Whatever touches the hunter in you, chances are that you can find it in Ontario. Whether it’s the flash of a fleeing deer, the majestic shape of a bull moose, the honk of Canadian geese, or the whir of grouse taking flight, the diverse locations in Ontario have what speaks to the soul of the hunter.
From the fertile agricultural lands of southern Ontario to the Hudson Bay tidal flats, hunting in Ontario is a vast and diverse experience. Whether you’re partial to the subtle greens and yellows of the boreal forest to the north, or the hardwood forests of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region as they blaze with fall’s colors, the earthly medley of Ontario is your basis for a satiating hunt.
In this guide, you will find the information necessary to plan your Ontario hunting trip where you’ll be among the scenic beauty and the plentiful wildlife, turning your dreams into cherished moments.
The quarry
Ontario has a diverse climate, from the warmer, fertile south to the frigid sub-arctic; the variety in game is reflected in these differing climates. You can find waterfowl from James Bay down to the marshlands and migratory staging areas of the south, its lakes and the rich grain and corn fields in the rural areas.
Ontario offers a carefully controlled selective harvest system which guarantees a good population of moose, widely distributed over northern Ontario’s boreal forest. Some of these moose can reach over 1,000 pounds, and are sure to give you the thrill of a lifetime. Enormous numbers of white-tailed deer range from the southern borders to the northwest past Lake superior. Whether you’re looking for the big farmland bucks or the large-racked deer in the eastern and northwestern woodlands, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
In the fall, Ontario’s black bear season rolls around, giving you the opportunity to hunt a trophy bruin from the greatest population of its kind in North America. You can combine your bear hunt with an expedition for deer or moose, or as its own test of your hunting skills. Along with the big game, you’ll find upland game birds basically anywhere in the province. Snipe, grouse, and woodcock have a diverse population throughout Ontario; pheasant are wide-spread to the south, and ptarmigan can be found in the northern tundra.
There are growing numbers of wild turkey due to a successful reintroduction in the southern fields and woodlots. This offers you a chance to bag a proud turkey in the spring. Along with this type of game, you can also find a great diversity of hares, rabbits, and squirrels.
Be pampered, or live off the land
Many hunting lands to the north are accessible by road, and are public property. Plan your own excursion, or visit the services of experienced outfitters. These outfitters can provide anything from accommodation to trip planning, and many offer complete hunting packages. These include: tags for big game, guides to lead your way, and even fly-in adventures so that you can reach the remotest outpost camps. If you’re looking for waterfowl, you can find a goose camp on the tidewater flats that will fit the bill. Or you can hire a guide and stop at the southern farm fields, or stop-over lakes. You can trust these experience guides. They’ll be able to outfit your trip so that you can focus on the adventure of every moment.
Ontario has many quality lodgings, including well-kept campgrounds, all the way up to top-ranked full-service lodges and housekeeping units. U.S. hunters will find a favourable exchange rate while visiting Ontario. Just see how far your dollar can go.
There’s Something for Everyone
The vast opportunities of Ontario give you the freedom to hunt the way you like. Whether you’re lying in wait for big game from a tree stand, or blowing out duck or goose calls from a blind, you can find your niche in Ontario. From stalking moose to driving deer, trying your luck with upland game or matching wits with a black bear, the possibilities are endless. Along with shotgun and rifle seasons for big game, some Wildlife Management Units offer bow and muzzleloader hunting with their special regulations. These more traditional methods enjoy a longer season with less competition for the game. In a lot of regions, these seasons can last far into the year. In some places, you can even stalk your prey through the snow-covered scenery.
Truly the chance for the hunt of a lifetime, Ontario offers game as varied as the landscape itself. Whether you’re on the prowl for moose or black bear, or you’re looking to flush out woodcock or grouse, this guide can help to bring your daydreams to life in the wilderness of Ontario where our hunting legacy runs deep, and you’re sure to leave with fond memories.
