zone-specific.

Note: Crossbow hunting is banned in zones 22, 23 and 24.

Black Bear

Black bears may be hunted in separate spring and fall seasons. Hunting dates are different by zone and permitted weapons.

• Spring Season: May 15 through June 30. This season aims for bears leaving dens, with firearms and archery allowed in the majority of zones.
• Fall Season: Late August to Mid-October (e.g., August 30th through October 22nd in zone 20).
• There are seasons where firearms can be limited in certain areas and crossbow hunting is usually illegal during the spring.
• Bag Limit: Typically one black bear per hunter per season.

Big Game Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits Table

Small Game and Other Species

When you consider hunting season Quebec, big game hunters might get the attention, but small game hunting is equally as beloved (especially for those starting off or who’d rather carry lighter weights and hunt shorter periods). It has extended seasons for species such as snowshoe hare, fox, coyote, raccoon and grouse, among others.

Hare and Rabbit

Snowshoe hare and eastern cottontail rabbit are found in large numbers in Quebec. If you are a resident, you can hunt them with bows, firearms and snares. For non-residents, you are restricted to using firearms and bows only.

Fox, Coyote, and Raccoon

Predator hunting is a vital part of Quebec's wildlife management. Small game such as red fox, coyote and raccoon may be hunted in many zones. Seasons can range from late fall through spring, depending on the species and region. In agricultural areas, where they may prey on expensive livestock, hunting coyotes is highly encouraged.

Grouse and Other Upland Birds

Classic game birds of upland hunting in Quebec are spruce grouse and ruffed grouse. Most seasons start on the middle of September and run through late December, but dates differ depending on hunting zone small game hunting seasons

Hunting Methods

You can hunt with a firearm, bow/crossbow, snare or trap, but check each zone and species for legal methods. In some zones certain methods are outlawed for particular species.

Small Game Hunting Seasons Table

Migratory Bird Hunting in Quebec

Regulations for hunting migratory birds are provided by the federal and provincial governments. You will however need a federal migratory game bird hunting permit in addition to your Quebec hunting licence.

Species and Season Details (2025-2026)

• Ducks: Fall seasons range from September 1 through mid-December. The (migratory bird) seasons are split by districts with a bag limit typically of six ducks per day.
• Canada Geese & Cackling Geese: The season usually extends from September through December with differing bag limits, which can be adjusted throughout the province based on federal quotas.
• Woodcock: Open early September to most of December with daily limits of 8 for residents and 4 nonresidents.
• Mourning Dove: No hunting in Quebec.

Permit Requirements

Hunting migratory birds requires a federal permit, available both online and at participating retailers, as well as provincial permits. Lead shot is prohibited for hunting waterfowl to avoid damage to aquatic environments.

Licensing and Zone System

For the hunting season in Quebec, it is important to have a good understanding of the licensing and zone scheme as it effectively decides who can hunt what, where and when. Here’s what you need to know.

Licensing for Residents

If you are a Quebec resident and you wish to purchase a hunting licence during the hunting season there are separate classes based on species hunted and age and experience. These include:

Basic Hunting Licence

It is needed to hunt small game, migratory birds and for recreational hunting. For 2025, the price is $62.71 for residents.

Big Game Species Certificates

For animals like white-tailed deer, moose, black bear and others, you have to purchase a species certificate that allows you to hunt the particular game. Residents pay about $23.24 per big-game species certificate.

Novice Hunter Program

Residents can apply for this program and receive novice hunting rights with restrictions. Young and novice hunters have the opportunity to experience Quebec’s hunting season in a safe, controlled environment.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit

A federal bird permit is also needed, along with a provincial licence, to hunt waterfowl and migratory birds. This permit is provided by Environment Canada free of charge to residents born after May 3, 1971, but must be purchased for others.

Licensing for Non-Residents

The licensing system in place during hunting season in Quebec is more restrictive and costly to reflect the demand and regulatory oversight for non-residents.

Non-Resident Basic Hunting Licence

The fee for 2025 is $145.71. This permit is a permit that allows you to hunt small game, with general access and is extended to big game (but does not give you the automatic right to kill a deer or a moose).

Big Game Species Certificates

Non-residents have to buy one certificate for each of the big-game species they plan to hunt, at an average cost of $65.24 per species.

