Ontario’s 2021 Hunting Regulation Summary, which covers from fall of 2021 to spring of 2022, was released in early April.
This year’s regs include the following notable regulatory changes.
- Moose calf tags are no longer included with every licence. Instead, there are now Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) specific calf tags, cow/calf tags and bull tag and a new point-based allocation process to apply for them. Along with this are new application deadlines, changed fees and slightly earlier seasons in southern WMUs as well as other changes. (See page 58 in the 2021 Hunting Regulation Summary or visit Ontario.ca/moose review for full details.)
- New mandatory hunter reporting requirements for black bear, deer, moose, elk, wild turkey, wolf/coyote. (See page 22 in the 2021 Hunting Regulation Summary.)
- Also, as of 2021 anyone wanting to provide black bear hunting services to resident hunters in a bear management area (BMA) must have a licence to provide black bear hunting services within that BMA. There are also new non-resident hunting regulations (See page 78 and 79 in the 2021 Hunting Regulation Summary for full details.)
- The MNRF has introduced new regulations on the import and possession of parts from all members of the deer family (including deer, elk, moose, and caribou) that have come from outside jurisdictions. (Visit page 49 or Ontario.ca/cwd.)
- It is illegal to use or possess natural attractants that contain body fluids such as blood, urine, gland oils and other fluids (including products) from any member of the deer family for any purpose.
- Starting later in 2021 Hunter Safety Courses will be made available on-line. In-person courses will still be available, however. (To learn more visit ohep.net.)
As always, hunters are encouraged to read and be familiar with the regulations prior to going afield. They can be found online at www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-hunting-regulations-summary.
Any new information will keep me and my friends up to date
where can the new regulations be obtain
Moose Hunting: how is the number of moose tags determined for outfitters and is the method the same for all WMUs regardless of the moose population in any particular WMU? Also, is there a limit to the number of outfitters in specific WMUs?
Fished trout opener credit & humber rivers 2021. I was appalled by the amount of sheer numbers of cormorants picking off fish in shallow pools, is this the future ? Hunting opportunities should be year round for this destructive bird. When cormorants fly back with fresh young birds doubling their stay here also, nightmare for hatchery put in fish into our lakes & rivers ! I am not for feeding cormorants with our hatchery fish, money wasted, cull the cormorants year round !
FROM SCRATCH .WHAT DO I NEED TO HUNT USING A BOW OR CROSSBOW?
Shawn,
Where are you in the process? A bow/crossbow is considered a firearm and so you will need your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and your Outdoors Card. If you’re starting from scratch, here’s information on taking the One Stop Hunter’s Ed course:
https://www.ohep.net/courses/one-stop-hunter-education-program/
It can take time to sign up for a course and/or receive your paperwork back, so best to get on it straightaway.?
Here’s the 2021 Hunting Regulations Summary, which you’ll need to know your Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) and the dates of openers (legal hunt dates for game).
https://files.ontario.ca/books/mnrf-2021-hunting-regulations-summary-en-2021-04-01-v2.pdf
Here’s an article, also, on choosing your first bow that may prove useful:
https://new.oodmag.com/insights-for-choosing-your-first-bow/
Best of luck!
With regards to 2021-2022 wolf /coyote season.
If I purchase a wolf tag in Nov. 2021; is that valid through March 2022?
Or
If I purchase a wolf tag on Jan 2nd 2022 is that tag valid through December 31 2022?
Trying to understand your wolf season where a tag is required, due to the season being Mid Sept 2021- March 31, 2022
Thanks
Dean
Hello Dean,
Check out the 2021 Hunting Regulations summary: https://files.ontario.ca/books/mnrf-2021-hunting-regulations-summary-en-2021-04-01-v2.pdf
You’ll notice that some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) have an open season all year round, with no tags required, and others are from September 15 to March 31 with a tag needed. You’ll be able to find a map of where the WMUs are included within the link, also. Please note the other requirements and restrictions when hunting wolf/coyote in the Hunting Regulations summary, too. Also note: “Residents and non-residents may purchase a maximum of two wolf/coyote tags per calendar year.”