Ask a CO: Outdoors cards for seniors over 65?

a person pulls out an old hunting licence from their wallet

Q: I’m a senior and don’t need a fishing licence. My Outdoors Card does not expire until December 31, 2019. Do I need to carry a licence summary with me when I am fishing?

-Garry Shaver, Amherstview

Other documents may qualify

A: Some Ontario and Canadian residents qualify to use other documents instead of purchasing and carrying an Outdoors Card and recreational fishing licence. If you are over the age of 65, you may engage in fishing provided you carry a licence, permit, certificate, or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates your name and date of birth. Catch and possession limits for a sport fishing licence apply in these situations.

If you opt to use your Outdoors Card and a valid recreational fishing licence that you have purchased, you must carry the Outdoors Card with you while fishing, and if the Outdoors Card does not have a box on the back indicating a valid 1-year or 3-year recreational fishing licence, you must also carry the licence summary that lists your valid fishing licence.

– Brenda Koenig (Provincial Enforcement Specialist, MNRF)

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Originally published in the August 2019 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS magazine. Ask a CO is also a regular feature in the print edition.

Please check the most recent Ontario hunting and fishing regulations summaries, as rules and regulations can change.

For more instalments of Ask a CO, click here

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Tags: ask a CO, Conservation, Conservation officer, Fishing, fishing license, ontario provincial fishing regulations, Outdoors card, Seniors

September 1, 2020 at 9:52 am

Dave S Gibson wrote: re the 65 and over age group not requiring a fishing license .... is then statement made in a recent response correct ?, in that "sport" limits apply to seniors ..... it was my understanding that "conservation" limits (a lower #) apply when a license is not required . Can you please confirm this fact. Thanks Dave Gibson

September 1, 2020 at 10:18 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Good Morning, Dave, anglers over 65 who do not require an outdoors card or fishing licence may observe the sports slot limits.

November 14, 2020 at 11:17 am

Gordon Eakley wrote: I had a small game license in the seventies can I use that as a record for renewal, or do I have to retake the course?

November 25, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Thank you for your question. We’ll discuss the question and if it is not one that has been asked in recent memory, we’ll pass it along to the MNRF for a response. Can you please let us know where you are located in case we use your question?

December 1, 2020 at 11:28 am

Tim Barlett wrote: Sir / Madam, Is it possible to buy an Ontario Outdoors Card / Sport Fishing Lic as a gift for another person? Thanks in advance. Tim Barlett St Catharines ON

December 10, 2020 at 9:33 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Tim, from https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-outdoors-card: The following information is required to buy, renew or replace an Outdoors Card: legal first, middle and last name date of birth mailing and/or residential address height and eye colour parental consent (for resident hunters 12 to 14 years old) Attaching a fishing licence is trickier, as it involves the individual's personal fish and wildlife file (shown here: https://www.huntandfishontario.com/Account/Login) Perhaps best to transfer the funds to the recipient and have them set it up themselves.

December 18, 2020 at 12:03 pm

Ermand McLain wrote: I just turned 65 Nov 18th (1955) Do I need to carry anything except my drivers permit or any other ID? In Canada

December 21, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Ermand, https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents states: "If you are under 18 years old or 65 and older You do not need to purchase an Outdoors Card or licence to fish. You will need to carry your government-issued identification with you, that includes your name and date of birth, at all times while fishing. Your identification acts as your licence to fish, if you belong to one of these age ranges." So your driver's permit will do just fine.

January 18, 2021 at 10:15 am

Glen Hossack wrote: I am over 65. Do I need to buy outdoors card/fishing license?

January 20, 2021 at 9:23 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Glen, from https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary/recreational-fishing-licence-information: "The persons described below can carry a licence, permit, certificate or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates their name and date of birth and use it as a fishing licence. Ontario and Canadian residents who are under 18 or 65 years of age or older." So as long as you have some sort of government-issued identification on your person, you do not need an outdoors card or fishing licence.

January 21, 2021 at 3:33 pm

John Gorman wrote: Hi, I am 69 and moved to Ontario from another Province. What do I require for recreational fishing? What is this outdoor card? Do I need this? Thank You

January 25, 2021 at 8:04 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: John, if you are over 65, any government-issued ID will be sufficient instead of an Outdoors card. From: https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents "If you are under 18 years old or 65 and older You do not need to purchase an Outdoors Card or licence to fish. You will need to carry your government-issued identification with you, that includes your name and date of birth, at all times while fishing. Your identification acts as your licence to fish, if you belong to one of these age ranges."

