Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland. Newfoundland is honestly one of North America’s best-kept secrets for moose hunting. The island’s wild, sprawling forests are home to some of the largest Eastern Canadian moose populations you’ll find anywhere.
Newfoundland outfitters consistently report success rates exceeding 95% for moose hunting trips, with Mountain Top Outfitters achieving a 98.5% success rate over their 50+ years of operation.
The island’s remote terrain and sheer number of moose make it a top pick for both first-timers and seasoned hunters hoping to bring home a trophy bull.
I’ve dug into the best outfitters across Newfoundland, from fly-in lodges in untouched backcountry to easy-to-reach camps in prime hunting zones.
Some offer a classic, old-school hunting vibe, while others are all about remote adventure with guides who really know their stuff. Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Key Takeaways
- Newfoundland boasts exceptional moose hunting success rates—some outfitters top 98%
- Options range from remote fly-in camps to more accessible guided hunts
- Local guides and solid accommodations make it a good fit for all experience levels
Why Choose Newfoundland for Moose Hunting
Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland stands out for moose hunters. You get unmatched population density, and the success rates are just wild.
The island’s remote fly-in camps make for a different kind of adventure, and trophy opportunities are surprisingly consistent.
Moose Density and Population Advantage – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
There are about 120,000 moose across the island—that’s roughly 2 per square mile.
It’s actually the highest density in North America, which is kind of mind-blowing if you think about it.
The island’s isolation has really let the moose population thrive. With limited hunting pressure and the right habitat, I see way more moose here than in most other places.
Key Population Facts:
- 120,000 moose on the island
- 2 per square mile
- Highest concentration in North America
- Low hunting pressure helps keep numbers up
The sheer abundance means you’re likely to see moose several times during your trip. Unlike the mainland, where you might go days without a sighting, Newfoundland almost spoils you.
Unique Hunting Experience in Newfoundland
There’s something about Newfoundland moose hunts you just can’t get anywhere else. The real action happens in roadless, remote areas, usually accessed by flying deep into the wild during the September to mid-October rut.
Lake-based camps are common. I’ve used small boats to get to those hard-to-reach shoreline spots, and honestly, it’s a totally different way to hunt.
Hunting Methods Include:
- Calling during the rut
- Spot-and-stalk from boats
- Remote fly-in camps
- Lake-based operations
The untouched interior wilderness is a big part of the draw. You’re out there—no roads, no development, just pure backcountry.
Success Rates and Quality of Hunts – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Success rates here are honestly next-level. The overall rate for non-residents beats anywhere else in North America, at least from what I’ve seen.
Some outfitters are almost shockingly consistent. Mountain Top Outfitters holds a 98.5% success rate, which is wild but believable once you hunt with their guides.
Success Factors: Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
- High moose density means more encounters
- Local guides who know the area
- Prime rut timing
- Multiple hunting styles
Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland, trophy potential is another reason people keep coming back. Eastern Canadian moose sometimes break 40-inch antler spreads, thanks to the island’s genetics and rich environment.
The combination of genetics and great habitat means big antlers and hefty body size aren’t all that rare here.
Newfoundland Moose Hunting Trip Options
I’ve found a bunch of different hunting experiences across the province. Most outfitters offer guided trips with full accommodations, while some fly-in operations target remote wilderness for trophy bulls.
Guided Moose Hunts – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Honestly, I’d recommend guided moose hunts in Newfoundland if you want pro support and local know-how. Trips are usually five to seven days, and the guides really know their stuff.
Most packages cover meals, lodging, and transportation. For example, Migule Mountain Outfitters runs moose hunts for $6,250, with everything included—no surprise trophy fees.
What’s Included:
- Professional guides
- Meals and a place to stay
- ATV rides to hunting spots
- Licenses and taxes
Guides use calling during the September rut, but they’ll switch to spot-and-stalk if the weather or moose mood calls for it.
I’ve noticed Gander River Outfitters has top-notch guides and solid food and lodging. Makes a big difference when you’re out there for days.
Fly-In Moose Hunting Adventures
Fly-in adventures are kind of the gold standard if you want untouched wilderness. These trips use floatplanes to get you way out to remote lakes where the moose gather during the rut.
Steve’s Outdoor Adventures says the best hunts start in areas you can only reach by plane. You’ll stay at lakeside camps and use small boats to get to the action.
