Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015 1
Printed on recycled paper
Ta
b
le
o
f C
o
n
te
n
ts • H
o
w
to
U
se
th
is S
u
m
m
a
ry
Table of Contents
Important Messages for Hunters ......................................................4-6
Maps
Map 1 – Southwestern (includes WMUs 79 to 95) ................ 8-9
Map 2 – Southeastern (includes WMUs 46 to 78) ............. 10-11
Map 3 – Northern (includes WMUs 1 to 45) ......................12-13
2014 Hunting Licence Information .............................................14-21
The Ontario Hunter Education Program .........................................22
General Regulations ..................................................................... 23-30
Firearms, Methods of Hunting, Crown Lands, Hunting
in Provincial Parks, Conservation Officers, Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997
Wild Turkey Regulations...............................................................31-33
Moose Regulations ....................................................................... 34-52
Elk Regulations ............................................................................. 53-59
Deer Regulations .......................................................................... 60-74
Black Bear Regulations ................................................................ 75-78
Small Game Regulations ...................................................................79
Game Birds ............................................................................ 79-80
Falconry and Small Mammals...................................................81
Furbearing Mammals .................................................................82
Wolf and Coyote ...................................................................83-84
Game Amphibians and Reptiles ................................................84
Field Dressing, Transporting and Preparing Wild Game ................85
Definitions ....................................................................................86-87
MNR and ServiceOntario centres .....................................................88
All proceeds from the sale of advertisements appearing in this publication will be applied
in support of fish and wildlife management programs in Ontario. The Province of Ontario
and the Ministry of Natural Resources neither endorse products or services offered in the
advertisements nor accept any liability arising from the use of such products or services.
Photo Credits:
© Mark Raycroft Photography: cover and page 2
© Mark Raycroft Photography: pages 1, 31, 34,
38, 47, 53, 60, 75, 83
Rick Rosatte: pages 59, 62 (elk)
J.D. Taylor: pages 62 (moose), 84
Norma Tegien: page 62 (white-tailed deer)
Tim Timmerman: page 62 (woodland caribou)
5612
150 k.P.R., 18 04 14
ISSN 0822-1936 (Print)
ISSN 1925-3516 (PDF)
Cette publication est également disponible en français. Pour en obtenir un exemplaire, veuillez
composer le 1 800 667-1940 ou aller à ontario.ca/chasse. On peut aussi en obtenir un exemplaire
au bureau ServiceOntario le plus proche.
This publication is available at ontario.ca/hunting
How to Use
this Summary
This is a summary of information
dealing with hunting licences and
hunting laws. This summary is neither
a legal document nor a complete
collection of the current regulations.
It is meant to be a convenient reference
only. For complete details, see:
a) the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Act, 1997, and the regulations made
under this Act;
b) the Migratory Birds Convention Act,
1994 (Canada) and the Migratory
Birds Regulations;
c) the Endangered Species Act, 2007, and
the regulations made under this Act;
d) the Species at Risk Act (Canada),
with regard to federally listed
species that are threatened,
endangered or extirpated and their
critical habitat; and
e) the Trespass to Property Act.
Each game wildlife species or group
of game species has a section in this
summary. Each section deals with basic
regulations on hunting the species,
including open season tables (showing
when and where you can hunt that
species). The maps that show Wildlife
Management Unit (WMU) boundaries
appear on pages 8 to 13 of this
summary.
See the Definitions on pages 86 to 87
for an explanation of terms found
throughout this summary. You
can obtain specific details of the
regulations, including more accurate
descriptions of Wildlife Management
Unit boundaries, at ontario.ca/hunting
2 Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015
Report Resource Abuse
Please call 1-877-847-7667
Draw Deadlines
Moose Draw: June 2
Elk Draw: June 10
Antlerless Deer Draw: June 30
Controlled Deer Draw: September 2
ontario.ca/hunting
2014 Hunting
Regulations Summary
Fall 2014 – Spring 2015
Research
Enforcement
ation Officers & Enforcement
tion Health, Rehabilitation
ncement
Ecosystem Science
Planning, Policy
Outdoors Ca
Safety Educatio
Conserv
22%
Popula
& Enha
13%
Species &
19%
& Regulatory
30%
rds & Licensing
11%
n & Promotion
5%
•
•
•
•
•
•
MESSAGE from the Government of Ontario
Each year, thousands of Ontario residents and visitors to the province
eagerly await the arrival of hunting season.
A key part of the province’s wildlife management program is hunter
education. Since 1968, Ontario’s Hunter Education Program
has been completed by more than one million individuals. The
program’s current network of over 300 instructors teaches students
all about wildlife management, laws and regulations and field tech-
niques. New hunters must take this training and pass an exam before
they can purchase their first hunting licence.
The ministry has made a number of changes to how some activities
are authorized, such as permitting, licensing and other approvals.
For more information on the changes to wildlife-related licences,
permits and authorizations, see page four of this publication. For
updates to this summary throughout the year, make sure to visit
ontario.ca/hunting.
Ontario is home to a healthy and sustainable bear population.
However, growing concern has been expressed among some norther n
Ontario municipalities about human-bear conflicts and safety. In
response, the ministry has proposed a two-year black bear pilot
project in specific northern municipalities that would see a limited
early hunting season. The hunt would occur in the wildlife manage-
ment units closest to the communities with high reported levels of
nuisance bear activity.