March 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm

robert jackman wrote: I am over 65 my understanding is that I don't need an Ontario fishing license is this still correct?

March 8, 2021 at 1:15 pm
Alesha Howran wrote: You would not need to purchase an Ontario fishing licence if you are an Ontario or Canadian resident under the age of 18 or 65 years of age or older. You can read more about licences on pages 6-7 of the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary at https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary.

March 4, 2021 at 7:10 pm

William M Beneteau wrote: I owned a hunting license long time ago can I apply for one or do I have to take a test again

March 10, 2021 at 8:47 am

gary curtis wrote: I will be turning 65 in june but have misplaced my outdoors card what can I do as i will be fishing before june my birthday

May 13, 2021 at 2:53 am

Marilyn Cory wrote: I am a senior and understand I do not need an Outdoors Card or a fishing license to fish, however, I must carry an ID card such as a birth certificate or driver's license. Is a photocopy of my ID acceptable?

May 20, 2021 at 2:26 pm
Alesha Howran wrote: Hi Marilyn, If you review the Ontario Recreation Fishing Regulations Summary Page 6 under the subheading “When You Don’t Need to Purchase a Fishing Licence” it states the following: "The persons described below can carry a licence, permit, certificate or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates their name and date of birth and use it as a fishing licence." The regulations does not address if photocopies are acceptable. For a clear answer feel free to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry directly via telephone 1-800-667-1940 or email using https://www.ontario.ca/feedback/contact-us?id=26930&nid=45341.

June 13, 2021 at 11:29 am

MICHAEL MALLISH wrote: AM from Quebec I have my fishing license. I would like to go fishing with my brother in Ottawa Ontario . Do i need Ontario licence.?

June 23, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Alesha Howran wrote: Hi Michael, we encourage you to read Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary found at https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary specifically page 6-7 that describes when you do not need a licence. Canadian residents under 18 and 65 or older do not need a fishing licence to fish in Ontario (Sport Fishing Licence limits apply). If you are 18-64 you would need to purchase an Ontario recreational fishing licence. Some exceptions also apply so it is best to review the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary to determine if any of the exceptions apply to you.

June 22, 2021 at 3:00 pm

PAUL COLENUTT wrote: Do you still need a fishing license in the year after turning 65.?

June 23, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Alesha Howran wrote: Hi Paul, If you are a Canadian resident 65 or older you do not need a licence to fish. To be clear, this takes effect the day you turn 65, not the following year.

June 29, 2021 at 5:37 pm

Lora Faraday wrote: Does a resident of Ontario when fishing with appropriate ID, but no fishing license follow the sport fishing quota & possession limit or the conservation limits??

July 8, 2021 at 4:23 pm
Jason Bain wrote: If you are over the age of 65, you may engage in fishing provided you carry a licence, permit, certificate, or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates your name and date of birth. Catch and possession limits for a sport fishing licence apply in these situations.

July 9, 2021 at 11:12 am

Wallace Wolfe wrote: I am a Canadian citizen 65 years old. What are the requirements for me to fish in Ontario.

July 12, 2021 at 10:49 am
Jason Bain wrote: If you are over the age of 65, you may engage in fishing provided you carry a licence, permit, certificate, or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates your name and date of birth. Catch and possession limits for a sport fishing licence apply in these situations.

July 29, 2021 at 12:22 pm

Wilson wrote: As a senior over 65, I know they don't need a fishing licence . How many fish they can take ? As sport fishing quantity or conservation fishing quantity ?

August 11, 2021 at 10:09 am
Jason Bain wrote: If you are over the age of 65, you may engage in fishing provided you carry a licence, permit, certificate, or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates your name and date of birth. Catch and possession limits for a sport fishing licence apply in these situations.

July 31, 2021 at 5:37 pm

rod court wrote: my wife purchases a new outdoors card and one year conservation fishing license for me. since i am over 65 can i get a refund?

August 11, 2021 at 10:27 am
Jason Bain wrote: Thank you, Rod. We're not in a position to answer this, but encourage you to call Service Ontario to find out at 1-800-267-8097. Good luck.

July 31, 2021 at 9:29 pm

Gary Haller wrote: I am over 65 and fish on the Ottawa River. Do I need a Quebec License?

