Apply to hunt big game
How to apply to hunt big game, including deer, moose and elk in Ontario.
Apply to hunt big game in Ontario
Some big game hunting opportunities for Ontario residents require a hunter to apply to and be successful in a draw or allocation process. Hunters may obtain:
- an antlerless deer validation in the antlerless deer draw
- a controlled deer validation in the controlled deer hunt draw
- a moose tag in the moose tag allocation process
- an elk tag and/or licence in the elk draw
To be eligible to apply, you must:
- be an Ontario resident
- have a valid Outdoors Card
- have valid hunter accreditation on file with the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service
- be at least 15 years old (apprentice hunters 12-14 years old are not eligible to apply)
Each big game draw has its own application period. The moose tag allocation process includes two stages, with different application periods:
- Primary allocation stage
- Second chance allocation stage
Note: Applying to the moose tag allocation process does not permit you to hunt moose. All moose hunters must have a moose licence and hold a valid tag or be partying hunting with a tag holder.
2024 draw application periods
| Big game species draw or allocation | Application period | Results available | When to buy your licence | Groups or individuals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless deer draw | March 1 to July 2 | August 1 | before applying or before party hunting | individuals |
| Controlled deer draw | July 1 to July 31 | September 1 | once you are successful | individuals and groups (up to 4) |
| Moose primary allocation | April 1 to April 30 | May 16 | when claiming a tag or before party hunting | individuals |
| Moose second chance allocation | June 15 to July 8 | August 1 | when claiming a tag or before party hunting | individuals |
| Elk draw | April 15 to June 10 | August 1 | once you are successful | individuals and groups (up to 4) |
How to apply to hunt big game
You can apply in 4 ways. Your chances are the same, no matter whether you choose to apply:
- online using the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service
- by phone:
1-800-288-1155 (toll-free) - at a licence issuer
- at a participating ServiceOntario location
Apply to the antlerless deer draw
Application dates: March 1 to July 2, 2024
Results available: August 1
Tags available for print: August 20, 2024 until end of season.
Please note that you can apply for both the antlerless deer draw and controlled deer hunt draw.
Apply to the controlled deer hunt draw
Application dates: July 1 to July 31, 2024
Draw results available: September 1
Validation (on licence summary) available: September 1
If you receive a validation in the draw, you must purchase a deer licence before your controlled deer hunt validation will appear on your licence summary and before you can hunt in the controlled hunt.
Maximum group size: 4 hunters
Note: Farmers and landowners (and their immediate relatives) may be eligible to receive a controlled deer hunt validation for one controlled deer hunt season.
See the Hunting Regulations Summary for eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply.
Apply to the moose tag allocation process
Primary allocation
Primary allocation application period: April 1 to April 30, 2024
Results available: May 16
Tag claim deadline: June 7
Second chance allocation
Second chance allocation application period: June 15 to July 8, 2024
Results available: August 1
Tag claim deadline: End of season
Tags available for print: August 20, 2024 until end of season
Application fee
- $15.00 plus HST (paid once to apply to one or both allocation stages)
- Non-refundable
Learn more about the moose tag allocation process.
Apply to the elk draw
Application dates: April 15 to June 10, 2024
Results available: August 1
Tags available for print: August 20, 2024 until end of season.
Maximum group size: 4 hunters
Application fee:
- $15.00 plus HST per hunter
- non-refundable
Footnotes
- footnote[1] Back to paragraph Results are available online or by calling 1-800-288-1155 (toll-free) on or after the date indicated.