Date Chasse Orignal 2025 – Québec Zones, Dates and Permits

Moose hunting in Québec follows a complex framework of zone-specific dates, permit requirements, and regulations administered by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP). Hunters planning their 2025 season must navigate a system that varies significantly depending on their chosen zone, weapon type, and target animal classification.

The province divides hunting territory into 28 distinct zones, each with its own season windows and rules. While the 2025 calendar draws heavily from patterns established in previous years, important regulatory changes loom on the horizon, particularly for the 2026 season when many zones will shift away from traditional alternance systems for antlerless moose permits.

This guide consolidates available information on 2025 hunting dates, permit deadlines, and bag limits, while also providing context for hunters who want to understand the broader regulatory landscape shaping Québec’s moose population management.

Moose Hunting Overview: Key Information for 2025

Understanding the fundamentals of Québec’s moose hunting framework helps hunters prepare effectively. The province employs a zone-based system that distributes hunting pressure while maintaining sustainable populations across different regions.

Quick Reference Grid

Essential Insights for 2025 Hunters

• Zones 1 and 2 open for bow and crossbow hunting on September 27, running through October 5; firearms season follows from October 18 to 26
• Permit purchase deadlines vary by zone, ranging from September 27 to October 17, 2025
• Zone 2 maintains permissive regulations for 2025, though some ZECs encourage voluntary protection of female moose
• Muzzleloader hunting in zone 1 targets antlered moose (10 cm+ antlers) and calves, with cow permits available by lottery from October 28-31
• Starting in 2026, many zones (1-12, 14-16, 22, 26-27) will require lottery permits for antlerless moose, effectively ending the alternance system
• Zones 13, 18, and 28 retain the alternance system, with antlerless hunting closed in 2026 and open in 2027
• Zone 17 remains restricted to Indigenous subsistence hunting only
• Zones 19 south and 29 offer annual hunting without special permits for antlerless moose

2025 Season Dates by Selected Zones

Understanding Zone Structure and Regulations

Québec’s hunting territory encompasses 28 zones numbered 1 through 29, with zone 25 omitted from the system. This zonal approach allows wildlife managers to tailor regulations to specific population dynamics across the province’s diverse ecosystems.

Zone Categories and Their Rules

The province classifies hunting territories into three main categories, each governed by different frameworks. Regular zones operate under direct provincial management with zone-specific season dates and permit requirements. Zones d’Expploitation Contrôlée (ZECs) represent controlled harvest zones managed by nonprofit organizations or private entities, offering their own set of rules within provincial guidelines. Wildlife reserves provide another management tier, often with different group allocation systems.

Hunters accessing ZECs should note that bag limits often scale with group size. In areas like Bas-Saint-Laurent, Casault, Chapais, and Owen, the limit of one moose per three hunters applies. Wildlife reserves typically allow one moose per simple group (2-4 hunters) or two moose per double group (4-8 hunters).

Antler Classification System

Québec classifies moose by antler development for regulatory purposes. Antlered moose must have antlers measuring at least 10 centimeters. Calves fall into a separate category without size restrictions. Antlerless moose, defined as animals with antlers under 10 centimeters, often require additional permits due to their role in population management.

Cow hunting typically requires lottery permits for antlerless moose. The distinction matters because cows represent breeding capacity within herds, making their harvest subject to stricter controls in most zones. Some ZECs voluntarily promote female moose protection, encouraging hunters to focus on antlered animals whenever possible.

Major Regulatory Changes: 2026 and Beyond

The 2026 hunting season marks a significant shift in Québec’s moose management strategy. Many zones that previously operated under alternating systems for antlerless permits will implement new lottery requirements, affecting how hunters plan their expeditions in subsequent years.

End of Alternance in Most Zones

Starting in 2026, zones 1 through 12, along with zones 14, 15, 16, 22, 26, and 27, will require lottery permits for antlerless moose. This change effectively ends the alternance system that allowed antlerless hunting in alternating years within these territories. Wildlife managers cite population assessments as the driver behind this regulatory adjustment.

The transition means hunters who previously relied on knowing whether a given zone would allow cow harvest must now navigate a permit lottery system. This represents a fundamental change in planning assumptions for affected territories.

Zones Maintaining Alternance

Three zones will continue operating under the traditional alternance system through at least 2027. Zones 13, 18, and 28 will close antlerless hunting in 2026 and reopen it in 2027. This exception reflects population dynamics in these specific areas, where wildlife managers have determined that alternating years remain appropriate for sustainable harvest.

Zone 19 south and zone 29 maintain annual openness without lottery requirements, representing the most permissive regulations in the province for antlerless moose. Population growth indicators in zones 18 and 19 support continued liberal hunting opportunities in these regions.

