Hunting in Nova Scotia???
- Thread starter Vlass
- Start date
deadeyes40
CGN Regular
- Location
- nova scotia
sucks.deer population is at its lowest i have seen it in 25 years of hunting them.bear numbers seem to be stable and maybe climbing a little in some areas.rabbits are almost non-existant.our grouse #s seem to be stable and pheasant numbers seem to be up over other years ,they seem to be everywhere(now that the season is closed).coyote number are down in our area which is a good thing for our deer.moose are by draw only(have a better chance of being hit by lightening than getting drawn for moose).
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Better check with an honest & dependable real estate agent. IIRC, it's best to try to avoid a house purchase within the expansive HRM. Otherwise a very nice "welcome tax" will be waiting for you based on a percentage of your home purchase. The only thing missing with that is a ski mask and gun in your face. Very few municipalites still wield this offical robbery type tax. Maybe parts of Quebec and the parts of the territories still "rob" new and unwitting home owners right when you least need this in life.
Real sad when we see it spelled out like this but 100% true unfortunately. Duck and goose hunting has been getting a bit better but still sucks compared to ontario.
Cranky Pants
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
This is the way it is here. Do you have to live in the city or would the suburbs do? If the burbs are fine, check out East Hants. Lower taxes and hunting opportunities very close.
I'll be working at the airport. But the girlfriend needs to be near a hospital (nurse). She does have a great uncle that lives around Kentville with a large amount of bush, so I will probably start there.
Want to keep my drive under an hour and hers under 20min.
I will not live in a city.
Want to keep my drive under an hour and hers under 20min.
I will not live in a city.
- Location
- nova scotia
I have been seeing a lot of deer around home all winter ,and to me the grouse seem to be on the increase at least out here anyways.There are also a fair amount of rabbits considering the coyote population .Cheers
I'll be at YHZ.
But this is making me think of finding another job. Hunting/fishing/ATVing is a big part of me and the g/f's life. I was thinking it would be great with all the little lakes everywhere to have a 14ft alum boat and fish all over. Like we do in northern Ontario and have nice pickerel dinners. But I was told the fishing isn't good and we shouldn't eat them. Is that true too???
But this is making me think of finding another job. Hunting/fishing/ATVing is a big part of me and the g/f's life. I was thinking it would be great with all the little lakes everywhere to have a 14ft alum boat and fish all over. Like we do in northern Ontario and have nice pickerel dinners. But I was told the fishing isn't good and we shouldn't eat them. Is that true too???
NShunter1254
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia Canada
Forget all that was posted before in this thread.Although i have never hunted in Ontario,I do know my part of Nova scotia and in the Cumberland ,Colchester areas the hunting is great.Bear ,deer, although you do have to actually hunt them they are there in decent numbers.Geese are everywhere same with ducks.I didn't harvest a deer for the last two years with a gun but i harvested plenty with the camera while waiting for the one i wanted.We also have some of the best fishing for Atlantic salmon in the world.,Also trout ,sea bass, tuna, shark, flounder.Look back at the previous posts and you will see the biggest problem with Nova scotia it's the people with negative attitudes. I have some videos that might give you an idea of our resources.
