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, 2015, 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.

New Human health and hunting

Wildlife can carry diseases that can infect humans, including avian influenza and the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, Ontario is experiencing an increase in the areas where ticks that may carry potentially serious infectious disease, such as Lyme disease, are found. Please go to the new Human health and hunting section for more information.

New Hunter reporting penalties

Hunter reporting penalties promote compliance and improve hunter reporting data. The 1-year prevent from purchase penalty has been eliminated for a second consecutive failure to report. Starting on July 1, 2026, a new financial surcharge will be in place for hunters who fail to report on consecutive occasions for the same species. Go to Mandatory hunter reporting.

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.

New Changes in 2027 to moose tag allocation

Starting in 2027, Ontario’s moose tag allocation process will change. The changes are expected to reduce unclaimed tags and help moose hunters hunt more often. The ministry will communicate details about the changes ahead of the 2027 allocation process. The current process remains in place for the 2026 season. Learn more at Proposed enhancements to the points-based moose tag allocation process for resident hunters (ERO 019-7813).

New Data available online

The annual hunter reporting infographic summaries for black bear, white-tailed deer, moose, elk, wolf/coyote and wild turkey that were located in the Hunting Regulations Summary can be found at Hunter reporting. Elk quotas and hunt codes can now only be found online at Elk tag quotas.

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 Tel: 1-833-933-2355.

Ear tags

If you harvest an animal that has an ear tag with the phone number 1-866-514-2327 , this animal was chemically immobilized in the past using veterinary drugs. Health Canada has established recommended guidelines for consumption. Please call the above number for specific information on whether Health Canada would recommend that the meat be consumed.

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 at  Ontario Fishing & Hunting Licences, or by calling the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011.