Looking Ahead to 2026-2027 Seasons

The MFFP has published official bow and crossbow periods for 2026 and 2027, providing hunters with planning horizons beyond the current season. These tables reflect the regulatory changes while maintaining consistent structure for season planning.

For bow and crossbow hunters, zone groupings show slight annual variations. Zones 1, 2, 10 West, 11 West, 13, and 15 open September 26, 2026 and September 25, 2027, closing October 4 and October 3 respectively. Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 shift to October 3-9 in 2026 and October 2-8 in 2027, accommodating different population cycles in these northern territories.

Timeline: From Permit Application to Season Close

Planning a successful moose hunting expedition in Québec requires attention to a sequence of deadlines and activities. Understanding this timeline helps hunters allocate sufficient preparation time and avoid missing critical windows.

1. Spring lottery applications — Hunters seeking permits for antlerless moose in designated zones submit applications during the spring lottery period, with results distributed before summer
2. Zone permit sales begin — Following lottery notifications, general zone permits become available through the MFFP licensing system and authorized vendors
3. Early zone deadlines arrive — Zones 14, 16, 18, and 28 require permit purchase by September 27, 2025, making these among the first deadlines hunters must meet
4. Mid-season permit windows close — Zones 10, 11 West, 12, 13, 15, 26, and 27 require permits by October 11, 2025
5. Late zone permits due — Hunters targeting zones 1, 2, 3, and 4 must purchase permits by October 17, 2025
6. Bow and crossbow seasons open — Zones 1 and 2 begin bow/crossbow hunting September 27, 2025; other zones follow according to their specific calendars
7. Firearms seasons commence — Zone 1 and 2 firearms seasons open October 18, 2025, with other zones following
8. Muzzleloader opportunities — Zone 1 offers muzzleloader hunting for cows by lottery from October 28-31, 2025
9. Season closures — Firearms seasons in zones 1 and 2 close October 26, 2025; other zones close according to their published dates
10. Harvest reporting deadline — Hunters must report successful harvests within established timeframes, contributing to population data collection

What We Know and What Remains Uncertain

Transparency about information availability helps hunters set realistic expectations and prioritize their research efforts. Several aspects of the 2025 moose hunting season remain clearly established, while others require verification through official sources.

Québec’s Zone-Based Hunting System

Québec adopted its zone-based hunting system to balance recreational opportunities with wildlife conservation across the province’s extensive territory. Each zone reflects ecological boundaries that influence moose populations, including forest composition, water availability, and predator dynamics.

The system allows wildlife managers to implement adaptive strategies. Zones showing strong population growth may receive longer seasons or more liberal bag limits, while areas with declining numbers might see shortened windows or stricter permit requirements. This flexibility proves essential for maintaining healthy moose herds across varying environmental conditions.

Hunters crossing zone boundaries must remember that regulations change accordingly. A permit valid in zone 2 does not authorize hunting in zone 3, even if the hunter stands within walking distance of the boundary. This distinction makes careful zone identification essential before purchasing permits and entering the field.

Official Sources and Regulatory Authority

The Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs holds primary regulatory authority over moose hunting in Québec. The ministry publishes official season dates, permit requirements, and bag limits through its website and authorized licensing vendors.

“The MFFP establishes hunting regulations based on comprehensive wildlife population assessments conducted throughout the year. Hunters should treat official publications as the authoritative source for all regulatory requirements.”

Regional wildlife management offices may issue supplementary rules addressing local conditions. These additions typically appear on ZEC websites, wildlife reserve pages, and through official government communications. Hunters planning expeditions well in advance should establish a routine for checking these sources for any updates to previously published information.

News outlets and outdoor recreation organizations provide valuable coverage of regulatory changes, though hunters should verify details against official publications. The transition toward 2026 lottery requirements for antlerless moose has received significant media attention, reflecting its importance to the hunting community.

Preparing for the 2025 Season

Successful moose hunting requires preparation that extends well beyond purchasing a permit. Hunters should verify their zone’s specific dates, ensure their weapon meets regulatory requirements, and familiarize themselves with zone boundaries and access points before the season opens.

Gear preparation should account for the variable conditions typical of Québec’s autumn. Early bow seasons may encounter warm afternoon temperatures alongside cold mornings, while firearms seasons often coincide with frost and occasionally early snowfall. Layered clothing systems serve hunters well across these conditions.

Those new to the province’s hunting system would benefit from studying the official zone maps and consulting with local hunters or outfitters familiar with specific territories. For additional context on wildlife identification and habitat awareness, the guide to Little Grouse on the Prairie – Identification, Habitat & Conservation offers useful background on species recognition skills applicable across North American game animals.

All hunters should maintain realistic expectations given the information landscape. The 2025 season benefits from established patterns and clear direction on zone 1 and 2 dates, but hunters pursuing other zones should prioritize direct verification through MFFP resources before finalizing their plans.

Frequently Asked Questions