Download the Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting Trapping Guide for 2021-2022. Click Here to View.
How do Non-Residents obtain a Moose Hunting license in Newfoundland?
Non-Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are only able to obtain a moose license through a licensed outfitter. If you are interested in hunting within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, please contact us.
For residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, please see below:
- Resident moose licences for Newfoundland and Labrador and resident caribou licences for the Island of Newfoundland are only available through the Wildlife Division’s big game draw process.
- Resident black bear licences for the Island of Newfoundland and Labrador are only available through an online application process. Apply online by logging on with your user name and password at www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca or applications may also be printed via: ZZZ gov.nl.ca IID
- Resident small game/coyote/wolf licences are available at vendor outlets throughout the province. Resident hunters must provide identification, such as a Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s Licence, to the vendor at the time of purchase.
- Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permits are available through Canada Post Offices at local offices or online at http://www.permis-permits.ec.gc.ca/ and are valid throughout Canada (additional hunting licences may be required to hunt migratory game birds in other provinces).
General information for Non-Residents who wish to Hunt in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Non-resident hunters must possess a valid non-resident hunting licence. They must also possess proof of having met their own jurisdiction’s hunter education requirements and must present this information immediately upon request of a wildlife officer.
- Non-resident big game hunters are required to be accompanied by a licenced guide. Hunting Guides are supplied by licenced outfitters.
- Non-resident big game licences (bear, moose, and caribou) are only available through licenced outfitters.
- Hunters must declare all game entering the United States from Canada. American hunters should obtain the necessary forms at U.S. Customs when leaving the United States.
- Hunters must possess a game export permit to take game out of the province. All guests staying at our lodge will receive export permits, free of charge.
- Non-residents arriving at a Canada Customs port must declare all firearms. For further information, contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 or visit www.rcmpgrc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm.
- A non-resident cannot apply for a licence or priority pool advancement in the resident big game licence draw. To obtain a license to hunt big game in Newfoundland and Labrador, contact us.
How old do I need to be, to hunt in Newfoundland?
A person must be 12 years of age or older to hunt with a firearm in Newfoundland. This includes small game, migratory waterfowl and coyotes.
To hunt big game, all persons much be 16 years of age or older.
Is hunting with Crossbows permitted in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Crossbows may be used by certified hunters during firearms season for both big game, and small game.
An archery or a specific crossbow certification is not required, however, we feel strongly that those who wish to participate in crossbow hunting, should have extensive training and practice before using a crossbow for large game hunting.
Note: Crossbow use for big game (moose, caribou or black bear) may only occur during the regular rifle season, and not during the archery preseason.
Hunting Ethics
Distance: Here at Gander River Outfitters, we only take shows within the clients effective range. Your effective range is the distance at which a you can consistently hit a 4-6 inch diameter target.
Where to Shoot: Know when and where to shoot. Broadside or quartering away shots are the most effective. Target only the animal’s vital area. An animal’s vital area is the chest cavity, where the largest concentration of vital organs are located. (Place attached image of bear and moose here)
When is Moose hunting season in Newfoundland?
Gander River Outfitters is located in hunting area 22. Our moose hunting season starts September 12th, and ends December 31st.
What to Bring:
In Newfoundland, the weather can change in a heartbeat. The best thing you can do to prepare for this hunt is to make sure you’ve got the right gear to keep you warm, dry and moving each day. The fall time brings quite a bit of rain, and on average, our hunters see at least 1 or 2 days with rain during their week. Although it’s not the most pleasant weather to hunt, it’s also a good time for animals to be on their feet. Making sure you have a good set of rain gear will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Newfoundland can throw a lot of different weather patterns at you throughout the week. It’s been common to have 30degree mornings, followed by a 75degree afternoon, and back to 40degrees for the sunset boat ride back to camp. Dressing in appropriate layers is a must to make sure you’re warm, comfortable and versatile throughout your hunt. Another must for the trip is a quality pair of rubber boots. It is imperative you find a pair that won’t leak, are at least 16” tall, and you can walk a good distance while wearing. Most of the areas we hunt are wet, boggy and along the waterways. Having a quality pair of rubber boots will help keep you moving. Our hunters often recommend the Muck Boot, lacrosse Boot, or any other good, quality rubber boot that fits you well.
Recommended items to bring WITH YOU to Gander River Outfitting:
- Flashlight and batteries
- Binoculars
- Range finder (if you prefer)
- Sharp knife
- Quiet rain gear
- 16 – 18” rubber boots
- Packable vest or fleece jacket
- Gloves and hat
- Wool socks and layered clothing
- Footwear for around camp
- Camera and batteries
- Daypack and water bottle(s)
- Ammunition
- Personal identification
- Gun or bow that’s sighted in and adequate for the hunt
- Soft gun or bow case
- Personal items such as additional medication if required