Q: Is there a required shotgun pellet size for hunting grouse or rabbit?
Ron Goheen
A: There are no pellet size regulations specifically for hunting grouse or rabbits. However, there are restrictions on larger shot in certain areas or at certain times of year. For example, small game hunters, other than those hunting wolf or coyote, generally cannot possess or use shells loaded with shot larger than number 2 during the open season for moose, deer, elk, or black bear. If using steel or bismuth shot, they may have shells up to BBB steel or BB bismuth. This prohibition does not apply if the hunter has a valid licence for the big game species that the season is open for. In addition, hunters may not possess the aforementioned shotgun shells while hunting with a shotgun in WMU 7A from August 15 to December 15.
Answer by: David Critchlow, Provincial Enforcement Specialist, MNR
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Please check the most recent Ontario hunting and fishing regulations summaries, as rules and regulations can change
Originally published in the Jan.-Feb. 2025 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
Contact Information
PO Box 2800 / 4601 Guthrie Dr.
Peterborough, Ontario Canada K9J 8L5
Phone: 705-748-OFAH (6324)
Fax: 705-748-9577
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