Typical Schedule:
- Floatplane to a remote lodge
- Six full hunting days
- Boat rides to hunting areas
- Return flight included
I found that Taiga International does six-day guided fly-ins just for Eastern moose. These trips really focus on trophy potential.
The remote locations are just better for mature bulls. Guides know how to call them in during the rut, and it’s all fair chase—no shortcuts.
Trophy Moose Hunting Packages
Trophy packages target areas known for big antlers. They’re pricier, but you’re paying for access to the best spots. Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Efford’s Hunting Adventures offers remote fly-in lodges for a week, with six days of hunting. They also handle trophy prep and meat processing, which is honestly a relief.
Trophy Package Features:
- Access to remote territory
- Longer hunting periods
- Pro-level trophy care
- Meat prep included
Just to keep it real, Newfoundland moose aren’t always the biggest on the continent. Still, Worldwide Trophy Adventures teams up with top outfitters for the best trophy chances here.
The high moose density means you’ll see more animals, period. Sou’wester Outfitting, for example, runs world-class hunts from fully equipped facilities deep in the interior.
Planning and Booking Moose Hunting Trips
Getting a Newfoundland moose hunt right means picking experienced outfitters, booking at the right times, and locking down your permits early. The best hunting runs September through October, and honestly, you’ll want to book at least a year ahead—sometimes more. Here some Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Choosing a Reputable Outfitter – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
I always dig deep into outfitter reviews before I book anything in Newfoundland. Not all operators are equal, and success rates can swing a lot.
Caribou Valley Outfitters reports super high success rates for their guided hunts, and their territory is honestly hard to beat.
What I look for:
- Success rates and real client feedback
- Years in business
- How much land they cover
- Lodge comfort and food
- Guide-to-hunter ratio
Hideaway Lodge is in the heart of the island’s highest moose density. That alone gives you a leg up on finding a trophy bull.
I check if they’re part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association—membership usually means they follow the rules and run a solid operation. Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Lots of operators do all-inclusive packages with meals, lodging, guides, and gear. I always compare what’s actually included before I commit, just to avoid surprises.
When to Book and Prime Hunting Seasons – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
I usually book my Newfoundland moose hunts 12 to 18 months in advance. The best outfitters lock in their spots fast, especially for the prime weeks.
Peak hunting months:
- September: Early rut activity starts up
- October: Peak rut—arguably the best time for success
Newfoundland outfitters hit 80-90% success rates in September and October. Bulls just seem to answer calls better during the rut.
Some lodges only take a few hunters each year to keep their hunting grounds exclusive. Some places cap it at four hunters annually just to keep the quality up.
I tend to skip late season. Moose are less active and, honestly, the November weather can get pretty rough. Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Booking timeline:
- 18 months out: You’ll have your pick of dates and outfitters
- 12 months out: Still lots of options
- 6 months out: Only a handful of prime slots left
Hunting Permits and Licensing – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Getting all the right licenses and permits for Newfoundland moose hunting is a bit of a process. You’ve got to keep track of a couple deadlines and paperwork steps.
Required documentation:
- Hunter education certificate
- Non-resident hunting license
- Moose tag or permit
- Firearms permits (if you’re bringing a gun)
Most Newfoundland hunting licenses go through a lottery or draw. I always get my application in early—deadlines are usually in March for fall hunts.
Non-residents, like me, face extra hoops. In most areas, you’ve got to hire a licensed guide or you’re not legal.
License fees depend on:
- Resident or non-resident status
- Weapon choice (bow, rifle, muzzleloader)
- Which zone you’re hunting
- Length and timing of the season
I double-check the rules on the wildlife department’s website every year. Regulations change and you don’t want to get tripped up—losing a license over a technicality is no fun. Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
My outfitter usually helps with the applications and paperwork. That’s a real lifesaver, especially if you’re new to Newfoundland hunting.
What to Expect on Your Moose Hunting Trip
Your Newfoundland moose hunt comes with wilderness accommodations and a professional guide by your side. Most outfitters have a set daily rhythm—early mornings, long days, and a clear hunting schedule.
Accommodations and Camp Amenities – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
When I book with a reputable Newfoundland outfitter, I’m expecting heated cabins or lodges. Even out in the sticks, there’s usually a warm bed, hot meals, and enough comfort to recharge.
