Licensing Rules

• According the the Ministry of Natural Resources, resident Ontario hunters need a hunting version of the Ontario Outdoors Card. Those that want to hunt with guns need proof of passing the Ontario Hunter Education Course and the Canadian Firearms Safety Course to get a license. If you want to hunt without a gun, you only need proof that you passed the Ontario Hunter Education Course. Make sure that you get the species-specific license tags to hunt the game of your choice, and don't forget that you need seals for the carcass after you make a kill. Licenses to hunt specific kinds of game as well as seals are generally available at lodges and hardware stores in hunting communities.
  
  Non-residents need to be at least 16 years of age and have to present proof of past hunting experience, such as a license from another province or U.S. state. These hunters also need the same tags and seals required by Ontario residents.
  
  

Regulation Methods and Reasons

• Ontario has hunting seasons that regulate when, where and even how hunters can take down their chosen game. Paying attention to Ontario's legal restrictions helps protect animal life, since season dates are based on animal observation, population tracking and mating habits. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, legal hunting keeps animal populations at stable levels and helps to balance ecosystems, since rules are grounded in scientific research. Although hunting seasons are around the same time every year, specific beginning and end dates vary depending on existing environmental conditions.
  
  Ontario's licensing policies also work to regulate the amount of hunting in the province and indirectly contribute to environmental health. Licensing revenue goes to fund wildlife preservation, research and species surveillance by experts.
  
  

Moose Hunting

• Although hunters can catch a variety of game in Ontario's forests, moose, deer and bear hunting are the most popular pursuits. Moose hunting season is divided up according to weapon of choice. Hunting season begins province-wide for bow wielders in mid-September. Northern gun hunting also starts around this time, but where gun-toters can go is limited. Only remote areas allow early gun hunting, and many sites are fly-in only. Province-wide gun hunting doesn't open until early October.
  
  The Ministry of Natural Resources recommends attracting moose with specialized moose-calling devices. Watch along marsh meadow feeding areas for these giants, or sneak up behind them with your canoe along the river's edge.
  
  

White-Tailed Deer Hunting

• Found from Southern Ontario to just north of the Great Lakes, Ontario's white-tailed deer are famous for reaching massive sizes. Especially further north, Ontario's white-tails pack on the pounds to stave off winter's bitter chill. Hunters stalk these animals with muzzle loaders, rifles, shotguns and even bows. Deer hunters enjoy the longest big-game hunting season in Ontario. The season opens mid-September and continues through the month of December.
  
  Look for white-tailed deer in tree stands, or stump-sit and wait for one to pass your way. If you wait near an obvious travel route or feeding ground during hunting season, you won't be waiting long.
  
  

Black Bear Hunting

• According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario has one of the largest black bear populations in North America, numbering close to 100,000. You can find these black beauties across Northern and Central Ontario. Hunting season is longer in the further north, beginning in mid-August. Further south, hunting doesn't open until September. The season closes at the end of October across the province.
  
  Bears are easier to spot after the trees have dropped their leaves, offering less concealing camouflage. By law in Ontario, non-residents need to have a certified bear-hunting guide accompany them on their trip.