Q: Do guns have to be locked up, or can they be unloaded and left on the rack at a hunt camp? Jasmin Gallant, Sudbury A: All firearms must be stored unloaded. In addition, generally they must be rendered inoperable by means Continue reading Ask a CO: Guns at hunt camp
The Ministry of Natural Resources is proposing changes to the moose tag allocation process to reduce the number of unclaimed moose tags. Thousands of tags go unclaimed every year, meaning a loss of sustainable hunting opportunities. The proposal is a Continue reading Proposing changes to the moose tag allocation process
Ask a CO: Mistake consequences explained Q: My hunting partner made a mistake and shot the wrong sex moose. What are the consequences of self-reporting the mistake vs. abandoning the animal in the bush? A: Mistaken identity of moose can happen. Scenarios Continue reading Ask a CO: Mistake consequences explained
Ask a CO: Hunting ducks and geese from a motorboat Q: What are the rules when it comes to hunting ducks and geese from a motorboat? Gord Church, Sauble Beach A: Provincial rules include requiring a small game licence and not having Continue reading Ask a CO: Hunting ducks and geese from a motorboat
Ask a CO: On COs entering private property Q: Can a conservation officer enter private property using the private laneway or do they have to enter through the bush? Someone has told me that they are not allowed to enter in Continue reading Ask a CO: On COs entering private property
Hunting Seasons Turkey, bear, moose, elk, deer and small game seasons are opening this fall. Check the hunting regulations for your wildlife management unit. Reporting Deadlines Fall Wild turkey – November 14 Non-resident moose hunter report for tourist outfitters – November 22 Continue reading Important Dates
We need your help! Submit a sample, stay informed and help protect Ontario’s cervid populations. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal and untreatable disease affecting cervids, such as white-tailed deer, moose and elk. While CWD has not been detected Continue reading Protecting Ontario’s deer from CWD
Changes aim to reduce unclaimed moose tags The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is proposing changes to the moose tag allocation process to reduce the number of moose tags — which is in the thousands — that go unclaimed each Continue reading Changes aim to reduce unclaimed moose tags
Are you gearing up for the fall hunting season? With many hunting seasons opening across Ontario in the coming months, we are sending this early reminder of your chance to win a brand-new ATV through the Can-Am Report and Win Continue reading Report and you could win a Can-Am Outlander PRO Hunting Edition!
MNR name returns Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has reverted back to the name most anglers and hunters know best — the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). This was prompted by changes made to the Executive Council of Continue reading MNR name returns
On lifejackets Editor’s Note: Transport Canada is seeking feedback about the possibility of making personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lifejackets mandatory for recreational boaters. For more background, or to complete the survey, click here. The deadline for submissions is Nov.4, 2024. I grew up Continue reading On lifejackets
Feedback sought on possible mandatory PFDs Transport Canada is seeking feedback about the possibility of making personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lifejackets mandatory for recreational boaters. Not using a PFD or lifejacket is the leading cause of death among recreational boaters, Continue reading Feedback sought on possible mandatory PFDs
Mandatory reporting penalties changing The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is proposing changes to the penalties for failing to submit a mandatory hunting report. Currently, if a hunter fails to submit a hunter report on two consecutive occasions for the same species, Continue reading Mandatory reporting penalties changing
Ask a CO: Sight in from a vehicle Q: I know it is illegal to shoot game using your vehicle as a steady rest, but can you sight in your firearm while leaning on a vehicle? Kirt Males, North Bay A: No. Continue reading Ask a CO: Sight in from a vehicle
Ask a CO: Hunting waterfowl across provinces Q: I have a Quebec hunting licence (including small game). If I buy a federal migratory bird permit, do I still need an Ontario Outdoors card and small game licence to go hunting waterfowl Continue reading Ask a CO: Hunting waterfowl across provinces
In early September 2024, Transport Canada opened consultation on a proposal to make personal flotation devices (PFDs)/lifejackets mandatory for recreational boaters. The proposal could have a variety of impacts on everything from age requirements, vessel size, and vessel type including Continue reading Transport Canada looking to make PFDs & lifejackets mandatory
Changes for those who purchase gunpowder and reactive targets came into effect on May 22. To purchase black or smokeless powder, a buyer must provide proof that they possess one of the following: Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) Fireworks Operator Certificate Continue reading PALs needed for powder
The Ministry of Natural Resources is hoping more successful bear hunters will voluntarily submit two pre-molar bear teeth from their 2024 harvest. Information derived from teeth contributes to assessments of the bear harvests and informs scientists on bear ecology and Continue reading Bear teeth reminder
Draw entries Antlerless deer: Currently open until July 2 Moose Second Chance Allocation: June 15-July 8 Controlled Deer: July 1-31 Draw results Moose Second Chance Allocation: August 1 Elk: August 1 Antlerless deer: August 1 Moose tag claim period Second Chance Allocation: Opens Continue reading Important Dates