The MNR’s Science and Research branch has published the results of two studies conducted in 2020 and 2021 focusing on Ontario’s small game and turkey hunters. The research provides valuable insight into the decisions, preferences, and perceptions of hunters in Ontario.
Small game hunters technical report (excludes turkeys)
This 2020 survey was completed by 6,304 individuals. While most respondents were largely satisfied overall, land access and local declines/management for some species are recurring concerns, especially in southern and central Ontario.
Key takeaways:
- 137,358 individuals (48.3% of resident small game hunting licence holders) hunted small game
- The average experience level of a small game hunter is 21 years
- 77% of small game hunters target grouse, followed by rabbits and hares (10%). Southern Ontario hunters focus on a much greater variety of species than in the north
- Small-game hunting generated an estimated $241 million in 2020
- Approximately 17% of small game hunters use dogs, the majority of whom reside in southern Ontario
- Most of the small game hunting occurs on Crown lands. A third of southern and central hunters almost always hunted private lands
- Hunters recognize habitat problems as being major in the south and think more needs to be done for grouse and rabbits
Wild turkey hunters technical report
This 2021 survey was completed by 1,122 individuals. Once again, most hunters were satisfied, but concerns were expressed about access opportunities and turkey populations in some areas.
Key takeaways:
- 45,520 Ontario residents hunted turkey
- Hunters had an average of 10.5 years of experience turkey hunting
- The vast majority (85%) of turkey hunters use a shotgun. 29% sometimes use bows, and 0.5% use a muzzleloading shotgun
- Access to land was ranked as the biggest barrier and the most common source of dissatisfaction
- Turkey hunters contributed approximately $33 million dollars to the economy in 2021
- The spring hunt is far more popular than fall
- Overall, 82% of turkey hunters indicated satisfaction with their 2021 experience
- While most hunters did not have safety concerns, 43% encountered other hunters using a gobbler call.
“This research provides great insight into both hunting as an activity and, perhaps most uniquely, the hunters themselves,” OFAH Fish & Wildlife Biologist Matthew Robbins said. “The results reiterate just how important small game and turkey hunting are here in Ontario and, for our part, will help the OFAH tailor our efforts towards the issues hunters care most about.”
The full publications are available at: ResearchGate.net
Originally published in the Jan.-Feb. 2026 issue of Ontario Out of Doors
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