Ontario is also taking strong action to address the ecological and
economic threats to our natural environment posed by invasive
species through the proposed Invasive Species Act. If passed by
the Legislature, it would make Ontario a national leader in invasive
species prevention and management by making our province the
first and only jurisdiction in Canada to introduce stand-alone
invasive species legislation.
The ministry monitors moose in Ontario to ensure populations
remain sustainable. Recent aerial surveys have revealed declines
in the moose population in some parts of northeastern and north-
western Ontario. Many factors may contribute to such periodic
declines. This year’s revised moose tag numbers represent a signifi-
cant and collaborative effort to ensure moose populations remain
healthy and resilient. Ontario will continue to work with hunters to
successfully manage moose populations.
If you bought your Outdoors Card in 2011 and intend to go hunting
in 2014, make sure to renew your Outdoors Card right away and get
the licence tags you need. Valid for three years, Outdoors Cards
expire on December 31. Renewing your card couldn’t be easier: go
to ontario.ca/outdoorscard or call 1-800-288-1155.
The Ontario government appreciates hunters’ commitment to
conservation. Hunters and anglers contribute to the management
of wildlife their licence purchases with all licence revenues depos-
ited to the Fish and Wildlife Special Purpose Account. This account
funds two-thirds of the ministry’s wildlife and fish management
activities, such as monitoring and research, administration of
licences, allocation of wildlife tags and support of the enforce-
ment program. Over the past year, the ministry has worked with
stakeholders to develop a strategy to address the changes in partici-
pation, and ultimately the amount of revenue available to fund
wildlife and fish activities.
Thank you for your ongoing support for Ontario’s wildlife
management programs.
More About Our Cover
Ontario’s Hunter Apprenticeship Safety
Program gives new hunters the chance to
develop their hunting skills under the guid-
ance of a qualified mentor. Open to those
12 years of age or older, the program encour-
ages participation in the outdoors while
providing practical training and fostering
traditional values.
Mentors teach inexperienced hunters how
to look, where to look, and how to interpret the signs animals leave
behind. Learning the patterns of animal behaviours, and the time
of day animals move, rest and feed are all part of the hunter’s skills
development. It is what makes hunting both interesting
and challenging.
Many other skills are also passed on from mentors to apprentices
including wildlife identification, the importance of good equipment,
proper shooting skills and game processing. For experienced hunters,
the opportunity to pass on knowledge by mentoring new hunters is
a great investment in the future of hunting. It is also a very rewarding
personal experience for both the mentor and apprentice.
Get more information on the Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program
on page 22.
Your licence fees –
Ensuring great hunting for years to come
When you buy a hunting or fishing licence, the fees go directly to
managing Ontario’s world class fish and wildlife resources.
All licence fees, fines and royalties go into the Fish and Wildlife Special Purpose Account
which funds fish and wildlife programs such as monitoring populations and enforcing
regulations.
For 2013/14 the Special Purpose Account will contribute approximately
$70 million to fish and wildlife management in Ontario.
Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015 3
.....................................................................
.........................................................................
................................................................................................................
............................
..............................................................................
............................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................
..................
...............................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................ .
.......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
G
e
n
e
ra
l
Important Telephone Numbers and 2014 Dates for Ontario Hunters
General Inquiry Telephone Numbers
Outdoors Card Centre (lost or stolen cards and general card inquiries) 1-800-387-7011
Outdoors Card renewal (available all year) 1-800-288-1155 or ontario.ca/outdoorscard
MNR Natural Resources Information Centre 1-800-667-1940
Automated Licensing, Draw Application and Draw Results Telephone Line 1-800-288-1155
Licensing and Draw Application Web Site ontario.ca/outdoorscard
Other Important Telephone Numbers
TIPS-MNR (Natural Resources Violation Reporting Line) 1-877-847-7667
Canadian Firearms Program 1-800-731-4000
Environment Canada Public Inquiries (waterfowl seasons) 1-800-668-6767
Banded Birds Reporting 1-800-327-2263
Crime Stoppers (anonymous tips, report a poacher Canada-wide) 1-800-222-8477
Forest Fires in the 705/249 area code (north of the French/Mattawa rivers) (this number does not work on satellite phones) 310-FIRE (3473)
Forest Fires in the 807 area code (northwestern Ontario) (this number does not work on satellite phones) 310-FIRE (3473)
Important Dates for Ontario Hunters
Moose
Licences and draw entry available April 22
Deadline for draw entry June 2
Draw results available August 1
Surplus tag information from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (ET) at 1-800-363-3730 August 18
Wild Turkey
Licences available for spring hunt March 1
Licences available for fall hunt September 1
Elk
Draw entry available May 1
Deadline for draw entry June 10
Draw results available August 2
Antlerless Deer
Licences and draw entry available March 1
Deadline for draw entry June 30
Draw results available August 8
Additional Game Seals for Deer Available July 16
Controlled Deer
Draw applications available August 1
Deadline for draw entry September 2
Draw results available October 10
Black Bear
Licences available March 1
Second game seals available August 1
Mandatory questionnaire deadline for non-residents November 30
Mandatory questionnaire deadline for residents December 15
Small Game
Licences available January 1
Wolf and Coyote
Seals available January 1
Questionnaire deadline January 15 of the following year
22 Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015
Th
e
O
n
ta
ri
o
H
u
n
te
r
E
d
u
ca
ti
o
n
P
ro
g
ra
m
The Ontario Hunter Education Program
The Ontario Hunter Education Program is administered by the
Ministry of Natural Resources in partnership with the Ontario
Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). The Ontario
Hunter Education Course and exam are delivered by approxi-
mately 300 certified instructors across the province. To find
a hunter education instructor in your area, please contact the
OFAH at (705) 748-5785 or www.ohep.net. To purchase Ontario’s
Hunter Education Manual, contact an instructor or the OFAH.