http://www.youtube.com/user/firefighter1254?feature=watch
I don't really know what your expectations are, but personally, I have an absolutely great time hunting and fishing here. It would be disingenous to try to claim that NS is some kind of a fishing/hunting "Mecca", but if you're creative, open minded and adventurous, I think you can have a lot of fun. I have killed 1-2 deer (no trophies) every year for the past 5 years (since I started trying), mostly with the bow. I apply for a moose tag every year for Cape Breton, but that is the definition of a long shot - many people go a lifetime and don't get drawn, so I would not consider that to be a selling feature! I hunt pheasants as much as I can and I absolutely LIVE for it (see my thread in this section from a few weeks ago "And lo, it is ended" to get an idea of what it's all about). I killed 17 pheasants this year on 16 excursions (and my buddy killed another 8 over my dog as well), so that gives you some kind of an idea. To be fair though, this was my best pheasant season ever, and I have good spots and an experienced dog (so just don't think that you'll show up and walk out in the woods and kill 17 pheasants! lol!). I don't hunt ducks much until pheasant season is closed, but I have a blast doing that as well. I hunted a half-dozen times this year and shot two limits of mallards, as well as another 7 black ducks and a teal. I don't dabble (lol) in sea-ducking, but some guys do well at it. I don't know much about it, but it's not for the faint of heart (cold, rough water, rugged shorelines etc...). There are definitely some adventures to be had there. Grouse (ruffies) are on an upswing this year - some guys did really well. Rabbits (snowshoe hare) are coming back too. Woodcock were around and lots of snipe this year. I don't know much about trapping, but some folks do it and seem to have some fun and make a few bucks.
From what you describe though, I'd worry most about you for the fishing. I grew up moving around a bit, but cut my eye-teeth fishing in eastern Ontario/Western Quebec, and I must say that I really miss the diversity of species. The only native freshwater fish in NS is brooktrout. We have introduced/invasive smallmouth and chain pickerel (NOT walleye - the small snottier version of pike!). Trout fishing is fun during the spring hatches, but trout are generally quite small - measured in inches rather than pounds. YOu can definitely eat them (don't know where you heard otherwise), but you won't get fat on most trout that you catch. For me, a 12" trout makes me smile and a 14" one makes me take a picture to brag. An 18" trout might get you in the newspaper! lol! Striped bass fishing is excellent, and with those you are DEFINITELY measuring them in pounds! They come up some tidal rivers to spawn and there is open fishing seasons, wiht some restrictions, during that time. Fishing them (mostly with bait) in the Minas Basin/Bay of Fundy is where most people get the big boys/girls. A keeper is 28" or better (might be 27", but don't quote me). I caught three of those last year (30" more or less) on spinning gear and many smaller on flies and hardware. Lots of fun. Some rivers have some sea-trout, which can be bigger than the brookies taht I described above, and definitely wonderful eating. Bass (smallie) fishing is something that I can't really say too much about, but some folks enjoy it. I think if you're used to big smallies in ONtario though you are unlikely to be blown away with the fishing here. I am happy to stand corrected on that though, but having experienced both, I think they're pretty small here in comparision. In the ocean there is the mackerel run in late summer/fall, which is fun. If you can get access to a decent boat (like a 16-18 foot wiht a 15-25 hp at minimum) you can get out easily and enjoy some near-shore fishing for flatfish, mackerel, pollock, cod etc... ONce in a while in a warm summer bluefish will appear in our southernmost waters. Oh, the shad run happens in the spring and there is some fun to be had there as well, although I have never eaten anything with more bones than those - catch-and-release, in my opinion. Anyhow, I hope this helps. Any questions I will do my best to answer. I have seen folks come here from places where hunting/fishing is better and all they do is whine about how much it sucks here. Obviously, that approach guarantees that you will be miserable. If you come with an open mind and a realistic view and put some time in scouting and paying some dues, I think you'll have fun. BTW, Kentville is the centre of pheasant heaven. Just sayin'...
