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bushcrafthwy
Sep 244 min read

Hunting Basics for Ontario

This is a general overview of the steps I followed to obtain my hunter's education, Possession and Acquisition License (PAL), and hunting license. It does not encompass all the laws and regulations related to firearms, bowhunting, and hunting.


 



So back in 2021, I had an opportunity to take the CFSC or Canadian Firearms Safety Course. Some friends and relatives had been very active in the sport-shooting and I decided to give it a go as well.

I also decided at that time that if I was going to own firearms, I should use them for hunting as well. I'd start will small game (and still do) and then move on to bigger game as I gained more experience.

There are quite a few requirements that the hunter/firearm owner needs to be aware of. Lately, the rules and regulations for firearms change at the drop of a hat and are not as liberal as they used to be. (no pun intended)

 

Why hunt in the first place?


Well for me. It is the same reason for fishing or planting a garden in your backyard. It helps to supplement the groceries and add some variety to what we can serve at the table.


Hunter Orange

Hunting also brings all your outdoor skills into play. Navigation, Tracking, and Observation as well as being an exercise in restraint, patience, and dare I say…. self-discipline.


On my first moose hunt with my oldest brother, even though we didn't catch anything, I still enjoyed being outdoors. The weather was great for September and the leaves were starting to change colours. It was a great experience just being out there. We did however, bag one chicken and even that was a learning experience.

 

Getting started.

Depending on what you want to hunt and how. You will need to get some training, licenses, and the gear you plan to hunt with. More or less in that order.

 



 

1. ONTARIO OUTDOORS CARD


Before you can purchase any hunting, or fishing licenses. You require an OUTDOORS Card. I already had my OUTDOORS CARD for fishing since I was 18, so there was one less step for me to worry about.




Outdoor cards are valid for three calendar years, and the renewal period starts on the first Tuesday of December every year.


Currently, they cost around $857 + HST and can be purchased online, by Phone, at a license issuer, and participating SERVICE ONTARIO locations.

More information can be found here:


 



 

2. HUNTER EDUCATIO


To get a hunting license in Ontario, you need proof of hunter accreditation. Additional up-to-date information about Hunter Education and Hunting in Ontario can be found by visiting



In 1960, Ontario became the first Canadian province to establish a mandatory Hunter Education course that included training on safe and responsible hunting.

The Ontario Hunter Education Program will assist you in understanding the natural world and becoming a knowledgeable and responsible hunter. The program provides introduction information about:


  • ecosystems and wildlife management

  • hunting laws and regulations

  • hunter responsibilities

  • identification, biology, management of, and hunting techniques for big game, small game, and waterfowl.

  •  hunting and survival equipment

  • the hunter’s role in society.

  • The program also reinforces the firearms safety information contained in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.


New hunters of all ages must take hunter education training and pass an exam before they can purchase their first hunting license.



Live classes are sometimes offered as a 'one stop' class for Hunter Ed and your PAL over a few days. You can also find courses online that are approved by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry


I took my Hunter Ed Course here:


 



 

  1. THE LICENCE


Okay then, now you have your outdoors card and your hunter education course certificate. You bring them both to a Service Ontario outlet.

They will register your hunter accreditation. You will then be able to buy hunting licenses and tags and apply to big game draws…. for bowhunting.



 

Yes…bowhunting. You do not need any other licenses or training to buy a compound, recurve, or crossbow in Ontario, or anywhere in Canada.

There are special regulations for bowhunting that can be found under the general regulations here:


 



 

  1. FIREARMS



Firearms can be a touchy subject lately. For Hunting, we’ll only look at the non-restricted course.



If you would like to hunt with firearms you will need to take the CFSC, or Canadian Firearms Safety course. Once you receive your license you are authorized to purchase and own firearms and ammunition.



 

The non-restricted course took me about two days to complete and cost about $150 (instruction and manual included). Our course ran day and a half of instruction with time for questions, and half a day for all attendees to complete the written and hands-on sections.

Without giving anything away… common sense will get you through 80 % of it.

The student handbook can be found here:



Courses and instructors can be found here:

 


 

Follow Up:

 

Now that all the red tape and paperwork is complete, and you have a head full of rules and regulations - its time to gear up and do your thing. Grab a blaze orange vest and a cap, make sure your bow is tuned up, or your rifle is clean and sighted in.


Remember!


Know your Wildlife management units. Some areas have different regulations than others.


Know your dates for season open and close - and sunrise and sunset times.

 

Know your firearms laws - keeping up to date is YOUR responsibility


Be safe out there and have fun!



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