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
https://oodmag.com/ask-a-co-can-i-carry-a-firearm-outside-of-hunting-seasons/ Q: I just purchased a non-restricted survival rifle. Can I bring it camping, canoeing, etc., on public land, outside of legal hunting seasons? Is there any issue with carrying full metal jacket loads? Karlis Jansons, Toronto A: In the Continue reading Ask a CO: Can I carry a firearm outside of hunting seasons?
https://oodmag.com/ask-a-co-are-public-waterbodies-with-private-access-restricted-for-use/ Q: What factors would cause a lake to be considered private and unavailable for fishing to the general public? For example, can access to a lake that is surrounded by multiple private properties, but is accessible through a tributary either Continue reading Ask a CO: are public waterbodies with private access restricted for use?
Did you know that Ontario has about 94,000 moose? The ministry is responsible for managing sustainable moose populations in Ontario, which is supported by moose aerial inventory (MAI). MAI is designed to provide an estimate of the number of moose Continue reading How Moose are counted
https://oodmag.com/ask-a-co-can-i-use-a-second-line-to-us-an-attractant/ Q: Where only one line is permitted for fishing, can I have a second line out if it doesn’t have any hooks attached? For example, a second line to jig a flashy spoon as an attractant? Jeff Dano, Bancroft A: Yes, Continue reading Ask a CO: Can I use a second hookless line as an attractant?
https://oodmag.com/bears-coming-out-of-hibernation-early/ Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are asking the public to be cautious with black bears starting to come out of hibernation early because of the mild winter. Some parts of the province are reporting early black bear sightings, the province Continue reading Bears coming out of hibernation early
The MNRF is reconsidering the penalties implemented on hunters who don’t submit their mandatory report. For the 2024 season, hunters who fail to submit their mandatory report will still be able to purchase licenses, and only must pay a $25 Continue reading The MNRF is reconsidering the penalties
The 2024 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary is now available! Digital copies can be viewed online or as a PDF download. Ontario’s fishing regulations are developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in collaboration and consultation with Indigenous communities, Continue reading Download today – 2024 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary
On August 18, 2023, we celebrated our new 2023 conservation officers (COs) at a badge ceremony in Thunder Bay. This is in addition to the 56 new COs we have hired since 2021 as part of our commitment to enhancing the Continue reading Welcome New Conservation Officers
t’s time to start preparing for ice fishing! Each year in Ontario, over 200,000 people embrace this winter tradition. Whether you’re new or experienced, being prepared is important for a safe and fun trip. Before heading out, make sure you Continue reading Ice Fishing