Plan Ahead
To ensure you receive the training and the appropriate
accreditation required to hunt in Ontario and to avoid disap-
pointment, please contact an instructor well in advance of the
hunting season.
Consent Required
Individuals under the age of 16 must file a consent signed
by one parent or guardian before attending the Ontario
Hunter Education Course or the Ontario Wild Turkey Hunter
Education Course. Consent forms can be obtained by visiting
ontario.ca/hunting.
Ontario Outdoors Cards
Two classes of Ontario Outdoors Cards and Hunter
Apprenticeship Safety Cards are available to residents – one for
gun hunters and one for non-gun hunters.
Class H1 Outdoors Card – Residents
The H1 card permits the cardholder to hunt with all methods
permitted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.
Applicants for this version of the Outdoors Card will have to
provide documentation that they have passed both the Ontario
Hunter Education Course exam and the Canadian Firearms
Safety Course exam. These courses are normally delivered in a
“One-Stop” combined course; however, both courses are avail-
able independently if desired. “One-Stop” graduates will meet
provincial training requirements to hunt with a gun or bow
hunting equipment and the federal training requirements for
firearm possession, acquisition and ownership.
Any person with a hunting version of an Ontario Outdoors
Card, Ontario Hunting Licence or Hunter Education Exam
Report indicating a pass issued after January 1, 1968, and before
January 1, 2006, will be eligible for the H1 Outdoors Card.
Class H2 Outdoors Card – Residents Only
The H2 card permits the cardholder to hunt with all methods
permitted under the Act except guns. Applicants for this version
of the Outdoors Card will have to provide documentation that
they have passed the Ontario Hunter Education Course exam.
Contacts
For information on the Ontario Hunter Education Program,
contact the OFAH at (705) 748-5785 or www.ohep.net.
For information on the federal Firearms Act, contact the
Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 or
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf.
Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program –
Residents Only
Ontario’s Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program allows indi-
viduals to safely develop their hunting skills while under the
direct and immediate supervision of a qualified mentor.
The program provides practical training for future hunters.
Two classes of Ontario Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Cards are
available: one for gun hunters and one for non-gun hunters.
Class A1 Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card
The AI Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card permits the card-
holder to hunt with all methods permitted under the Act
and regulations. Applicants for this version of the Hunter
Apprenticeship Safety Card must be 12 years of age or older and
will have to provide documentation that they have passed both
the Ontario Hunter Education Course exam and the Canadian
Firearms Safety Course exam. These courses are available in a
“One-Stop” combined course; however, both courses are avail-
able independently if desired. “One-Stop” graduates will meet
provincial training requirements to hunt with a gun or bow
hunting equipment and the federal training requirements for
firearms possession, acquisition and ownership. (NOTE: To
own or acquire a gun, you must be 18 years of age or older.)
Class A2 Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card
The A2 Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card permits the card-
holder to hunt with all methods permitted under the Act and
regulations except guns. Applicants for this version of the
Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card must be 12 years of age or
older and provide documentation that they have passed the
Ontario Hunter Education Course exam.
Other Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program
Requirements:
• Written parental consent is required from both parents if
the apprentice resides with both parents or from one parent
or guardian (if not living with both parents) if applicant is
less than 16 years of age before they can be issued a hunting
Outdoors or Apprentice Safety Card.
• The applicant must be a resident of Ontario.
• The apprentice, while hunting, must be under the direct
and immediate supervision of a mentor who is 18 years
of age or older, and who holds a valid Outdoors Card of the
equivalent class and a valid hunting licence for the game
species being hunted.
• The apprentice must share a single firearm with the mentor.
• An apprentice must possess a federal Migratory Game Bird
Hunting Permit to hunt migratory game birds.
• With the exception of migratory game birds, game wildlife
taken by the apprentice must be added to the daily bag
limit of the mentor.
• If wild turkey is being hunted, the apprentice must take the
Ontario Wild Turkey Hunter Education Course and pass
the exam.
• A Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card is valid for three years.
• Apprentices must carry the Hunter Apprenticeship Safety
Card with them while hunting.
Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015 23
G
e
n
e
ra
l R
e
g
u
la
tio
n
s
General Regulations
Firearms
Firearms include rifles, shotguns, air or pellet guns, bows and
crossbows. You may use semi-automatic or repeating firearms
for hunting in Ontario, but not handguns that are restricted or
prohibited firearms or fully automatic firearms. Air and pellet
pistols with a muzzle velocity less than 152 metres (500 feet)
per second may be used for hunting in Ontario (see restrictions
on page 24).
Remember: Hunting carelessly is an offence. Hunters who
handle or discharge firearms without due care and attention
or consideration for persons and property are liable to a fine
of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to two years - or
both. Depending on the circumstances, a person may also be
subject to charges under the Criminal Code.
