- Understand Permits And Stamps Needed For Migratory Game Bird Hunting
- Learn About Ontario Hunting Licenses, Regulations, And Safety Rules
- Ontario Hunting Season Dates And Regional Variations
- Follow Health And Safety Guidelines For Handling Wild Game
- Know The Enforcement Penalties And How To Report Violations
- Encourage Youth Participation Through Hunting Mentorship Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore EcoFlow’s Portable Power Solutions and Solar Generators?
Ontario Hunting Season 2025: Dates, Rules, and Key Info
- Understand Permits And Stamps Needed For Migratory Game Bird Hunting
- Learn About Ontario Hunting Licenses, Regulations, And Safety Rules
- Ontario Hunting Season Dates And Regional Variations
- Follow Health And Safety Guidelines For Handling Wild Game
- Know The Enforcement Penalties And How To Report Violations
- Encourage Youth Participation Through Hunting Mentorship Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore EcoFlow’s Portable Power Solutions and Solar Generators?
Ontario’s 2025 hunting season brings opportunities for seasoned hunters and young newcomers to enjoy the province’s rich wildlife and landscapes. From understanding licence requirements and federal permits to knowing regional season dates, enforcement rules, and safety regulations, being prepared is the key. This guide provides the essential information you need to know before heading out for a successful hunt.
Understand Permits And Stamps Needed For Migratory Game Bird Hunting
To hunt migratory game birds in Ontario, you need a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit and the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation (CWHC) stamp, which comes as a combined permit costing $17 plus tax.
The province of Ontario also requires a valid Outdoors Card, an Ontario hunting licence, and your hunter accreditation on file.
Learn About Ontario Hunting Licenses, Regulations, And Safety Rules
The province of Ontario requires an Outdoors Card valid for three years, which can be purchased separately or when renewing licenses.
Hunting and fishing licences require annual renewals via phone at 1-800-288-1155, online at www.huntandfishontario.com, or in person at license issuers and participating ServiceOntario locations.
Staying safe during a hunt is essential. All hunters must wear solid orange clothing and an orange head cover during open gun seasons. Additional rules include never carrying loaded firearms in a vehicle or shooting from a vehicle or across a traffic right-of-way.
General safety rules include never drinking alcohol while hunting, letting someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return, and carrying essential winter gear.
Ontario Hunting Season Dates And Regional Variations
Ontario hunting dates vary with the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), type of game, and the weapon (muzzle loaders, guns, bows, rifles, shotguns, etc.) you use.
You can find all appropriate WMUs' open season dates in the 2025 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.
While Sunday hunts are allowed throughout Ontario, some municipalities and WMUs have specific Sunday rules that must be followed.
Follow Health And Safety Guidelines For Handling Wild Game
When handling wild game, bring a sharp knife, a saw, sanitizing soap, clean towels, heavy-duty gloves, and a cooler with ice.
Then, only choose healthy-looking animals. After the hunt, wear gloves and act quickly to bleed the animal and remove the intestines to prevent spoilage, keeping the carcass clean of debris. Also, never eat, drink, or smoke while field dressing animals and avoid handling brains and spinal cords, which carry risks of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Finally, chill the carcass with ice from your cooler. If you hunt in cold weather, use bagged snow inside the carcass until you can get it home, process it, and freeze it.
Know The Enforcement Penalties And How To Report Violations
Hunters who purchase tags or licenses to hunt moose must complete mandatory hunter reports, even if they don’t harvest any animals. Those who fail to report face a $25 surcharge for each failed report, automatically applied to the next draw application, licence, or tag purchase for that species. Beginning in 2027, a hunter will face a $50 surcharge for any consecutive failure to report. Hunters who fail to report or provide false information may also be fined under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Hunters can complete reports online at www.ontario.ca/hunterreporting or by calling 1-800-288-1155.
If you’re caught hunting without a license in Ontario, you could be fined up to $25,000, face jail time, have your equipment seized, and permanently lose your license. To report violations in Ontario, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) TIPS line 1-877-847-7667 or use Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.
Encourage Youth Participation Through Hunting Mentorship Programs
Youth migratory game bird hunting permits are available free of charge to all minors through the online MGBH e-permitting system. The permit remains valid until June 30 following the date of issue, even if the holder turns 18. Their adult mentor must hold a valid MGBH permit and can only accompany one youth at a time.
The youth permit can be used throughout the full open seasons and the special conservation season in spring. It gives the youth their own daily bag and possession limits, in addition to those of their adult mentor, so both can participate.
Don't forget to bring your EcoFlow RAPID Pro-X Power Bank to keep your phone charged and capture all your great memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does Hunting Season Start In Ontario 2025?
Hunting season dates in Ontario depend on the game, weapons, and Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). Some wolf and coyote WMUs are open year-round, northern black bear WMUs opened August 15, 2025, and some white tailed deer WMUs opened October 11, 2025.
What Licenses Do I Need For Hunting In Ontario?
To hunt in Ontario, you need a valid Outdoors Card, proof of hunter accreditation, and specific hunting licenses and tags for the game you plan to hunt. If you hunt using firearms, you also need a Possession and Acquisition Licence.
Can You Hunt On Sundays In Ontario?
Yes, you can hunt on Sundays in Ontario. However, rules vary since municipalities have the authority to permit Sunday hunts, and some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) have their own rules as well.
What Are The Penalties For Hunting Without A License In Ontario?
If you are caught hunting without a license in Ontario, you could face a fine of up to $25,000 ($100,000 for corporations), possible jail time, a criminal record, seizure of your equipment, and a permanent loss of a license.
Ready to Explore EcoFlow’s Portable Power Solutions and Solar Generators?
No matter where in Ontario you’re hunting, proper licensing, safety preparation, and ethical practices make for a successful season. Be sure to check your local WMU regulations, renew your Outdoors Card, pack essential safety gear before every trip, and bring along your EcoFlow RAPID Pro-X Power Bank so you don’t miss any great memories.
And when it comes to staying powered in the backcountry, explore EcoFlow’s portable power stations and solar generators to keep your GPS, lights, heaters, and other essential equipment running so you can focus on the hunt.