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