A pastime of many Canadians spanning across generations is hunting. This hobby, however, is heavily regulated across Canada and in the province of Ontario. While many hunters travel far and wide, some may be interested in staying as close to home as they can. While normal for many Canadians, it may create a culture shock for many new Canadians who did not grow up in an environment where there is a hunting history. Today, let’s explore these regulations and see what you are allowed to do on your own property as a homeowner, and what rights you have to limit access to your property if you chose to do so.&nbsp;We will attempt to cover the important issues that are related to property rights at a high level. Regulations are complex and wide ranging. They cover everything from where you can hunt, what you can hunt, when you can hunt, what you should wear when you hunt, and with what tools you can hunt.&nbsp;Hunters are very passionate and responsible about policing their activity and that of their community members. If you are in doubt about your rights, there are several organizations and clubs that will provide you with information. The government at all levels are also engaged in making sure that hunting is conducted lawfully, safely and within the stated rules.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Ontario regulations, we should ultimately turn to the Government of Ontario’s website. We need to address the elephant in the room: guns. Across the province, the use of automatic firearms is prohibited. You may not hunt with a handgun. Semi-automatic or air and pellet guns are allowed for hunting in some circumstances. Air and pellet guns are only permitted for hunting small game. While you are hunting, do not be caught without your gun and hunting licences. The Canada Firearms Act lays down the law for firearm use in this country. The Government of Ontario states that whenever you are hunting with a gun, you must have the following on you at all times: Possession and Acquisition Licence, Outdoors Card (Indigenous and over 65 hunters exempt), Hunting License summary, and any relevant tags for the game you are hunting.&nbsp;There are several hunting fees you are expected to pay, all of which can be found on the Government of Ontario’s website under Hunting Licence Information. The first required fee is an Ontario Outdoors Card, an $8 charge required for everyone who will be purchasing a hunting licence. You should do your research into which fees you will be required to pay, but some of them include a $43.86 resident deer licence, a $35.29 resident moose licence, $48.25 resident elk licence, $43.86 resident bear licence, $22.76 resident small game licence, a $26.33 resident turkey tag for spring or fall, and many more. When you acquire tags, that allows you to hunt one animal of that species using that paper tag. While tags are associated with certain game and seasons, there are species that can be hunted year-round. Not all game requires a tag.&nbsp;To obtain a hunting licence, you are required to pass Ontario’s Hunter Education Course. Your licence summary includes all the licences you paid for, including the fees above such as the resident elk licence, for example. You can either print out a hard copy of this summary or you can have it on your mobile device. Either way, you must be able to provide it if Conservation Officers request it.&nbsp;The rules governing Indigenous hunters are formed by their Treaty Rights. These rights allow for exemptions to much of what we have presented, however, private property rights do apply to all.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now to answer the question: can I hunt on my own private property? The short answer is that it depends. You cannot just hunt everywhere – this should be obvious. There are certain municipalities in Ontario that prohibit hunting and firearm use within their boundaries. This extends to even discharging a firearm within municipal limits. Where there are people, pets, protected species, and more wandering around, this is not a good place to hunt. Obviously, hunting on just anyone’s private property without permission is considered trespassing. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters have a form for accessing permission to hunt on private land, as written consent is preferred. Crown lands, municipal and county forests, conservation areas, provincial parks, provincial wildlife areas, and more, may have certain areas dedicated to hunting. In terms of private property, however, most municipalities require that you hunt a certain distance away from any road. (In fact, you cannot have a loaded firearm with a certain distance of a road.) You cannot hunt by firing across a road. There are rules that govern how close you can be to a building or home. Exactly where you are allowed to hunt is frustratingly difficult to find, but doing your research is essential to ensure your hobby stays legal and safe.&nbsp;For homeowners, hunters cannot access your land without your permission. They cannot fire across your land. They cannot allow their hunting dogs onto your land. You may post signs like “No Trespassing” or “No Hunting”, however, the absence of these signs does not remove the obligation of the hunter to get your permission first. Conservation Officers will enforce the rules and levy fines where appropriate.&nbsp;For newcomers to Canada, the idea of hunting may be new and potentially surprising when it is first encountered. This said, it is a part of Canadian culture that you may find you embrace yourself. It serves an important role in environmental control and wildlife management initiatives. Hunters often have unique individual goals, however, in almost every case the game harvested provides a source of food for someone. Hunting is an important part of Indigenous culture and deserves our respect. This said, it is important to know that you have the right to allow hunting on your property or not.&nbsp;

Hunting on Private Property in Ontario

Navigate Ontario's hunting regulations for homeowners. Learn about property rights, firearm use, fees, and the essentials for lawful and safe hunting with RIFO advice

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