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Changes to moose general open seasons and limited entry hunts

Last updated on January 12, 2026

The public is invited to comment on the proposed hunting regulation described below.

Status: Proposed

Region: Region 7B, Peace

Management unit (MU): Region-wide

Regulation type: Limited Entry Hunting

Species: Moose

Closing date: February 13, 2026 at 4:30 pm PT

Current regulation:

Licenced moose hunting opportunities in the Peace region are a combination of general open seasons (GOS) and limited entry hunting.

All moose seasons in the region are currently restricted to spike-fork, tri-palm, or 10-point (SOFT-10) moose only.

More details on the current moose hunting seasons are available on the “Proposed 2026 Peace Region Moose Hunting Regulation Changes” map in the Proposed regulation section below.

Proposed regulation:

  1. Change some areas of the Peace region from LEH to GOS
  2. Establish LEH zones in portions of MUs 7-33 and 7-43
  3. Maintain the SOFT-10 antler restriction on all GOS hunts. Allow for any bull to be taken during LEH
  4. Removal of the two 2-day open seasons in areas where LEH is maintained

More detail can be found on the Proposed 2026 Peace Region Moose Hunting Regulation Changes map (PDF, 970KB).

Rationale:

Moose hunting regulation changes implemented in 2022 consisted of moving from a region-wide, antler-restricted, general open season to a combination of general open season only (9 management units), limited entry hunting only (7 management units) or a combination of limited entry hunting and 2 short 2-day general open season in 12 management units across the region, with a commitment to review these regulation changes as wildlife managers and First Nations gained a better understanding of moose populations and demographics and harvest rates.

Since 2019, 89% of the Peace Region has been surveyed for moose. Surveys to estimate moose density, abundance and population composition were completed with either stratified random block or distance sampling designs and carried out by the Province and First Nations.

The current population estimate for the Peace Region is more than 48,000 moose. Average calf and bull ratios are 40 (± 2.5) calves per 100 cows and 75 (±7.1) bulls per 100 cows, respectively. Overall, moose populations in all management units where data is available show that moose populations are stable to increasing and that greater licensed harvest opportunity exists, while still upholding the current objectives for moose population and hunter density.

The proposed regulations seek to balance First Nation harvest needs and concerns while providing licensed hunters more hunting opportunities. This proposed approach identifies the areas closest to communities where Indigenous harvest requirements can be prioritized and licensed hunting opportunities can be more effectively managed.

No changes are being proposed to closed areas (e.g., Moose Lake, Fontas and Peace-Moberly Tract).

It is also proposed that the October 1-15 season is re-opened in both the limited entry hunting and general open season areas. Re-opening this season will help to spread hunting pressure over a longer period, reducing crowding. The two two-day general open seasons are also proposed to be removed to improve harvest management and hunter distribution.

Converting several limited entry hunting opportunities back to general open seasons in remote, hard-to-access areas is proposed because it is not expected to affect moose populations or hunter density objectives. This change would also improve hunter distribution, support local businesses and guide outfitters, and provide more flexibility and opportunity for licensed hunters.

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