ANY injury caused by the discharge of a firearm while
the firearm is possessed for the purpose of hunting or
trapping and which results in treatment by a physician
MUST BE reported to a conservation officer.
Before hunting, check local sunrise-sunset times. You
may only hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an
hour after sunset (exceptions: night raccoon, spring wild
turkey, and, in some WMUs, pheasant). If you are in an
area usually inhabited by wildlife, during the period from
half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise
you must unload and encase any firearms (including air
gun, pellet gun, bow or crossbow) in your possession.
To be considered encased, firearms must be enclosed on
all six sides.
A firearm is considered to be loaded if it has a cartridge in the
chamber or in a magazine that is attached to the firearm.
A muzzle-loading gun is a gun that is loaded through the
muzzle. A percussion muzzle-loading gun is considered to
be loaded if there is a charge of powder and a projectile in
the barrel and a percussion cap on the nipple. A flint-lock
muzzle-loading gun is considered to be loaded if there is a
charge of powder and a projectile in the barrel and the vent is
unplugged. An electronic muzzle-loading gun is considered to
be loaded if there is a projectile in the barrel.
A crossbow is considered to be loaded if the bow is cocked
and there is a bolt in the crossbow. A bow other than a
crossbow is considered to be loaded if the bow is strung and
an arrow is nocked.
The draw length of a bow (compound, recurve, long) is the
measured distance from the outer edge of the main riser
(handle), following the line of an arrow to the string at the
anchor point.
The draw length of a crossbow is measured along the bolt
ramp (where the bolt rests) from the outer edge of the
main limb, to the anchor point (release latch mechanism)
at full draw.
Roads – Possession and Discharge of Firearms
Restriction Geographic Areas
No possession of a loaded firearm
within eight metres of the travelled
portion of a road (or roadside
fenceline where one exists) at
any time AND no discharge of a
firearm from or across a right of
way for public vehicular traffic at
any time.
Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Dufferin, Durham, Elgin, Essex (except the single-tier
municipality of Pelee), Frontenac (except the lower-tier municipalities of Central and North Frontenac),
Grey, Haldimand, Halton, Hamilton, Hastings (except the lower-tier municipalities of Bancroft, Carlow/
Mayo, Deseronto, Faraday, Hastings Highlands, Limerick, Madoc, Marmora and Lake, Tudor and
Cashel and Wollaston), Huron, Kawartha Lakes, Lambton, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Lennox and
Addington (except the lower-tier municipality of Addington Highlands), Middlesex, Niagara, Norfolk,
Northumberland, Ottawa, Oxford, Peel, Perth, Peterborough (except the lower-tier municipalities of
Galway-Cavendish-Harvey and North Kawartha), Prescott and Russell, Prince Edward, Simcoe, Stormont,
Dundas and Glengarry, Toronto, Waterloo, Wellington, York.
No possession of a loaded firearm
within eight metres of the travelled
portion of a road (or roadside
fenceline where one exists) during
an open gun season for deer or elk
AND no discharge of a firearm
from or across a right of way for
public vehicular traffic at any time.
Lower-tier municipalities of Central and North Frontenac in the geographic area of Frontenac,
Haliburton, Hastings (except the single-tier municipalities of Belleville and Quinte West; and the
lower-tier municipalities of Centre Hastings, Stirling-Rawdon, Tweed and Tyendinaga), the lower-tier
municipality of Addington Highlands in the geographic area of Lennox and Addington, Muskoka,
the lower-tier municipalities of Galway-Cavendish-Harvey and North Kawartha in the geographic
municipality of Peterborough, Renfrew, the single-tier municipalities of Alberton, Chapple, Dawson,
Emo, Fort Frances, La Vallee, Morley, Rainy River and the geographic townships of Morson, McCrosson,
Tovell, Dance (excluding Lyons Bay Road and Lost Creek Road), Kingsford (excluding Fleming Road),
Miscampbell (excluding Boffin Road), Pratt, Nelles, Spohn and Sutherland all within the Territorial
District of Rainy River, and the single-tier municipality of Kenora, geographic townships of Boys, Ewart,
Forgie, Gidley, Glass, Gundy, Kirkup, Pellatt and the unorganized area south and east of the geographic
township of Boys township, south of the geographic township of Pellatt and west of the single-tier
municipality of Kenora to the shore of Lake of the Woods all within the Territorial District of Kenora.
No discharge of firearms from or
across the travelled portion of a
right of way.
Any part of the province not listed above.
NOTE: The restrictions above do not apply to unmaintained roads.
Shotgun Muzzle-loader
Bows
See page 21 for measurement instructions.
Bow
(compound, recurve, long)
Crossbow

24 H
u
n
tin
g
R
eg
u
latio
n
s 2014 • 2015
General
General Regulations
Rim-
Fire
Rifle
Centre-
Fire
Rifle
Game Species &
Season
Summary of Firearms Restrictions for Hunting in Ontario
i
i
i
i
i
i
l l
Bows
See page 23 for measurement instructions.
( , r r , l )

Moose – Rifles,
Shotguns, Bows
and Muzzle-loaders
Yes No Yes, but no person shall use a
shotgun smaller than 20 gauge
when loaded with shot or any
shotgun loaded with shot smaller
than SG (No. 1 buck).
Yes Bows must have a draw weight of at
least 22 kilograms (48.5 lb.) at draw
length of 700 mm (27.6 in.) or less.
