Most Hunting Licenses Can Now Be Purchased Online.

August 13, 2026 nnpress

Hunters, guides and trappers are now able to purchase most types of Nova Scotia hunting licences online.

The Province has launched an e-licensing pilot program through HuntNS for the base hunting licence, small fur-bearing animals and game birds. Convenient and accessible, it modernizes wildlife licensing services for Nova Scotians and visitors while maintaining public safety.

“Local residents and visitors from all over the world have long enjoyed Nova Scotia’s amazing hunting, fishing and outdoor living,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “Making licences available online is not only convenient for Nova Scotians who hunt, it will also reduce administrative burden for those working in this sector and helps make Nova Scotia a more attractive destination for non-residents planning hunting trips.”

The licences available online include:

wildlife habitat stamp (for residents and non-residents), which is the base licence required for all hunting and fur harvesting
small game licence (for residents and non-residents), for snowshoe hare and birds such as ring-necked pheasant geese and ducks
fur harvester licence (legally restricted to residents), for animals such as beaver, raccoon and fox
annual commercial guide licences.

Licences can be purchased at: http://huntns.ca. People also still have the option to buy licences in person.

Quotes:

“The Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers & Hunters supports adding e-licensing as an option for purchasing hunting licences in the province. Adding this convenient option will benefit resident hunters and our provincially registered guides who have out-of-province clients. HuntNS has been evolving over the past couple of years and now with the option to purchase hunting licences, it has become a valuable tool for the province’s hunters and wildlife managers.”
— Peter White, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers & Hunters

Quick Facts:

HuntNS is the Province’s online portal for hunters and fur harvesters
deer and bear licences are not included in the pilot because of physical harvest tag requirements and associated operational and enforcement considerations
hunters in Nova Scotia are required to follow strict safety protocols, including maintaining regulated distances from buildings, schools and public areas

Additional Resources:

More information on licences and types of game is available in the 2026 Nova Scotia Hunting and Fur Harvesting Summary of Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/pdf/hunting-and-furharvesting-summary-of-regulations.pdf

Hunter education frequently asked questions: https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/huntered-faqs.asp

Hunt NS – online services for hunters and furharvesters: https://huntns.ca/

Source: Provincial Release