Cheers,
-Dave
From what you describe though, I'd worry most about you for the fishing. I grew up moving around a bit, but cut my eye-teeth fishing in eastern Ontario/Western Quebec, and I must say that I really miss the diversity of species. The only native freshwater fish in NS is brooktrout. We have introduced/invasive smallmouth and chain pickerel (NOT walleye - the small snottier version of pike!). Trout fishing is fun during the spring hatches, but trout are generally quite small - measured in inches rather than pounds. YOu can definitely eat them (don't know where you heard otherwise), but you won't get fat on most trout that you catch. For me, a 12" trout makes me smile and a 14" one makes me take a picture to brag. An 18" trout might get you in the newspaper! lol! Striped bass fishing is excellent, and with those you are DEFINITELY measuring them in pounds! They come up some tidal rivers to spawn and there is open fishing seasons, wiht some restrictions, during that time. Fishing them (mostly with bait) in the Minas Basin/Bay of Fundy is where most people get the big boys/girls. A keeper is 28" or better (might be 27", but don't quote me). I caught three of those last year (30" more or less) on spinning gear and many smaller on flies and hardware. Lots of fun. Some rivers have some sea-trout, which can be bigger than the brookies taht I described above, and definitely wonderful eating. Bass (smallie) fishing is something that I can't really say too much about, but some folks enjoy it. I think if you're used to big smallies in ONtario though you are unlikely to be blown away with the fishing here. I am happy to stand corrected on that though, but having experienced both, I think they're pretty small here in comparision. In the ocean there is the mackerel run in late summer/fall, which is fun. If you can get access to a decent boat (like a 16-18 foot wiht a 15-25 hp at minimum) you can get out easily and enjoy some near-shore fishing for flatfish, mackerel, pollock, cod etc... ONce in a while in a warm summer bluefish will appear in our southernmost waters. Oh, the shad run happens in the spring and there is some fun to be had there as well, although I have never eaten anything with more bones than those - catch-and-release, in my opinion. Anyhow, I hope this helps. Any questions I will do my best to answer. I have seen folks come here from places where hunting/fishing is better and all they do is whine about how much it sucks here. Obviously, that approach guarantees that you will be miserable. If you come with an open mind and a realistic view and put some time in scouting and paying some dues, I think you'll have fun. BTW, Kentville is the centre of pheasant heaven. Just sayin'...
Cheers,
-Dave
Has nothing to do with negative attitudes it is real life. The man asked for a comparision and he was provided with honest feedback from deadeyes40 and I agree with him 100%. I have hunted and fished in Ontario many times over the years mainly the french river area. In fact two of the three moose I have taken in my life time were in Ontario where I have not even got a tag in NS in almost 30 years of trying with 6 of us putting in every year. Deer how can I compare Manitoulin Island to any part of NS it blew me away my 1st trip there or Lake Nipissing fishing not to mention the unreal ice fishing there also. The huts were better than my baby barns and like 1000 of them it seemed.
Unfortunately NS just doesn't have the opportunites or game they have in Ontario it is that simple nor do we have a government or DNR interested in improving or growing our resources. Not saying he cannot hunt or still have fun but he will see a big difference and quickly probally when he tries to go turkey hunting this spring. In am not a big fisherman but yes it can be good here but totally different. Not bad but different. The fish I miss the most and I have yet to find anything in NS taste as good including salmon. I tip my hat to those that fill their tags on a regular basis in NS since I know just how hard they have to work to make it happen.take care
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Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Nova Scotian hunting would be considerably better if the province had expressed some desire and interest in the introduction of wild turkey for eventual hunting purposes. About a decade back this was purposed but soundly rejected by the province.
What is more disturbing is the recent and popular bashing of lead shot for use on upland game.
Dedicated shotgun shooters could change over (at personal expense) but banning lead would just kill off muzzleloading hunting and furthermore turn your BP rifles to range use only. (if allowed at all!) This province has mixed messages in the current hunting reg's, allowing buckshot, but running anti-lead shot propaganda in the same booklet.
What is more disturbing is the recent and popular bashing of lead shot for use on upland game.
Dedicated shotgun shooters could change over (at personal expense) but banning lead would just kill off muzzleloading hunting and furthermore turn your BP rifles to range use only. (if allowed at all!) This province has mixed messages in the current hunting reg's, allowing buckshot, but running anti-lead shot propaganda in the same booklet.
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Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Your fellow clay target and pistol shooters are under a current smear campaign to ban lead shot outright.
