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How to be prepared for hunting season in Ontario

September 17, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

With the fall hunting season approaching, you should be aware of the legal requirements for hunting in Ontario if you plan on bagging a deer this season.

Before you can hunt in Ontario, you will need an Outdoors Card, hunter accreditation on file with the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service, federal firearms accreditation – for example, a Possession and Acquisition License for firearms, and all required licenses and tags for the game you wish to hunt.

To hunt in Ontario as a resident, you must be at least 16 years old (15 with written parental consent), have completed the Ontario Hunter Education Program (or Ontario-recognized equivalent accreditation), and have submitted valid documentation to have hunter accreditation added to your Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service account.

You must follow all federal firearms regulations and carry appropriate documentation with you if you are hunting with a gun, have a valid Outdoors Card, and have the required hunting license(s) and tag(s) for the game you wish to hunt.

Ontario residents who are 12 to 14 years old are eligible to participate in Ontario’s Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program. This program helps develop their hunting skills under the direct, immediate supervision of a qualified, licensed mentor.

You must follow all rules related to hunting in Ontario, including where and when you can hunt, the type of firearm that can be used, and the clothing you are required to wear when hunting.

A hunting license is required to hunt in Ontario. All licenses are specific to the game you wish to hunt and will be listed on your license summary.

Licenses expire on Dec. 31 of each year, unless otherwise stated.

When hunting, you are required to carry a valid Outdoors Card and a license summary listing valid small or big game. A license summary can be carried in a paper or digital format.

You should also carry your firearms accreditation if you are hunting with a gun.

If hunting big game, you will require associated tags. All big game species have tag requirements.

Tags can be purchased online using the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service, at a license issuer, and at participating ServiceOntario locations.

It is the hunter’s responsibility to know the tagging requirements for the species being hunted.

A full list of hunting requirements and obligations is listed on the Province of Ontario website. 

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