Ontario offers a wide variety of trophy species, making it a hunter’s paradise.
Thankfully, obtaining a licence is simple. There are steps to follow, and a substantial amount of work must be completed prior to your departure.
Non-Ontario residents must be at least 16 years of age to hunt in Ontario.
Get your Ontario Outdoors Card first.
You are required to obtain or renew your Outdoors Card. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry of Ontario issues the Ontario Outdoors Card, which is valid for three calendar years. Everyone who wishes to hunt or fish in Ontario must have one.
There are several ways to obtain or renew an Outdoors Card:
Online Via telephone (1-800-288-1155)
At a Service Ontario participating location
At a licence issuer
The following details are needed to purchase, renew, or replace an Outdoors Card:
- Your legal name, including first, middle, and last
- The date of your birth
- Postal or residential address
- Stature Eye colour
Setting up an online account requires a unique email address for online purchases. Follow these instructions to create an online account.
Within 10 days of a name or address change, Outdoors Card holders can update their information online, at a licence issuer or participating Service Ontario centre, or by calling the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011.
Step 2: Acquire a non-resident Ontario hunting licence
As a non-Ontario resident, you must email the Natural Resources Information Support Centre with the original or a certified copy of a valid hunting licence before entering Ontario. This will be completed within fifteen days of receipt and will permit non-residents to purchase hunting products online prior to departure.
As a non-resident, you can visit a licence issuer or Service Ontario to purchase hunting supplies and then immediately go hunting. Your hunting credentials will be forwarded to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry by the licence issuer or Service Ontario for processing.
Valid accreditation:
A hunting licence issued to the applicant after January 1, 1968 by a competent authority in a recognised jurisdiction in which the applicant was a resident at the time the licence was issued, provided the non-resident is not prohibited from hunting or subject to any restrictions with respect to hunting in that jurisdiction, or a certificate issued to the applicant after January 1, 1968 by a competent authority in a recognised jurisdiction which indicates that the applicant is not prohibited from hunting or subject to any restrictions with respect to hunting in that jurisdiction; or
If the individual does not possess a valid licence from a recognised jurisdiction, he or she must complete the Ontario Hunter Education Program and examination and submit the examination report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
When purchasing a hunting licence in Ontario, keep in mind that licences are species-specific. A turkey licence is distinct from a deer licence, for example. Unless otherwise specified, all Ontario hunting licences expire on December 31 of each year and adhere to the season dates listed in the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.
Please note the following:
“Generally, non-residents who wish to hunt black bear or moose must hunt with a licenced bear operator or moose tourist outfitter. Non-residents hunting with an immediate relative who is a resident of Ontario and who possesses a moose tag are exempt from certain restrictions.
You, as the hunter, are responsible for knowing the type of season, e.g. bow or rifle, the open dates for a particular species, e.g. turkey or moose, and all other applicable hunting rules.
The cost of hunting licences in Ontario varies by species. Determine the current costs in Canadian dollars. When tags are applicable for the non-resident-selected species, the maximum number of tags are included with the licence.
Tags are necessary for:
Moose (Non-residents cannot acquire a moose tag unless they use the services of a moose tourist outfitter and hunt as a registered guest., as of 2021). (Non-residents cannot acquire a moose tag unless they use the services of a moose tourist outfitter and hunt as a registered guest., as of 2021).
Black bear (note MNRF regulation quoted above)
Deer Wolves and/or Coyotes (you can hunt only in select wildlife management units)
Wild Turkey in the Spring or Fall
In addition, if you successfully hunt moose, deer, or black bear, you will need an export permit to bring the meat home (export permits – applicable to non-Canadian residents only).
Please note that all purchases are subject to applicable taxes.
Buying is a straightforward process. If you follow the steps, your trip will be organised in no time. Learn how to bring a hunting gun or box across the Canadian border.
Safe travels and hunting to you.