Arrows must be at least 600 mm
(23.6 in.) long and have at a
minimum a 22 mm (0.87 in.) wide
head with at least two sharp cutting
edges.
Crossbows must have a draw
length of at least 300 mm (11.8 in.)
and a draw weight of at least
54 kilograms (119 lb.). At a
minimum bolts must have a
22 mm (0.87 in.) wide head with at
least two sharp cutting edges.
Moose – Bows and
Muzzle-loaders Only
No No No Yes
Moose – Bows-Only No No No No
Elk - Rifles, Shotguns,
Bows and Muzzle-
loaders
Yes No Yes, but no person shall use a
shotgun smaller than 20 gauge
when loaded with shot or any
shotgun loaded with shot smaller
than SG (No. 1 buck).
Yes
Black Bear Yes No
Deer – Rifles, Shotguns,
Bows and Muzzle-
loaders
Yes No Yes, but no person shall use a
shotgun smaller than 20 gauge
when loaded with shot or any
shotgun loaded with shot smaller
than SG (No. 1 buck).
Yes Bows must have a draw weight of at
least 18 kilograms (39.7 lb.) at a draw
length of 700 mm ( 27.6 in.) or less.
Arrows must be at least 600 mm
(23.6 in.) long and have at a
minimum a 22 mm (0.87 in.) wide
head with at least two sharp cutting
edges.
Crossbows must have a draw length
of at least 300 mm (11.8 in.) and a
draw weight of at least 45 kilograms
(99.2 lb.). At a minimum bolts must
have a 22 mm (0.87 in.) wide head
with at least two sharp cutting
edges.
Deer – Shotguns,
Bows and Muzzle-
loaders Only
No No
Deer – Bows and
Muzzle-loaders Only
No No No Yes
Deer – Bows-Only No No No No
Wild Turkey No No Not larger than 10 gauge or smaller
than 20 gauge. Shot size must be
4, 5 or 6.
Muzzle-loading shotgun not larger
than 10 gauge or smaller than 20
gauge. Shot size must be 4, 5 or 6.
Deer – Rifles,
Shotguns, and
Muzzle-loaders Only
Yes No Yes, but no person shall use a
shotgun smaller than 20 gauge
when loaded with shot or any
shotgun loaded with shot smaller
than SG (No. 1 buck).
Yes No No
Deer – Shotguns and
Muzzle-loaders Only
No No Yes No No
Deer – Muzzle-loaders
Only
No No No Yes No No
NOTE: See appropriate sections for complete details. If you are hunting small game in an area
where there is an open season for deer, moose, elk or black bear, you may not possess
or use a rifle of greater muzzle energy than 400 ft-lbs or shells loaded with ball or with
shot larger than No. 2 shot, unless you possess a valid licence to hunt deer, moose, elk or
black bear as the case may be. When hunting deer, elk or moose, you may only use or carry
the type of firearms allowed.
NOTE: A broadhead used for hunting big game or wild turkey
must be at least 22 mm wide and have at least two sharp
cutting edges.
Arrows must be at least 60 cm in length. The length of an
arrow is measured from the base of the arrowhead to the
bottom of the nock slot.
You must plug a semi-automatic or repeating shotgun so
that it will not hold more than a total of three shells in the
chamber and magazine combined.
On the Aulneau Peninsula (WMU 7A), from August 15 to
December 15, you may not use a rifle of greater muzzle
energy than 400 ft-lbs or a shotgun loaded with ball or with
shot larger than number 2 lead shot, triple BBB steel shot or
double BB bismuth shot.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada you cannot possess any
clip/magazine that holds more than five shots for a semi-
automatic centrefire non-restricted firearm unless that clip/
magazine has been specifically exempted, pursuant to the
Firearms Regulations.
Contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000
(or www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf) for information about the
requirements for firearm ownership, licensing, storage
and transportation.
Municipal By-laws
Some municipalities have by-laws restricting the discharge
of firearms. In addition, many municipalities have by-laws
regarding dogs, including by-laws that may affect the use of
dogs while hunting. Check with the local municipal office for
details.
Hunter Orange
The objective of the hunter orange regulation is to maximize
hunter safety without negatively impacting hunting success.
Under this regulation, all licensed hunters, including bow
hunters and falconers, hunting during a gun season for deer,
elk, or moose, are required to wear hunter orange. This require-
ment does not apply to persons who are hunting migratory
game birds, except woodcock.
In addition, all licensed black bear hunters hunting during the
open season for black bear are required to wear hunter orange
except when in a tree stand.
Where there is a gun season for moose, elk, or deer concur-
rent with an open black bear season, then the only persons
exempted from wearing hunter orange are migratory game bird
hunters as indicated above.
A hunter orange garment and head cover must be worn. The
hunter orange garment must cover a minimum of 2,580
square centimetres above the waist and be visible from all
sides. Open mesh or camouflage hunter orange must not be
part of the 2,580 square centimetres (400 square inches). A
hunting coat or vest generally meets this requirement. The
hunter orange head cover may have: open mesh; a peak or brim
colour other than hunter orange, and a crest or logo which does
not completely cover the hunter orange on the side where it is
affixed. The head cover must not contain camouflage material.
Hunter orange colour standards are generally consistent across
North America. Manufacturers can provide information
regarding clothing compliance with this standard.