Draw or Lottery Fees

For species with restricted quotas, such as moose, non-residents have to draw or lottery their chances and there’s an extra fee of $9.08.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit

Non-residents are required to purchase the federal migratory game bird hunting permit. This keeps every hunter honest during the hunting seasons in Quebec.

Hunting Zones

Quebec is separated into 28 official hunting zones (in some of which only fishing or native hunting were allowed).Maps and zone boundary information is important for hunters to understand where regulations are enforced. For instance, zone 6 North has antler-point restrictions, while zone 20 includes extended deer hunting in August.

Purchasing and Verifying Licences

Licenses are available for purchase online through the Quebec Government portal or through an authorized sales dealer. Hunters need to electronically verify licenses prior to the season. When hunting, make sure to have a picture of the license with you.

Special Rules and Considerations

Hunting on Sundays for big game is not permitted in most of Quebec. There are exceptions for certain small game and other species, though. There is limited hunting or no possibility of it in wildlife sanctuaries, migratory bird sanctuaries, nature reserves, Nord-du-Québec lands and certain zones with special regulations. Tags and harvests must be reported by Hunters within regulations. Violators can face fines, license suspensions or bans. Requirements for hunters orange, firearm safety classes and specific gun rules are always in effect.

Practical Tips for Hunters

• The best time to hunt for white-tailed deer in Quebec is early to mid-November.
• The weather in Quebec is variable and it may affect your hunt. The terrain is varied ranging from flat forests in the south to mountainous boreal landscapes up north.
• During the early deer seasons use bows and crossbows. For later big game seasons, rifles and muzzleloaders are needed. When hunting migratory birds use non-toxic shots.
• Numerous resources are available in English and French but non-residents should understand provincial requirements before arrival.

Try bringing a BLUETTI portable power station to keep the gear charged during long days in the stands or out on the hunt.

BLUETTI Apex 300 Portable Power Station (Field Base Power)

Whether you want to glass ridgelines in the pre-dawn hours and process game back at camp, the BLUETTI Apex 300 is a significant jump for hunting season QC. It promises 2,764.8Wh capacity and 3,840W of output with a 7,680W Power Lifting mode for resistive loads, useful for kettles or heaters post-cold sit. The durable automotive-grade LiFePO₄ battery is rated for 6,000+ cycles to 80%, and the built-in 0ms UPS keeps comms and mapping tablets up when a generator sputters.

Double 120V/240V output, a NEMA 14-50R and a TT-30R for cabins and camps makes this unit an ideal solution for backup power in Quebec during hunting season. Fast AC charging (up to 3,840W), high solar headroom and expansion options allow you to scale up for multi-day blinds or off-grid freezer duty. When hunting season in Quebec doubles over shoulder-season storms and with a five year warranty you have the confidence to be hunting all season in Quebec.

BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 (Ultralight Day-Pack Power)

Ideal for minimalist day hunts, the Elite 30 V2 keeps optics, phones, GPS and thermal accessories running full season Quebec without weighing you down. Its weight is 4.3 kg (8.6lbs.), why it's not a problem to bring 288Wh of energy with you thanks to its 600W output and the Power Lifting mode up to 1,500W for short high-draw devices. You have nine outputs in total (including dual USB-C with 100W and 140W) so you can fast-charge laptops and even cameras between stalks during hunting season in Quebec.

The LiFePO₄ pack has a 3,000+ cycle rating and the 10ms UPS will protect sensitive gear in blinds and cabins. 30dB of silent operation, 200W solar input, 380W AC in (70 minute full charge) make it a versatile grab and go solution for scouting weekends during the hunting season in Quebec. App control (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) allows you to adjust charging modes for differing lodge power or truck alternators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt on my own land in Quebec?

Yes, you can hunt on your own property so long as you have the relevant provincial licensing.

When is goose hunting season in Quebec?

Goose seasons usually take place from early September to mid-December, depending on the species and location.

Is it legal to shoot coyotes in Quebec?

Coyotes also may be hunted legally from mid-October through March, and there is no bag limit on private land.

Which species need to be drawn or lotted?

Moose and certain other big game require draw permits because of population management and limits.

Is it illegal to hunt on Sundays?

Yes, Sunday hunting is limited for many big game species. You must always check local laws before planning.