August 11, 2021 at 10:22 am
Jason Bain wrote: Thank you for the inquiry, Gary. If you are over the age of 65 in Ontario, you may engage in fishing provided you carry a licence, permit, certificate, or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates your name and date of birth. Catch and possession limits for a sport fishing licence apply in these situations. Here is info for fishing in Quebec waters: https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/fishing-rules/fishing-licence . Also, here is a map showing the boundary between the provinces: https://files.ontario.ca/mnrf-en-2_0/Fisheries-Management-Zone-12-BB13.pdf

August 6, 2021 at 9:08 pm

Steve Sokulski wrote: Where can I get a Ontario fishing guide book thanks

August 11, 2021 at 10:06 am
Jason Bain wrote: Hi, Steve. If you mean the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, it is available at Service Ontario locations and online at https://files.ontario.ca/mnrf-fishing-regulations-summary-2021-en-2020-12-10.pdf

August 15, 2021 at 3:44 pm

E. Prud'homme wrote: If you are a Canadian resident under 18 or over 65 you do not need a fishing licence in Ontario. How many walleye (pickerel) fish are you allowed to catch; the sport's limit or the conservation limit?

August 16, 2021 at 10:22 am
Alesha Howran wrote: If you are under the age of 18 or over the age of 65, you may engage in fishing provided you carry a licence, permit, certificate, or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates your name and date of birth. Catch and possession limits for a sport fishing licence apply in these situations.

August 22, 2021 at 11:44 pm

theodore (ted) alan leis wrote: I am over the age of 65yrs. I am required to show proof of age. (drivers licence). Question is : Do I still need a Outdoors Card. I am a occasional fisherman, never a hunter, usually catch and release. What is my daily limit? Thanks Ted

August 24, 2021 at 10:55 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Good Morning, Ted, please note: "If you are under 18 years old or 65 and older You do not need to purchase an Outdoors Card or licence to fish. You will need to carry your government-issued identification with you, that includes your name and date of birth, at all times while fishing. Your identification acts as your licence to fish, if you belong to one of these age ranges." https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents Your catch limit is dependant on where and when you are fishing. Please refer to the latest Fishing Ontario Recreation Guide to determine this, following the link here: https://files.ontario.ca/books/mnrf-fishing-regulations-summary-2021-en-2020-12-10_0.pdf

August 24, 2021 at 11:12 am

Mike Barnett wrote: I am 65 years old, do i need a fishing license?

August 24, 2021 at 11:15 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Good Morning, Mike, No you do not. Please note: “If you are under 18 years old or 65 and older You do not need to purchase an Outdoors Card or licence to fish. You will need to carry your government-issued identification with you, that includes your name and date of birth, at all times while fishing. Your identification acts as your licence to fish, if you belong to one of these age ranges.” https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents

August 24, 2021 at 7:05 pm

Katherine Brown wrote: My brother is here from bc...he is 74 years old. Does he need a licence to fish in ontario

August 25, 2021 at 9:13 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Good Morning, Katherine, No your brother does not need a licence to fish. Please note: “If you are under 18 years old or 65 and older You do not need to purchase an Outdoors Card or licence to fish. You will need to carry your government-issued identification with you, that includes your name and date of birth, at all times while fishing. Your identification acts as your licence to fish, if you belong to one of these age ranges.” https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents

September 17, 2021 at 11:02 am

Darleen wrote: What do I need to go fishing in Ontario now that I’m 65

September 20, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Darleen, Simply a government-issued ID stating your date of birth. Happy Fishing!

October 12, 2021 at 7:21 am

David Krieger wrote: Do I require a out doors card to hunt if I'm over 65. Or can I just purchase a small and game licence to hunt?

October 13, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Meghan Sutherland wrote: David, "A valid Outdoors Card is required for all resident and non-resident hunters who wish to purchase hunting licences." From the 2021 Hunting Regulations Summary: https://files.ontario.ca/books/mnrf-2021-hunting-regulations-summary-en-2021-04-01-v2.pdf

November 26, 2021 at 9:08 pm

Ron Nokes wrote: I am 73 have recently taken a gun course and have a pal but have not hunted for many years The last small game license I have is from 1981, can I use this to update my license or what do I need to do.