As a best practice to protect hunter safety, hunters using
ground blinds should take steps to make their blind clearly
visible to other hunters that may be in the area. Use of hunter
orange material on the outside of the blind is an appropriate
method to mark a ground blind.
Party Hunting
A person may hunt moose, deer or black bear in a party even
if the person has previously attached his or her game seal to
a moose, deer or black bear. A person may also hunt elk in
a party with some restrictions in addition to the conditions
listed below - see page 53 for more information on Modified
Party Hunting for Elk. The term “Party Hunting” means two
or more persons hunting during an open season for moose,
elk, deer or black bear under all of the following conditions:
• Each person has a valid licence to hunt the big game
species being hunted.
• The total number of moose, elk, deer or black bear killed
by the party does not exceed the total number of game
seals held by the members of the party licensed to hunt
that species.
• The total number of moose, elk, deer or black bear of
a specified sex, age or type killed by the party does not
exceed the total number of game seals validated for that
sex, age, or type that are held by members of the party.
• All members of the party hunt together in the same
Wildlife Management Unit or portion thereof for which
the game seal is valid.
• Each member of the party hunts within five kilometres of
the person who holds the game seal that is valid for the
wildlife being hunted.
• Each member of the party must be able to reliably and
immediately communicate with other members of the
party.
• All members of the party, including the person who
holds the seal that is valid for the wildlife that the party
is hunting, actively participate in the hunt and hunt
co-operatively.
The person who kills the wildlife while hunting in a party
shall immediately notify all other members of the party that
the wildlife has been killed and the game seal holder shall
immediately affix the game seal to the wildlife in the manner
indicated in the instructions accompanying the game seal.
At this point, you and your party members at the kill site must
determine the category of animals that may still be hunted.
You must then make sure your other party members, who
did not come to the kill site, are informed. The hunter in your
party who killed the animal and the hunter who attached the
game seal may continue hunting provided other members of
your party possess valid, unused game seals for the wildlife
being hunted.
If you have questions about party hunting, the best time to
get answers is before the hunt begins. Contact a conservation
officer at the ministry office in the district in which you will
be hunting. A list of ministry offices and phone numbers is
found on page 88.
Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015 25
G
e
n
e
ra
l R
e
g
u
la
tio
n
s
26 Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015
G
e
n
e
ra
l
R
e
g
u
la
ti
o
n
s Use of Vehicles, Boats or Aircraft
(see Definitions, page 86)
Aircraft may not be used while hunting. Snowmobiles, vehi-
cles or boats may not be used for chasing, pursuing, harassing,
capturing, injuring or killing any wildlife.
It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in or on, or
discharge a firearm from, an aircraft, vehicle (including
snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle) or motorboat or
anything towed by the boat. An exception to this rule is that
a person may obtain an authorization through the local
ministry office if the person’s mobility is impaired and the
person meets one of the following criteria:
1. A paraplegic or hemiplegic.
2. A single (above the knee) lower limb amputation or a
double (below the waist) amputation.
3. Suffers severe disability and cannot hunt without the use
of a wheelchair or similar means of locomotion. In this
case, the hunter must provide a medical certificate stating
disability.
The authorization is valid for a period of up to five years for a
person with a permanent disability.
A loaded firearm may be carried in, and discharged from, a
canoe or boat that is being paddled, with no motor attached.
MOTORBOATS: Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act,
1997, a motorboat means a boat with a motor that is attached
to the boat (see Definitions on page 86). There is an exception
to the prohibition on loaded firearms in a motorboat if you
are hunting waterfowl in accordance with the Migratory Birds
Convention Act, 1994.
Sunday Gun Hunting
Sunday gun hunting is permitted in areas north of the French
and Mattawa rivers. In areas south of the French and Mattawa,
Sunday gun hunting is regulated on a municipality basis.
Changes will periodically occur to the areas where gun
hunting on Sundays is allowed south of the French and
Mattawa rivers.
To hunt with a gun on Sunday, you must ensure:
• the season is open for the species and type of gun you want
to use
• gun hunting is allowed on Sundays in the municipality
where you wish to hunt
• the municipality does not have a “no discharge of firearms”
by-law in the area where you wish to hunt.
To confirm the status of the municipality in which you want to
hunt, please check the Sunday gun hunting information avail-
able at ontario.ca/hunting.
Dogs
All dogs to be used to hunt deer, moose or black bear must
be licensed. There is no limit on the number of dogs that may
be licensed and used. Dogs may not run at large in an area
inhabited by deer, moose, elk, caribou or black bear during
the closed season. Dogs may not be used to hunt elk.
You must have an authorization or licence issued from MNR
to conduct dog training and field trials on game mammals
and game birds during the closed season, or an appropriate
hunting licence during the open season.
NOTE: There is no authorization or licence that allows the
chasing of wolf or coyote in the townships around Algonquin
Park where there is a year-round closed season for those
species.
To hunt raccoon at night, you must be accompanied by a dog
licensed for raccoon hunting and you must have a resident
small game licence. Only one dog licence is required while
hunting raccoon at night regardless of the number of dogs used.
Many municipalities have by-laws regarding dogs, including
by-laws that may affect the use of dogs while hunting. Check
with the local municipal office for details.
For a dog coming into Canada from the United States, you
must have a certificate, signed by a veterinarian licensed in
Canada or in the United States, stating that the dog has been
vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months.
