Darlington Provincial Park Waterfowl Hunt
Address: 1600 Darlington Park Rd. Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K3
Park Phone: 905-436-2036
Waterfowl Unit Technician Phone: 705 760 3057 Call or Text 5:00am – 4:00pm for any inquiries about the Waterfowl Hunt operations.
WMU: 72B – located in the southern hunting district.
Introduction
Although this waterfowl hunt has been operating for many years, it has room to grow! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to harvest waterfowl species that utilize McLaughlin Bay in Darlington Provincial Park during their migration across Lake Ontario. Anyone interested in hunting waterfowl are encouraged to come to Darlington Provincial Park and participate.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) in partnership with OFAH Zone E and G, assist in the administration of the Controlled Waterfowl Hunt at Darlington Provincial Park as authorized in an existing and longstanding agreement between Parks Ontario and the OFAH. The Hunt is administered under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
The OFAH authorizes hunters to enter the Darlington Waterfowl Unit (DWU) for the purpose of hunting Ducks, Rails, Gallinules, Snipe, Coots and Geese during the open season as set out in the Federal Migratory Birds Regulations.
Retriever dogs are welcomed to ensure quick retrieval of wounded birds for the conservation of waterfowl species and to minimize public complaints. There are five blinds available with a maximum of two hunters per blind, there are no reservations of blinds, they are available on a first come first serve basis.
History
A provision of the agreement between OFAH and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry requires hunters participate in a mandatory reporting program. Each person must return to the on-site Waterfowl Technician after completing their hunt and present their harvest from that morning for important data collection (the species, sex, age, and number of waterfowl harvested, etc.). The information from these reports and standard migratory bird band reporting from Darlington Provincial Park waterfowl hunters, contributes to long-term monitoring and assessment programs throughout North America.
For more than 20 years, the Hunt has provided waterfowl hunting experiences in a central location, adjacent to the Greater Toronto Area. This hunt promotes the preservation of public hunting, come out to show your support!
Map
Access to the waterfowl blinds is by boat only.
Map 1 – Waterfowl blind locations in McLaughlin Bay.
Waterfowl Hunting Dates: Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 – Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday AM)
Hunting is closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays to reduce hunting pressure and allow the birds to rest.
Poor weather or icy conditions my cause the hunt to close prior to December 2nd. Updates will be posted on the OFAH Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages if there are any closures, make sure to check them frequently.
Cost: $20.00 per OFAH Member hunter.
$25.00 per non-OFAH Member hunter.
$40.00 for single adult digital OFAH Membership for 1 year and hunt for the day.
CASH ONLY
Parking: Hunters driving into the park will be required to purchase and present a valid Darlington Provincial Park vehicle pass (daily or seasonal) available for purchase online at Create Reservation (ontarioparks.com). You can book your day permit online up to 5 days in advance.
To participate, you MUST possess:
- Valid Ontario Outdoors Card
- Small game license for Ontario
- Migratory Game Birds Hunting Permit
- Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)
- Valid Pleasure Craft Operators Card (if operating a motorboat)
- Parking Permit
- OFAH Card (must show to receive discounted price)