January 27, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Jason Bain wrote: Thank you for the question, Ron. That's great, that you got your firearms accreditation. An Outdoors Card, however, is still required to obtain a hunting licence in Ontario, even for those 65+. You can reach Service Ontario at 1-800-288-1155, visit ontario.ca/outdoorscard, or visit a ServiceOntario or private licence issuer.

December 7, 2021 at 2:08 pm

wayne hamilton wrote: Hi; my question is: I am 78 years of age, my Outdoors Card expires Dec. 2021m, will I have to get it renewed to continue hunting?

December 9, 2021 at 9:27 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Wayne, If you are over 65, you may carry a different government-licensed form of identification, such as a driver's licence, instead. Just keep it on your person while fishing.

December 16, 2021 at 1:12 am

James H Wyrosdick wrote: do I need a fishing and hunting license. I am over 65

January 27, 2022 at 4:31 pm
Jason Bain wrote: Thanks for the question, James. Yes. A valid Outdoors Card is required for all resident and non-resident hunters who wish to purchase hunting licences. For fishing, however, an Outdoor Card is not required - just proof of age.

January 2, 2022 at 6:25 pm

Ian Gordon Gare wrote: Over 65. Do I require a hunting permit or an out door card to hunt coyotes in Lambton County Ontario.

January 27, 2022 at 4:34 pm
Jason Bain wrote: Thanks for the question, Ian. Yes. A valid Outdoors Card is required for all resident and non-resident hunters who wish to purchase hunting licences. For fishing, however, an Outdoor Card is not required - just proof of age.

July 11, 2022 at 5:08 pm

Ron Mackinnon wrote: Do I need a fishing licence in Ontario if over 65

July 12, 2022 at 8:42 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Good Morning Ron, If you are under 18 or over 65, you do not need a licence. It is recommended that you bring some sort of government-appointed ID while fishing though, to prove your age. Thank you.

July 26, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Dean Fournier wrote: I am an Ontario resident over 65, so I legally need no fishing license in Ontario waters. What happens if I legally catch a fish in Ontario waters on the Ottawa River, but am stopped in Quebec waters on the same river with the fish? Quebec requires a fishing license for seniors and Ontario does not. Do I have to use GPS to be sure I don't enter Quebec waters with a fish caught in Ontario?

September 14, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Jason Bain wrote: Thanks, Dean. From page 16 of the 2022 Fishing Regulations Summary, Anglers may fish in the Ottawa River south of the dam in Temiscamingue, Que with either an Ontario Resident Fishing Licence or a Quebec Resident Fishing Licence. Couple other things worth noting: Anglers who fish in waters that lie in both in Ontario and another province or state must include the total number of fish caught anywhere in those waters as part of the number caught and kept or possessed under the Ontario recreational fishing regulations when bringing those fish into Ontario.
December 12, 2022 at 4:16 pm
Jason Bain wrote: Hi, Dean. From the ministry: "Most people require a recreational fishing licence or deemed licence to legally fish in Ontario. If you are an Ontario or Canadian resident who is 65 and older, you do not need to purchase a licence to fish in Ontario. You will need to carry your government-issued identification with you, that includes your name and date of birth, at all times while fishing. Your identification acts as your licence to fish. Catch and possession limits for a Sport Fishing Licence apply in these situations. On Lake Timiskaming and the Ottawa River south of the dam situated in Temiscamingue, Quebec, anglers may use an Ontario recreational fishing licence to fish on either side of the border, but must follow the fishing regulations for the side they are angling on. Anglers who fish in waters that lie both in Ontario and another province or state must include the total number of fish caught anywhere in those waters as part of the number caught and kept or possessed under the Ontario recreational fishing regulations when bringing those fish into Ontario. Questions regarding the possession of fish in Quebec waters (even if caught in Ontario) are best directed to the Quebec provincial government."

September 24, 2022 at 1:54 pm

Greg Prokopetz wrote: Hi..I just turned 65..I am aware I dont need outdoor card or a fishing license. But what about the small game licences?..is that required,after 65 Thanks Greg

October 3, 2022 at 11:36 am
Meghan Sutherland wrote: Greg, From page 15 of the 2022 Hunting Regulations summary: "A valid Outdoors Card is required for all resident and non-resident hunters who wish to purchase hunting licences." So while you don't need an outdoors card to fish after 65, you still need one to purchase licences. You'll find individualized licence requirements on page 14 of the Summary: https://www.ontario.ca/files/2022-08/mnrf-2022-hunting-regulations-summary-en-2022-08-11.pdf