The certificate must have a reasonably complete and legible
description of the dog and the date of the vaccination. For
more information, check with Canada Border Services Agency.
Snares
Snares cannot be used for hunting, except by the holder of a
resident small game licence taking varying hares north of the
French and Mattawa rivers with a snare constructed of copper
or brass wire between 22 and 24 gauge. The opening of the
snare wire loop must be 10 cm (4 in.) or less in diameter.
Licensed trappers may use snares under conditions specified in
the trapping regulations.
Poison and Adhesives
It is illegal to use poison and adhesives to kill, injure or
capture wildlife.
Big Game – Swimming
You may not hunt moose, elk, deer or black bear while they
are swimming.
Trespassing
A person is trespassing if the person enters onto property or
engages in an activity on property where notice has been given
that entry or the activity is not allowed. Notice may be given
in a variety of ways; some of the common ones are verbally,
signs, symbols or fences. Lands under cultivation are also
considered to be notice against entry. A hunting licence does
not give a hunter the right to enter private property.
ALWAYS ask for permission and obey signs. Signs may be in
three formats:
• Red or yellow markings of such a size that a circle of 10
cm (4 inches) can be contained wholly within them. Red
means no entry is permitted. Yellow markings mean no
entry is permitted except for activities that may be allowed.
• Graphic representation of a permitted or prohibited
activity.
• A written sign.
Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015 27
G
e
n
e
ra
l R
e
g
u
la
tio
n
s
If it is not evident what activities are allowed, ask for permis-
sion from the landowner or occupier. Not all land is signed.
Unsigned lands may be private land as well. (For example
if the property is fenced, no access is permitted without
permission of the landowner.) It is your responsibility to
find out who owns the land you wish to hunt on and obtain
permission. If unsure, stay out. If a wounded animal runs
onto private property where you do not have permission to
enter, you must seek the landowner’s or occupier’s permission
to retrieve the animal. Positive landowner or occupier/
hunter relationships are important to the future of
hunting in Ontario.
Be sure you are familiar with the Occupiers’ Liability Act and
the Trespass to Property Act before entering private land. (You
may obtain these two acts from Publications Ontario or
online at ontario.ca/e-laws.) If you are on private property for
the purpose of hunting or fishing and the occupier asks you to
leave, if you do not do so immediately, or if you do not obey
signs prohibiting trespassing, then you will also be violating
the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.
You may not enter private land in a party of more than 12
persons without the express permission of the occupier if any
member of the party possesses a firearm or other hunting
device.
Before hunting on Indian Reserves, ask the permission of the
Band Council.
If you wish to hunt elk on private land you must have with
you a valid elk licence and the written consent of the land-
owner on the form provided by the ministry. If you wish to
hunt deer on Barrie Island, Cockburn Island or Manitoulin
Island, you must have with you a valid deer licence and the
written consent of the landowner on the form provided by the
ministry. If you wish to hunt moose in WMU 65, you must
have a moose licence, the appropriate validation tag and, if
hunting on private land, written consent of the landowner on
the form provided by the ministry.
Crown Lands
In Ontario, travel for recreational purposes on Crown lands
and waters is generally free and unrestricted. On most Crown
land, camping is allowed free for Canadian residents for up
to 21 days at one site. Campers can camp for an additional
21 days on a second site if the second site is located at least
100 metres from the first site. Please note, camping may be
prohibited or restricted on some areas of Crown land; these
locations are signed and regulated under the authority of
the Public Lands Act. As well, some Crown lands may have
restricted-travel zones for forest fire prevention or offi-
cially closed forest-access roads. Some Crown land may
also have specific areas posted with signs or red/yellow
dots to prohibit all or certain kinds of uses/travel. Please
contact your local district office for specific information on
access/use of Crown land in that area.
Non-residents of Canada, except those using a camping unit
rented from a person who carries on an Ontario-based busi-
ness (commercial outfitter), require a permit to camp on
Crown land in northern Ontario (north of the French and
Mattawa rivers). A camping unit is defined as equipment used
for the purpose of outdoor accommodation and includes a
tent, trailer, tent-trailer, recreational vehicle, camper-back
and any watercraft equipped for overnight accommodation.
Contact a ServiceOntario centre or licence issuer for permits.
Non-residents of Canada are prohibited from camping on
some specific areas of Crown land in northern Ontario at any
time of year. These areas are generally well signed; however,
hunters are advised to check with the local ministry office for
complete information on areas where non-resident camping
is prohibited. Information about restrictions on Crown
Land Camping for non-residents of Canada in WMUs 6,
7B, 9A and 9B can be found on page 60.
Some Crown lands may also be posted against hunting and
possession of firearms to protect forest workers or other
resource users. Contact the local ministry office for the area in
which you wish to hunt for further information.
Work Permits
The Public Lands Act states that you must have a work
permit before you construct a new building, create trails or
do other modifications on Crown land. Crown land also
includes the bottom of most waterbodies. For informa-
tion on work permits and the application process, visit
ontario.ca/publiclandpermit. Hunters are reminded that it
is an offence under the Public Lands Act to leave any
material, substance or thing on Crown land.
Wildlife Management Areas – Wildlife
Extension Landowner Agreement Area/
Provincial Wildlife Area
There are 32 Provincial Wildlife and Wildlife Extension
Landowner Agreement Areas in Ontario which provide
hunting opportunities. Some areas have daily or seasonal
licence fees, while others may be used free of charge. See
pages 9, 11 and 13 for listings. Some areas are only open on
certain days of the week and for special hours and designated
species. Detailed information on each area can be obtained
from local ministry offices.
