Minimum bow draw weight for hunting in Canada, by province

Every province sets a minimum draw weight for hunting big game with a bow. Here are the rules for the main provinces, taken from the provinces' own regulations, and which Sanlida bows meet them.

Last updated November 13, 2026

Minimum draw weight by province

Province	Deer	Moose, elk, bear	Broadhead
Ontario	18 kg (39.7 lb)	22 kg (48.5 lb)	22 mm (7/8") min., arrows 600 mm+
Quebec	18 kg (40 lb)	18 kg (40 lb)	22 mm (7/8") cutting diameter
Alberta	16 kg (35 lb)	16 kg (35 lb)	7/8" cutting width
Nova Scotia	40 lb	50 lb (moose)	Broadhead, 2+ sharp edges
New Brunswick	20 kg (45 lb)	20 kg (45 lb)	20 mm min.

Checked against each province's published rules in November 2026. Regulations change every year, so confirm with your province before the season: these figures are a summary, not legal advice.

How draw weight is measured

The minimum applies at a set draw length, and that matters most for recurve and traditional bows. Ontario measures at 700 mm (27.6") or less, Quebec within 71 cm (28"), Alberta at 71 cm (28"), and Nova Scotia within your own draw length.

A recurve's rated weight is usually given at 28". If your draw is shorter, you're pulling less than the number on the limb, roughly 2 lb less per inch. An archer with a 26" draw needs limbs rated a few pounds above the legal minimum.

A compound bow holds its peak weight across its draw-length range, so the setting on the limbs is what counts. Have a pro shop check it on a scale if you're close to the limit.

Which Sanlida bows are legal for big game

The Dragon X7, Dragon X8 and Dragon X9 adjust up to 70 lb, above every provincial minimum, including Nova Scotia's 50 lb for moose.
The Dragon 10 comes in 50-60 or 60-70 lb, so either limb set is legal everywhere in this table.
The Dragon X6 youth bow tops out at 30 lb: below every big-game minimum, so it's for target practice only.
Recurves: choose hunting limbs rated well above your province's minimum, allowing for your draw length. See the recurve guide.

Crossbows

Crossbows have separate, much higher minimums: Ontario 45 kg (99.2 lb) for deer and 54 kg (119 lb) for moose, elk and bear; Quebec 54 kg (120 lb) with a safety catch; Alberta 45.4 kg (100 lb); Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 68 kg (150 lb).

Official sources

Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary: general regulations
Québec: armes de chasse, munitions et équipements
Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations
Nova Scotia Firearm and Bow Regulations
New Brunswick: firearms and bows
Other provinces and territories: check your provincial hunting regulations summary before the season.