Hunting on public and Crown land in Ontario

Crown land

Crown land in Ontario is managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The term Crown land is used because Canada is part of the British Commonwealth. In essence, it is public land.

Most of the Crown land is in Northern and Central Ontario. This land provides the province with revenue from natural resource-based industries such as mining and forestry and offers incredible recreational opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts, including hunting.

The best Crown land hunting spots in Ontario depend on what species you are targeting; however, Northern Ontario contains the majority of Crown land and thus is home to moose, deer, bear, grouse and other huntable species.

Learn about area-specific land-use policy with the Ontario Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.

Crown land camping and some hunting regulations differ between Ontario residents and non-resident visitors.

Crown land use for Ontario residents

Ontario residents may camp for free for up to 21 days at one site (then you must move at least 100 metres away) on Crown land.

In addition, recreational activities, including hunting, are permitted with some restrictions. These include valid documentation, tags, seasons, bag and boundary limits.

Crown land use for non-residents

Canadian residents from other provinces are also permitted to camp for free on Crown land for up to 21 days.

Non-Canadian residents visiting Ontario may camp on Crown land; however, in most cases, they are required to obtain a Crown land camping permit to camp on Crown land in Northern Ontario (north of the French and Mattawa Rivers).

Non-residents who wish to hunt bear or moose in Ontario must contract the services of a licensed black bear operator or moose tourist outfitter. This applies whether they are hunting on Crown land or elsewhere.

Learn more about hunting with a licensed bear operator or hunting moose with a tourist outfitter.

Note that non-residents are allowed to hunt moose with an immediate relative (grandparent, parent, spouse, child, sibling or grandchild) who is an Ontario resident and holds a valid moose tag during an open non-resident season.

Learn more about the rules and regulations for non-residents to hunt in Ontario.

Booking a hunting excursion with Ontario’s top lodges, outfitters, and guides is a great way to enjoy a seamless, well-organized hunting adventure from start to finish.

Wildlife Management Units

The province of Ontario is subdivided into 95 wildlife management units (WMUs) for wildlife and habitat conservation, research and regulated recreational activities, such as hunting.

In addition to standard Ontario hunting regulations, check for site-specific WMU restrictions.

Ontario Provincial Parks

Hunting in provincial parks and crown game preserves is prohibited by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, except as prescribed by regulations. A regulation permits hunting in select provincial parks (or certain areas within parks).

Use the Ontario Parks locator tool to identify which parks allow hunting. For more information, contact the park directly or the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

There are strict rules regarding the area open to hunting, species that may be targeted and, of course, seasonal restrictions. Hunting in Ontario Parks is subject to the Ontario Hunting Regulations.

Ontario Conservation Areas

Hunting in conservation areas is not enabled via regulations under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act; instead, conservation authorities manage these lands and decide whether hunting is permitted.

Learn more about hunting opportunities and restrictions in Ontario’s conservation areas.

A vast expanse of forests and waterways offers endless opportunities for hunters in Ontario. With millions of hectares of Crown land and more than 250,000 rivers, lakes and streams, it’s worth the effort to learn and comply with the rules and regulations.