Q: We are in an area that includes one to two-acre properties leased from the MNR. Those lease holders tell hunters that their lease entitles them to large areas of adjoining Crown land. They insinuate that hunters are on private land and could lose their hunting licence for trespassing. Can you clarify?
Brian Moran, Calabogie
A: A lease of Crown land does not provide rights to adjacent Crown land. Any non-leased Crown land may be hunted by anyone unless posted in accordance with federal or provincial law, e.g., “red zones” where hunting is not permitted due to active forestry operations.
Answer by: David Critchlow, Provincial Enforcement Specialist, MNR
Originally published in the Fall 2025 issue of Ontario Out of Doors
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