Proposed Regulations Amending the Wildlife Area Regulations – Repeal of the Hunt Program and Entrance Fees in the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking comments on the proposed amendments to the Wildlife Area Regulations (the Regulations) for the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA) to:
- eliminate the migratory game bird hunt program
- eliminate the entrance and naturalist service fees
Current status: Open
Consultation takes place from September 27 – October 27, 2025.
Share your thoughts: Proposed Regulations Amending the Wildlife Area Regulations – Repeal of the Hunt Program and Entrance Fees in the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Background and objectives
The Cap Tourmente NWA, located in Québec, was established in large part to protect a large American Bulrush marsh that was an important migratory stopover for the Greater Snow Goose (GSG). To protect the marsh from intensive grazing by the GSG, a controlled migratory game bird hunt program is provided for in the Regulations. Regular biological monitoring indicates that grazing pressure has decreased and the health of the marsh is stable. As a result, continuing the NWA hunt program as a conservation measure is no longer justified.
The Regulations set out fees to be paid by visitors to enter the Cap Tourmente NWA, and to obtain naturalist services, if desired. However, these fees are inconsistent with the free access provided to all other NWAs in Canada and with the government’s commitments to encourage Canadians to connect with and appreciate nature.
The objectives of the proposed amendments would be to continue to manage the Cap Tourmente NWA based on the best scientific information available and to increase opportunities for Canadians to connect with nature and to encourage them to explore the protected areas network in Canada.
Consultation
Your input is invited on the regulatory proposal to eliminate the hunt program and the entrance and naturalist service fees in the Cap Tourmente NWA under the Wildlife Area Regulations of the Canada Wildlife Act.
The input gathered through this process will be carefully considered. The final regulatory amendments are anticipated to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in winter 2026.
How to participate
Share your comments on the Canada Gazette website. To learn how we will protect your privacy during this consultation, please carefully review our privacy statement.
Who is the focus of this consultation
All Canadians are invited to participate in this consultation. More specifically, we would like to hear from:
- Cap Tourmente NWA users
- Residents of the Capitale-Nationale (Québec City) and Charlevoix regions
- Regional tourism, outdoor recreation, and hunting industries
- Local associations and organizations
- Municipalities in the Capitale-Nationale (Québec City) and Charlevoix regions, and regional county municipalities (RCMs) in the agglomeration of Québec
- Indigenous peoples and communities
- Canadians interested in nature and wildlife conservation
Related information
Contact us
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Canadian Wildlife Service
Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs Division
351 boul. St-Joseph, 13th floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3