COVID-19 and its Impacts on Canadian Hunting and Fishing
UPDATED: April 22nd, 2020
We at Subarctic Angling understand that hunting and fishing are not truly essential to many people in the grand scheme of what is going on right now. That being said, we also understand how difficult it can be to find clear information regarding the things that make our lives feel normal during a time like this. For that reason, we will be doing a weekly update on what all the provinces and territories are doing in response to this virus that will impact those who are still looking to get outside.
Although some provinces are taking harder stances than others, social distancing should not be taken lightly and those looking to hunt or fish during this time need to take all precautions necessary. This means avoiding long trips that require stops for gas or food, keeping your distance at boat launches, and avoiding any trail or piece of land that already has people on it.
British Columbia:
Hunting and fishing seasons are currently unchanged.
Provincial parks, campgrounds, and boat launches are beginning to close which will make access difficult.
Licenses and tags can still be purchased through retailers that remain open.
Alberta:
Hunting and fishing seasons are still unchanged but individual parks and boat launches are being closed.
Licenses and tags can still be purchased through retailers that remain open.
The province is also offering its Fishing Education Program for free during this time.
Saskatchewan:
Fishing seasons to proceed as follows:
May 5th in the south
May 15th in the central zone
May 25th in the north
Parks are closed and many boat launches have been made inaccessible**
Licensing is available online as many retailers are closed
Manitoba:
Provincial parks are open but facilities such as bathrooms and gathering places will be closed
Outdoor licensing has moved online as many retailers are closed
Boat launches are currently open but social distancing laws are being enforced
Ontario:
Hunting and fishing seasons are not currently affected and access to Crown Land has not been limited
Many major Walleye fishing tournaments are being canceled**
Many provincial parks and boat launches, however, are restricting access
The OFAH has been doing a great job of keeping track of these closures. Their list of confirmed closures can be found here
Quebec:
Hunting and fishing seasons are carrying on as scheduled
Campgrounds are closed
Licensing is not currently available online but many businesses who sell licenses have been deemed essential.
New Brunswick:
Hunting and Fishing seasons have been suspended for two weeks as of April 9th and will revisited on April 30th
ATV Trails reopening**
Nova Scotia:
Sport-fishing seasons have been delayed until further notice.
Hunter education courses are closed until further notice
Prince Edward Island:
Recreational fishing season delayed until at least July 1 and applies to both inland and tidal fisheries.
Recreational shellfish will also be closed until June 1, 2020.
Newfoundland:
Fisheries remain open but social distancing laws are being enforced.
Yukon:
Parks and campgrounds have delayed their opening until June.
Boat launches and trails remain open.
Hunter education and trapping courses are on hold.
Fishing and hunting licenses are available online
Northwest Territories:
Fishing licences continue to be available online and seasons remain open.
ENR will continue to buy fur and hides from eligible hunters and trappers.
Hunting seasons remain unchanged.
Nunavut:
Currently no cases but the government is enforcing a 14-day quarantine on all returning citizens
As mentioned above, we will try to keep you updated on a weekly basis on all the news that impacts hunting and fishing. As things are changing on a daily basis, make sure you are referring to your provincial web services if you have any questions about these impacts.