Most camps include:
- Heated sleeping quarters—a must in the fall
- Three meals a day cooked up by camp staff
- Hot showers and real bathrooms (not just a hole in the woods)
- Common space for swapping stories between hunts
Cell service? Forget it. No internet either. Most camps run on generators, so expect scheduled electricity hours. Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
I go in ready for rustic, but it’s comfortable enough. The hunting’s the focus, not fancy extras. Caribou Valley Outfitters runs camps way back in the wilderness—basic but clean, with some of the best hunting grounds around.
Daily Schedule and Guide Support – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
My day usually kicks off before sunrise, around 5:30 a.m. The guide makes breakfast and goes over the day’s plan—weather, moose movement, the works.
Typical Daily Schedule:
- 5:30 AM – Wake up, eat, and get ready
- 6:30 AM – Head out to the hunting area
- 12:00 PM – Lunch break, usually right in the field
- 1:00 PM – Back to hunting
- 6:00 PM – Return for dinner and a little downtime
Guides know the terrain and how moose behave. They’ll handle calling, tracking, and help with field dressing if you get lucky. A good guide is worth their weight—they’ll do everything they can to help you fill your tag. Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
You’re looking at 10 to 12 hours hunting each day. Plans shift with the weather or if moose show up somewhere unexpected.
Hunting Regulations and Conservation Efforts – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Newfoundland’s moose hunting is tightly regulated. The province keeps a close eye on conservation while still giving hunters plenty of opportunity. They manage a moose herd of about 140,000 using quotas and specific hunting zones.
Moose Management and Population Control – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
From what I’ve seen, Newfoundland runs one of the most detailed moose management systems in North America. The 2024-25 regulations split the island into 47 management areas, each with its own quota and season dates.
This year, the overall quota is 27,590 licenses—that’s 18,850 either-sex and 8,740 male-only tags.
Most zones open September 14 and run until December 31. Some, like Gros Morne National Park, stagger their opening dates into winter.
Main Management Features:
- Maps showing population density by area
- Annual quota tweaks based on harvest data
- Zone-specific rules for balance
- Success rates tracked—some zones are as low as 27%, others up to 85%
Areas with more moose get more tags. Harbour Deep, for example, has 1,150 licenses, while Sally’s Cove only gets 10.
Ethical Hunting Practices – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Newfoundland pushes responsible hunting pretty hard. You need the right licenses and, honestly, the education program makes sense. Nobody’s skipping steps on a Newfoundland moose hunt.
Bow season starts August 31 in areas that open September 14. That stretches the season for archery folks without over-pressuring the population.
Harvest reporting is mandatory. The province uses those numbers to track moose trends and adjust quotas for the next year.
Ethical Requirements:
- Valid license and tag for your zone
- Follow weapon and safety rules
- Report your harvest within 48 hours
- Respect private land and Indigenous rights
If you’re new, I’d stick with a licensed outfitter. They know the rules inside-out and will keep you on the right side of the law.
Additional Hunting Opportunities in Newfoundland – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
There’s more than just moose in Newfoundland. Black bear and woodland caribou hunts are both solid options, and the wild country here makes them a real adventure.
Black Bear Hunts – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Mountain Top Outfitters has been guiding black bear hunts since the ’60s. I think bear hunting here adds a different kind of challenge—tracking big bruins through thick forest isn’t easy.
Bear season runs in spring and fall. Spring’s good since bears are hungry after hibernation and moving around more.
Newfoundland Adventures also offers black bear hunts, sometimes as part of a combo trip. You can chase moose, caribou, and bear on the same adventure if you want.
Key Black Bear Hunt Features:
- Both spring and fall seasons
- Spot-and-stalk hunting
- Combo hunts available
- Local guides who know the area
With all the berries and cover, bear habitat here is excellent. If you’re interested, book early—top spots don’t last long.
Woodland Caribou Hunts – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Woodland caribou hunts are rare—Newfoundland’s one of the only places you can do it. These hunts usually fill up years ahead, so don’t wait.
Woodland caribou are different from the barren ground type you’ll see out west. They stick to the forests, and their migration is less predictable.
