Main new hunting measures

The general sport hunting rules are updated and published every two years on April 1. This section presents the main new measures in force for the period April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022.

Recognition of equivalency for hunter’s certificates issued elsewhere in Canada.

If the hunter’s certificate has been cancelled due to poaching in Québec or elsewhere in Canada, it is prohibited to apply for it or to take training to obtain one. Training will be required to re-apply after the certificate suspension period.

See the rules for obtaining a certificate

Requirement to prove one's identity when a wildlife protection officer or assistant requests to check the hunting licence.

See the section on Purchasing a hunting licence

The new rules are as follows:

• Expansion of the scope of Code “B” on the hunter’s certificate. This code now allows for the use of a bow.
• Abolition of antlerless white-tailed deer licences (1^st killing).
• Abolition of the antler restriction pilot project (ARPP)  licence, but maintenance of the antler restriction standard (white-tailed deer whose antlers measure 7 cm or more) in zones 6 north and 6 south. The hunter must make sure that the adult male deer has at least three points of 2.5 cm or more on one side of its antlers in order to kill it.
• Expansion of the rules for sharing an antlerless deer licence with immediate family members.
• Introduction of a white-tailed deer hunting licence valid for a single zone or part of a zone (other than in zone 20).
• Introduction of the opportunity to obtain a second licence to kill a second white-tailed deer (other than in zone 20).
• Introduction of the opportunity to use white-tailed deer hunting licences issued for any zone or part of a zone in any wildlife reserve or outfitter with exclusive rights (other than in zone 20).

The new rules are as follows:

• Opening of white-tailed deer hunting in parts of zone 15 east and zone 26 west.
• Opening of white-tailed deer hunting to the whole of zone 27 west.
• Opening of white-tailed deer hunting using firearms in parts of zone 7 north, zone 7 south, zone 8 east and zone 8 north.
• Standardization of white-tailed deer hunting seasons in ZECS with the rules applicable to the zone in which they are located.
• Authorization to use a shotgun to hunt white-tailed deer during the muzzle-loading firearm, bow and crossbow seasons.

The new rules are as follows:

• Authorization of white-tailed deer baiting from September 1 to November 30, except for mineral substances, which are allowed year-round.
• Total ban on the use of natural cervid urine (except for moose urine) and any other natural scent (e.g. tarsal gland or pheromone) taken from farm or free-ranging cervids in or outside Québec.

See all the white-tailed deer hunting rules

The new rules are as follows:

• Modification of the possibility of harvesting two black bears in the fall to include a requirement for one of the two bears to be harvested in the spring.
• Removal of the requirement for the black bear harvested in the fall to come from zone 10.
• Addition of a fall black bear hunting season in certain wildlife reserves.
• Authorization to use a shotgun to hunt black bear during the muzzle-loading, bow and crossbow seasons.

See all the black bear hunting rules

The new rules are as follows:

• Addition of three half-days of spring wild turkey hunting in zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10.
• Expansion of the spring wild turkey hunting season and introduction of the possibility to harvest a second bearded turkey in zone 9.
• Addition of a period of seven half-days for the fall wild turkey hunting season in zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10.
• Introduction of a fall wild turkey hunting licence in zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 to harvest one bearded or beardless wild turkey.
• Authorization to use a pointing-type or flushing-type dog during the fall wild turkey hunting season.
• Authorization to use #7 lead shotgun ammunition to hunt wild turkey.
• Ban on the hunting of wild turkey within 100 metres of bait.

See all the wild turkey hunting rules

Ban on the use of natural cervid urine (except for moose urine) and any other natural scent (e.g. tarsal gland or pheromone) taken from farm or free-ranging cervids in or outside Québec.

Ban on the possession of a drawn bow or crossbow, with or without an arrow on the bolt, or an air rifle containing a projectile, on or in a vehicle, aircraft or trailer pulled by a vehicle.

See the section on Weapons, ammunition and hunting gear

Ban on the use of an aircraft, including a drone, to locate or drive game for hunting purposes.

See the section Vehicles, aircraft and boats

The new rules are as follows:

• Westward shift of the boundary between parts of zone 2 east and zone 2 west;
• Subdivision of zone 1 into zone 1 north and zone 1 south.

See the zone maps

It is possible that the regulations will be amended during the year. If so, the changes will automatically be reported in a press release and added to our News  page.

ATTENTION: It is possible that, after publication of these rules, hunting practices may be changed as a result of an agreement between the Québec Government and an Aboriginal nation or an Aboriginal community, represented by its band council. In its resolutions of March 20, 1985 and May 30, 1989, the National Assembly formally recognized Québec’s 11 Aboriginal nations and their specific rights within the framework of Québec’s legislation. The Québec Government opted to negotiate with the Aboriginal nations in order to conclude agreements that would define and clarify the exercise of their activities. This approach hinges on the historic legitimacy and the importance for the society of Québec to establish good relationships with the Aboriginal peoples, based on mutual respect and trust. For additional information on possible changes, please contact the Customer Service Department or one of the regional offices of the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs.