The province intends to phase out the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 2007 and replace it with new legislation called the Species Conservation Act. Proposed on April 17, the changes are designed to loosen current approaches to the protection and conservation of Continue reading Province replacing Endangered Species Act
Nutria Q: Given that the province declared nutria an invasive species on January 1, what action should anglers and hunters take if they cross paths with one? Since they are illegal to possess, should they be left where they are? Eric Continue reading Ask an Expert: nutria detection
Q: I’m a long-haul trucker. If I have an Ontario moose tag, can I keep roadkill? Kyle Fabian, Pickering A: Keeping roadkill does not require a hunting licence. If you take possession of the road-killed carcass of a black bear, caribou (see exception Continue reading Ask A CO: On keeping roadkill
MNR is accepting applications from students for summer positions now! Here are some of the opportunities available: Enjoy fishing? We’re looking for students to teach our Learn to Fish program. Looking for a career in aquaculture? Apply to be an Assistant Fish Continue reading MNR Summer Student Recruitment
New 2025 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary came into effect – January 1 Visit the Spring Fishing and Boat Show – February 14 to 16 Free family fishing weekend – February 15 to 17 Spring Wild Turkey Tag, Bear Licence, Deer Licence, Antlerless Deer Draw available – March 1 Find Continue reading Upcoming Date Reminders
Hunter reporting penalties increase – Ontario OUT of DOORS The financial penalty for failing to submit a mandatory hunter report two or more times for a species in Ontario is increasing. The changes, made through amendments to the Fish and Wildlife Continue reading Hunter reporting penalties increase
8 million fish 1200 Ontario waterbodies 1 year We go behind the scenes of Ontario’s fish culture and stocking program with some of the skilled staff members working in several of our province’s fish culture stations. Whether by truck, boat Continue reading Behind the scenes of Ontario’s fish culture and stocking program
Calling all early birds and eager beavers – Outdoors Cards, fishing licences, and small game licences for 2025 are now available for purchase! There is no benefit to waiting to purchase your licences: If you know you want to fish Continue reading Outdoors Cards, fishing licences, and small game licences for 2025 are now available for purchase!
Calling all Ontario moose hunters The December 29 moose hunter report deadline is only a few days away! Reports can be submitted either at HuntAndFishOntario.com or by phone at 1-800-288-1155. Hunters who fail to submit their mandatory hunter report(s) Continue reading Calling all Moose Hunters
Dog train-and-trial decision made – Ontario OUT of DOORS The Ministry of Natural Resources has amended the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, (FWCA) and associated regulations, to allow for the issuance of licences for new dog train-and-trial areas. Dog trial-and-train areas Continue reading Dog train-and-trial decision made
Liberals ban more semi-automatic firearms – Ontario OUT of DOORS With Christmas approaching, the federal Liberals provided owners of some centrefire and rimfire semi-automatic rifles a lump of coal in banning another 324 models of what it calls “assault-style” firearms. Continue reading Liberals ban more semi-automatic firearms
Carrying shotguns and muzzleloaders Q: During the controlled deer hunt in a zone that is open for muzzleloaders and shotguns, can I take a shotgun loaded with buckshot for close stuff and a muzzleloader for long stuff at the same time? Continue reading Ask A CO
Q: Do guns have to be locked up, or can they be unloaded and left on the rack at a hunt camp? Jasmin Gallant, Sudbury A: All firearms must be stored unloaded. In addition, generally they must be rendered inoperable by means Continue reading Ask a CO: Guns at hunt camp
The Ministry of Natural Resources is proposing changes to the moose tag allocation process to reduce the number of unclaimed moose tags. Thousands of tags go unclaimed every year, meaning a loss of sustainable hunting opportunities. The proposal is a Continue reading Proposing changes to the moose tag allocation process
Ask a CO: Mistake consequences explained Q: My hunting partner made a mistake and shot the wrong sex moose. What are the consequences of self-reporting the mistake vs. abandoning the animal in the bush? A: Mistaken identity of moose can happen. Scenarios Continue reading Ask a CO: Mistake consequences explained
Ask a CO: Hunting ducks and geese from a motorboat Q: What are the rules when it comes to hunting ducks and geese from a motorboat? Gord Church, Sauble Beach A: Provincial rules include requiring a small game licence and not having Continue reading Ask a CO: Hunting ducks and geese from a motorboat
Ask a CO: On COs entering private property Q: Can a conservation officer enter private property using the private laneway or do they have to enter through the bush? Someone has told me that they are not allowed to enter in Continue reading Ask a CO: On COs entering private property
Hunting Seasons Turkey, bear, moose, elk, deer and small game seasons are opening this fall. Check the hunting regulations for your wildlife management unit. Reporting Deadlines Fall Wild turkey – November 14 Non-resident moose hunter report for tourist outfitters – November 22 Continue reading Important Dates
We need your help! Submit a sample, stay informed and help protect Ontario’s cervid populations. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal and untreatable disease affecting cervids, such as white-tailed deer, moose and elk. While CWD has not been detected Continue reading Protecting Ontario’s deer from CWD