Woodland Caribou Hunt Details:
- Very limited hunting zones
- Book well in advance
- Fall season only
- Strictly fair chase
Combo caribou and moose hunts are a popular pick. September and October are the sweet spot for both species.
Be ready for tough hikes and some serious backcountry. Good fitness really helps your chances here.
Frequently Asked Questions – Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
If you’re planning a moose hunt in Newfoundland, you’ll need to wrap your head around the regulations, licensing, and a bit of prep. Seasons run September through December, with over 35 management areas and a pretty detailed quota system.
What are the legal hunting seasons for moose in Newfoundland?
The main moose season in Newfoundland is September 13 to December 31 in most zones. Some areas—like GMNP—open later: September 20, October 18, or November 15, depending on the spot. Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland
Terra Nova National Park has its own schedule, running October 14, 2025 to January 31, 2026. Zone 4 in Gros Morne is closed to hunting.
Always check the management area you’re targeting—each has its own dates and rules. There are 35 distinct moose management areas, all with their own quotas.
What type of license is required for non-resident hunters interested in moose hunting in Newfoundland?
Moose Hunting Trips Newfoundland, Non-residents need a special moose hunting license. Newfoundland sets aside non-resident quotas by area, and they can range from zero to 357 licenses in a place like Harbour Deep.
St. Anthony offers 37 non-resident licenses, while Anguille Mountains has 195. Apply as early as you can—non-resident tags are limited and go fast.
Some areas only have a handful of non-resident licenses compared to what residents get, so don’t wait around.
Are there any specific regulations or restrictions regarding moose hunting in Newfoundland’s wildlife management areas?
All 35 moose management areas have their own rules—some allow either-sex hunting, others are male-only. Harbour Deep, for example, issues 743 either-sex tags for residents but only allows non-residents to hunt either-sex.
Places like Cow Head-St. Paul’s and Sally’s Cove only offer either-sex licenses, no male-only options. National park zones have even tighter restrictions and unique seasons.
Quotas change every year, depending on moose counts. Some areas gained 100 tags this season, others lost as many.
What is the bag limit for moose hunting in Newfoundland?
The bag limit for moose hunting in Newfoundland is one moose per licensed hunter, per season. This goes for both resident and non-resident hunters, no matter which management area you’re in.
Hunters get either an either-sex license or a male-only license, depending on the management area’s rules and quota for the year. The license you draw will decide if you can harvest any moose or just males.
Once you’ve harvested your moose, that’s it—your season’s over, even if it’s only opening week and you were hoping for more time in the woods. No one is allowed to take more than one moose per year.
Can you recommend reputable outfitters that specialize in guided moose hunting trips in Newfoundland?
Sure, there are a handful of outfitters I’d suggest looking into. The Hideaway Lodge offers moose and bear hunting packages, plus they have a comfortable lodge and will help with booking if you need it.
Adventure Quest Outfitters specializes in high-density moose areas and often boasts above-average success rates, especially for non-resident hunters. Deep Valley Outfitters provides guided moose hunting adventures, which is great if you’re not familiar with Newfoundland’s wild terrain.
Off the Grid Adventures focuses on Eastern Canadian Moose hunting—they like to call their region the moose capital of the world. Notch Mountain Outfitters operates in areas with high moose density, so your odds are pretty decent there too.
What type of equipment and clothing should one bring for a moose hunting trip in Newfoundland’s terrain and climate?
Newfoundland’s hunting season stretches from September through December. The weather swings from mild fall to full-on winter, so you’ll want to dress in layers—no surprises there.
Waterproof outer layers are a must since the island gets a lot of rain and wet snow. Honestly, if you forget rain gear, you’ll probably regret it before noon.
Proper preparation includes attention to fitness, gear selection, and shooting practice according to experienced hunting guides.
Insulated boots are non-negotiable for slogging through bogs and marshy spots. Newfoundland’s ground is wetter than you’d think, even when it looks dry from a distance.
Pack warm base layers. Toss in some insulated mid-layers and a windproof shell—trust me, you’ll use them all.
Don’t forget extra socks and gloves. Dry hands and feet make all the difference when you’re out there for hours.
Quality optics help spot moose across Newfoundland’s varied terrain of dense forests, sprawling bogs, and mountains. A reliable rifle suitable for large game hunting completes the essential equipment list.