I'm not saying that I won't back up my fellow hunters and shooters. I'm saying that the hunting in my area isn't that bad.
Our department of lands and forest are changing the rules faster than you can remember the old ones. Once you remember the rules they change it back to the old rules.
At one time during hunting season you were allowed to have your rifle unloaded of course in the front seat of your truck. It didn't have to be in a case. But it had to be in a case after dark. Then they changed it so it always had to be in a case at all times. After 16 or so years had passed by they decided to change it back. During those years you weren't even allowed to lean your rifle up against your vehicle . If I remember right it stated that your firearm had to be encased if it was in or on your vehicle .
So my answer the OP is this. Yes there is good hunting in this province. But you'll have to deal with the changing rules that we have almost every year in our hunting regulalations book.
Our department of lands and forest are changing the rules faster than you can remember the old ones. Once you remember the rules they change it back to the old rules.
At one time during hunting season you were allowed to have your rifle unloaded of course in the front seat of your truck. It didn't have to be in a case. But it had to be in a case after dark. Then they changed it so it always had to be in a case at all times. After 16 or so years had passed by they decided to change it back. During those years you weren't even allowed to lean your rifle up against your vehicle . If I remember right it stated that your firearm had to be encased if it was in or on your vehicle .
So my answer the OP is this. Yes there is good hunting in this province. But you'll have to deal with the changing rules that we have almost every year in our hunting regulalations book.
Well, I grew up in NS. Started hunting when I was 13. I could guarantee several rabbits a day just walking the woods. I slowly watched that decline until, without a dog, you Couldn't get a rabbit at all. Deer?? I lived in the Annapolis Valley. Did I fill my tags each year? Nope. My father did, but only because of a bait site and set up over it.
Whether or not people believe hunting is all right there, I will tell you that one of the reasons I will never go back to NS is the lack of hunting and fishing. I now hunt, without a draw, 3 whitetail deer, elk, bear,,and mule deer. Those are general tags. I can get a moose draw every 2 years. I hunt to feed my family. The only years that happened in NS was when me and my 2 ibrothers hunted before we left home. With My dad, that gave us a 4 deer a year, but we didn't get all 4 every year. With the difference btwn the two provinces, I'll stay right here.
now for fishing...
i fished my whole life in NS. When I was 39, I spent 7 months in ON. After I caught my first Steelhead, I knew there was no chance I would fresh water fish in NS again. Crap, most of what I was used to catching and eating in NS, I was using for bait in ON, and now in AB. Why would I spend my time fishing for a monster 13" rainbow trout, when I can catch 25lb lakers here?
OP, worry about canoeing and hiking. I still cherish the memories of canoeing hundreds of waterways and lakes. Hiking and bush-whacking a like number of trails. Camping out opportunities abound, but hunting and fishing will most likely be disappointing to you. Sorry.
Whether or not people believe hunting is all right there, I will tell you that one of the reasons I will never go back to NS is the lack of hunting and fishing. I now hunt, without a draw, 3 whitetail deer, elk, bear,,and mule deer. Those are general tags. I can get a moose draw every 2 years. I hunt to feed my family. The only years that happened in NS was when me and my 2 ibrothers hunted before we left home. With My dad, that gave us a 4 deer a year, but we didn't get all 4 every year. With the difference btwn the two provinces, I'll stay right here.
now for fishing...
i fished my whole life in NS. When I was 39, I spent 7 months in ON. After I caught my first Steelhead, I knew there was no chance I would fresh water fish in NS again. Crap, most of what I was used to catching and eating in NS, I was using for bait in ON, and now in AB. Why would I spend my time fishing for a monster 13" rainbow trout, when I can catch 25lb lakers here?
OP, worry about canoeing and hiking. I still cherish the memories of canoeing hundreds of waterways and lakes. Hiking and bush-whacking a like number of trails. Camping out opportunities abound, but hunting and fishing will most likely be disappointing to you. Sorry.
