Important messages for hunters
Occasionally, additional information for hunters becomes available after the Hunting Regulations Summary is printed. For more information, please go to hunting notices and updates.
Invasive wild pigs
Under the Invasive Species Act it is illegal to hunt pigs in Ontario.
Any pig outside of a fence is a wild pig. Hunting wild pigs is not an effective approach to control their spread. When they are hunted, they flee into new areas and learn to avoid humans. They are quick to reproduce, and populations are known to rebound rapidly.
Given the knowledge that hunters have, and time spent outdoors across the province, the ministry is seeking your help and expertise to report wild pig sightings. The ministry assesses all wild pig reports, and where appropriate, uses a coordinated approach to prevent their establishment in the province.
Visit invasive wild pigs in Ontario to learn more about reporting wild pig sightings, the rules and what the province is doing to actively address the threat of invasive wild pigs.
Safe handling of cervid carcasses
Cervids, including deer, may carry diseases that may infect humans, including the virus that causes COVID-19. There are recommended precautions when handling or dressing any cervid carcass. For more information, please visit COVID-19 and animals.
Mandatory hunter reporting
There are mandatory hunter reporting requirements for deer, moose, elk, black bear, wild turkey and wolf/coyote. Go to the mandatory hunter reporting section for details.
Use or possession of natural attractants
It is illegal to use or possess, for any purpose, any product containing the faeces, urine, blood, gland oil, saliva or other bodily fluids of any cervid including white-tailed deer, moose, elk and woodland caribou. Only synthetic (artificial) or plant-based products can be used. Please don’t bring bait and feed from outside Ontario – you could unknowingly be importing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Local sources are safer and benefit local farmers and business owners.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance program
The ministry and hunters are working together to look out for CWD. We need your help. Go to Chronic Wasting Disease for more information. Monitoring supports a rapid and aggressive response if CWD is detected.
Benefits
- Get your deer tested free of charge.
- The first 500 hunters to submit a sample in each surveillance area receive a collectable crest.
- Help preserve hunting opportunities for years to come.
Reminders
- Surveillance areas change from year to year based on CWD risk. Visit Chronic wasting disease to find out more.
- Having your deer tested does not affect your ability to consume the meat or have the head mounted.
Bringing out-of-province carcasses into Ontario
If you intend to hunt outside of Ontario, please go to the deer section or Chronic wasting disease for additional information and specific regulations designed to keep CWD out of Ontario.
Lyme disease
Ontario is experiencing an increase in the areas where the ticks that may carry Lyme disease are found. When outdoors, practise personal protection. For detailed information visit: Tick-borne diseases.
Escaped deer or elk and wild pigs
The ministry wants to hear from you if you see an escaped deer, elk or any pig outside of a fence, or detect one in trail camera photos. These escaped animals pose a threat to native species. Please contact your local ministry work centre to report escaped deer or elk. Wild pig sightings should be reported to wildpigs@ontario.ca or
Ear tags
If you harvest an animal that has an ear tag with the phone number
Address, name and residency changes
You must notify the ministry of any address, name, residency or contact information change within 10 days of the change. You can update your address by accessing your account online, or by calling the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at