Crown Game Preserves
Except where stated in the regulations, you may not hunt or
trap, or use or possess firearms, in Crown Game Preserves.
You may possess firearms if you live on private land within a
Crown Game Preserve, but you may not hunt or trap. There
are Crown Game Preserves other than those shown on the
maps. Contact a ministry office for more details.
28 Hunting Regulations 2014 • 2015
G
e
n
e
ra
l
R
e
g
u
la
ti
o
n
s Provincial Parks
You may not hunt (or take) any mammals, birds, amphib-
ians or reptiles in provincial parks, or have a firearm with
you, unless otherwise provided in the regulations. See below
for more details on hunting in Ontario Provincial Parks.
Generally, hunting of wolves is prohibited in provincial
parks. Check with Algonquin Provincial Park for more details
and for special permit requirements for hunting in Clyde and
Bruton townships (WMU 54).
Conservation Officers
A conservation officer is appointed under the Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Act, 1997. The term “conservation officer” also
includes a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
a police officer or First Nations constable appointed under
the Police Services Act, a game officer designated under the
Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, a park warden designated
under the Canada National Parks Act, and a person whose
primary employment responsibility is enforcement of fish
and wildlife laws in a border jurisdiction if he or she is acting
under the direction of a conservation officer. Conservation
officers have powers of inspection, arrest, search and seizure
under the various statutes they enforce, including the Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, the Migratory Birds Convention
Act, 1994, and the Fisheries Act. Conservation officers also have
authority to enforce the Off-Road Vehicles Act, Motorized Snow
Vehicles Act, Liquor Licence Act, and Small Vessel Regulations.
When carrying out his or her duties, or investigating an
offence under these statutes or the corresponding regulations,
a conservation officer may do the following:
• Stop and/or inspect a vehicle, boat or aircraft
• Inspect firearms, ammunition, wildlife or fish
• Ask questions relevant to the inspection
• Inspect buildings or other places
• Search with a warrant
• Search without a warrant in circumstances requiring
immediate action
• Seize items related to the offence
• Arrest anyone the conservation officer believes has
committed, is committing or is about to commit an offence.
Conservation officers operate “game check stations”
throughout the year. At these stations, conservation officers
collect information on game taken by hunters and make sure
the regulations are being followed in order to better manage
our wildlife resources.
Hunting in Ontario Provincial Parks
Hunting is permitted in the following provincial parks. Hunters should ALWAYS check with the appropriate park office regarding areas open to hunting,
species that can be hunted, seasons, and other restrictions that apply in each park. Call 1-800-667-1940 for assistance.
Abitibi-De-Troyes
Albany River
Alexander Lake Forest
Algoma Headwaters
Algonquin Park
(Clyde, Bruton and Eyre Twps.)
Amable du Fond River
Aubinadong-Nushatogaini Rivers
Aubinadong River
Aubrey Falls
Barron River
Batchawana River
Big East River
Biscotasi Lake
Bissett Creek
Black Creek
Black Sturgeon River
Blind River
Blue Lake
Bon Echo
Bonnechere River
Brightsand River
Chapleau-Nemegosenda River
Charleston Lake
(Blue Mountain area only)
Chiniguchi Waterway
Dana-Jowsey Lakes
Darlington
Eagle Dogtooth
East English River
Egan Chutes
Englehart River Fine Sand Plain and
Waterway
Esker Lakes
Fawn River
French River
Fushimi Lake
Goulais River
Grant’s Creek
Greenwater
Groundhog River Waterway
Grundy Lake
Gull River
Halfway Lake
Ivanhoe
Jocko Rivers
Kap-Kig-Iwan
Kashabowie
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site
Killarney
Killarney Lakelands and Headwaters
Kopka River
La Cloche
Lake of the Woods
Lake St. Peter
Lake Superior
LaMotte Lake
Larder River Waterway
LaVerendrye
Little Abitibi
Little Current River
Little White River
Long Point
Lower Madawaska River
Magnetawan River
Makobe-Grays River
Mashkinonje
Matinenda
Mattawa River
McRae Point
Missinaibi
Mississagi
Mississagi River
Nagagamisis
Nakina Moraine
Nimoosh
Noganosh Lake
North Channel Inshore
Obabika River
Obatanga
Obonga-Ottertooth
Ogoki River
Opeongo River
Otoskwin-Attawapiskat River
Ottawa River
Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls
Pancake Bay
Pigeon River
Pipestone River
Point Farms
Polar Bear
Presqu’ile
Pretty River Valley
Pukaskwa River
Puzzle Lake
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands
Restoule
River aux Sables
Rock Point
Rondeau
Ruby Lake
Rushbrook
Sandbar Lake
Sandpoint Island
Severn River
Silent Lake
Silver Falls
Solace
South Bay
Spanish River
St. Raphael
Steel River
Sturgeon River
Temagami River
The Massasauga
The Shoals
Turtle River-White Otter Lake
Upper Madawaska River
W.J.B. Greenwood
Wabakimi
Wanapitei
Wenebegon River
Westmeath
West English River
West Montreal River
White Lake
Whitesand
Widdifield Forest
Winisk River
Woman River Forest