Moose hunting regulations
Moose Management Plan
The Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) is proposing a new moose management plan to regulate moose hunting in Québec. We have selected the provisions most relevant to hunters who frequent wildlife reserves. These changes will take effect as of the 2026 hunting season.
To view the entire plan and obtain detailed information, please visit the Québec.ca website (in French only).
Summary of terms and conditions for wildlife reserves
Antlerless moose licences
- Females and calves (moose under one year of age, male or female) are now grouped into a new category of antlerless moose, and their harvest is limited by a limited number of antlerless moose licences specified by the MELCCFP for each wildlife reserve.
- Hence, there are no longer any exclusive licences for adult females, as these have been replaced by antlerless moose licences that allow the harvest of a female or a calf.
- Holders of a regular moose hunting licence may only harvest adult males (moose with antlers). Only holders of an antlerless moose licence may harvest either a female or a calf.
- An antlerless moose licence allows the harvest of a single animal, either a female or a calf. Holders of antlerless moose licence are not required to use their privilege to harvest a female or a calf, as the harvest of males remains permitted at all times.
- Holders of antlerless moose licences must also hold a regular moose hunting licence.
- As was previously the case for adult female licences, some antlerless moose licences are allocated for specific stays, in accordance with the hunting plan for the wildlife reserve concerned. Other licences may be allocated by a special licence random draw, held each year in June.
- In the Rimouski and Port-Cartier-Sept-Îles wildlife reserves, where the harvest of all segments (males, females, and calves) was previously permitted, an antlerless moose licence is now required to harvest a female or a calf.
- As was the case for female licences, holders of antlerless moose licences may decide to share their licences with other members of their group by completing the form provided for this purpose.
Prohibition on importing or selling natural moose urine
- It will no longer be possible to sell natural moose urine in Québec once the 2026 moose management plan comes into effect (April 2026).
- Hunters may continue to collect and use urine from their own harvested animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about the application of these new measures, please check out the FAQs.
- How can I obtain an antlerless moose licence for my hunting stay in a wildlife reserve?
- Some antlerless moose licences are allocated for specific stays, in accordance with the hunting plan for the wildlife reserve concerned. Other licences may be allocated by a special licence random draw, held each year in June.
- Will I still be able to obtain an exclusive licence for adult females?
- No, adult female licences are being replaced by antlerless moose licences.
- If I have an antlerless moose licence, am I required to harvest a female or a calf?
- No, antlerless moose licences allow you to harvest a female, calf, or male.
- If I don't have an antlerless moose licence, can I harvest a calf as is currently the case?
- No, only holders of an antlerless moose licence can henceforth harvest a calf.
- I registered for the fall 2026 random draw for a product that was assigned a female moose licence. Will this be replaced by an antlerless moose licence?
- Yes, all adult female licences affiliated with a product listed in the 2026 big game random draw brochure or in the 2026 hunting plans for wildlife reserves are being replaced by antlerless moose licences.
- I have an antlerless moose licence. Can I share it with other members of my hunting group?
- Yes, you can share your antlerless moose licence with your hunting group. All members of the group must complete the form provided for this purpose prior to the hunting stay.
- Does my antlerless moose licence allow me to harvest a female or a calf in addition to harvesting a male?
- No, the antlerless moose licence allows you to harvest either a male, a female, or a calf. The bag limits remain unchanged, i.e., one moose per single group and two moose per double group.
- Two members of our hunting group obtained antlerless moose licences during the special licence random draw. Can we harvest two antlerless moose during our trip?
- The bag limits remain unchanged, at one moose per single group and two moose per double group. The number of antlerless moose licences that can be used may not exceed the bag limit per type of package.
- I purchased a hunting stay in the Rimouski or Port-Cartier-Sept-Îles wildlife reserve for the 2026 season. Will I still be able to harvest all segments (male, female, or calf)?
- No, henceforth only holders of antlerless moose licences can harvest a female or calf in these wildlife reserves as well. However, harvesting males remains permitted for all stays.
- Is it possible to use natural urine during my moose hunting trip?
- Yes, you can still use natural moose urine that you have collected yourself. However, it will no longer be possible to sell natural moose urine after the 2026 management plan comes into effect (April 2026).