Moose
Moose seasons
Moose tags are valid only for the Wildlife Management Unit, moose type(s) and season(s) indicated on the tag. A bull tag or a cow/calf tag valid for the bows only season (a “bow tag”) is valid only during the bows only season. A bull tag or a cow/calf tag valid for the every firearm/”gun” season is valid only during that season. Calf tags are valid for the full length of the moose hunting season(s) in the WMU they are issued for (in both the bows only and “gun” seasons).
Rifles, shotguns, muzzle-loading guns and bows
(the "gun" seasons when "gun tags" are valid)
Wildlife Management Unit | Resident – Open season | Non-resident – Open season |
---|---|---|
1A, 1C, 1D, 16–17, 25 | September 14 to December 15 | September 16 to November 15 |
2-4, 18A, 18B | October 5 to December 15 | October 7 to November 15 |
5, 6, 7B, 8, 9A, 9B, 11A, 11B, 12–15, 19, 21A, 21B | October 12 to December 15 | October 14 to November 15 |
22, 23, 28–42 | October 12 to November 15 | October 14 to November 15 |
24, 27 | October 5 to November 15 | October 7 to November 15 |
26 | September 14 to October 31 | September 16 to October 31 |
46–50, 53–63 | October 21 to October 27 | None |
Note: The hunting of predominantly white-coloured moose (over 50% white) is not permitted in WMUs 30 and 31.
Bows and muzzle-loading guns only
(seasons when bows and muzzle-loading guns only tags are valid)
Wildlife Management Unit | Resident – open season | Non-resident – open season |
---|---|---|
7A | October 12 to December 15 | October 14 to November 15 |
18B | September 14 to October 4 | September 14 to October 4 |
Bows only
(season when "bow tags" are valid)
Wildlife Management Unit | Resident – open season | Non-resident – open season |
---|---|---|
2–4, 18A, 24, 27 | September 14 to October 4 | September 14 to October 4 |
5, 6, 7B, 8, 9A, 9B, 11A, 11B, 12–15, 19, 21–23, 28–33, 35–42 | September 21 to October 11 | September 21 to October 11 |
46–50, 53–63 | October 5 to October 11 | none |
Note: The hunting of predominantly white-coloured moose (over 50% white) is not permitted in WMUs 30 and 31.
Resident seasons with controlled hunter numbers
Wildlife Management Unit | Resident – open season | Firearm type | Restrictions |
---|---|---|---|
11B | September 21 to October 11 | Rifles, shotguns, muzzle-loading guns | For hunters with a lower limb disability (see notes below). |
65 | October 5 to October 7 | Bows only | For hunters with a lower limb disability (see notes below). See notes on WMU 65 below. |
65 | October 8 to October 14 | Bows only | See notes on WMU 65 below. |
Moose hunting requirements
Anyone wishing to hunt moose in Ontario must have the following:
- Outdoors Card
- moose licence listed on your licence summary
- moose tag (valid for the appropriate season/firearm, area, and type of moose), or be party hunting with a person who has a valid moose tag
- proof of firearms accreditation if you are hunting with a gun
Reminders
Applying to the moose tag allocation process does not provide you with a moose licence. To party hunt with a tag holder you must purchase a moose licence prior to your hunt. In order to hold a moose tag you must purchase a moose licence.
A moose licence does not include a calf tag. WMU-specific calf tags can be applied for through the allocation process described under the points-based moose tag allocation process section and at Points-based moose tag allocation process.
Tag types are:
- bull tags valid only for harvest of a bull moose and specific to a WMU and season (such as bows only season)
- cow/calf tags valid for either a cow or a calf moose and specific to a WMU and season (such as gun season)
- calf tags valid only for the harvest of a calf moose and specific to a WMU and all seasons (such as both the bows only and gun seasons)
Moose hunting regulations
Tagging and transporting
Go to the tags section for details on tagging and transporting. Additional information on shipping and exporting can be found in the general regulations section.
Mandatory hunting reporting
There is a mandatory hunter reporting requirement for all moose licence holders. Go to the mandatory hunter reporting section for details on timelines and how to submit your report.
Firearms
Big game, including moose, may only be hunted with a firearm (includes bows). When hunting moose, you may only use or carry a firearm of the type (rifle, shotgun, bow or muzzle-loading gun) permitted for hunting moose at that time in that WMU. For example, when hunting moose during a bows only season, you may only use and carry a bow. Specifications on the firearms, ammunition, arrows and broadheads that are permitted when hunting moose are found in general regulations section.
Party hunting for moose
Party hunting is permitted during the open season for moose under a set of specific conditions. The list of conditions is listed in the general regulations section.
To party hunt on a moose tag from a tourist outfitter, you must be a registered guest of the outfitter. Go to the hunting with a tourist outfitter section.
Moose hunting in WMU 65
In WMU 65 there are no dogs allowed. Hunters wishing to hunt moose in WMU 65 are required to obtain written landowner permission. Hunters must have a tag specifically validated for WMU 65 or have a partner permit (in addition to their moose licence) that is associated with the hunter who has a tag validated for WMU 65. Contact Kemptville work centre at
Opportunities for moose hunters with lower limb disabilities
Hunters with disabilities may apply for a moose tag in any WMU, however there are two WMUs (11B and 65) that offer seasons specifically for resident moose hunters with lower limb disabilities. Hunters who qualify for these seasons are people who:
- are paraplegic or hemiplegic
- have a single, above the knee, lower limb amputation, or a double, below the waist amputation
- have a severe disability and cannot hunt without the use of a wheelchair (or similar means of locomotion). These cases require a medical certificate
Qualified hunters wishing to take part should apply for a tag in the points-based allocation process. Such applications will be considered like any other; there are no separate quotas.
For more information regarding WMU 11B, please contact Thunder Bay work centre at
Points-based moose tag allocation process
Overview
- Moose tags are distributed to Ontario residents using a points-based process.
- The process includes two stages with different application periods, the:
- primary allocation stage
- second chance allocation stage
- Hunters awarded a tag in either stage will decide whether to claim it before the respective tag claim deadline.
- The minimum points required to be awarded each tag type and whether tags remain available beyond the first choice is not set in advance, but is determined solely by how many hunters choose each tag type relative to the quota and their points.
- Go to what to consider when you apply for information about last year’s allocation results.
Primary allocation stage
Tag quotas and hunt codes are available at moose tag quotas and hunt codes or by calling
Review quotas and apply: April 1 to April 30
- April 1: the ministry publishes tag quotas for the primary allocation stage and the application period opens.
- Hunter pays $15 application fee.
- Hunter can make up to three choices for a tag type:
- Wildlife Management Unit
- moose type
- season/firearm type
- Go to reminders for information on tag types. You can apply for a point directly by selecting WMU “99Z” (hunt code "999") as your first choice rather than applying for a tag. You will be allowed to change your mind and apply for a tag in the second chance allocation stage. Complete your application by April 30 for the primary allocation stage. Hunters are encouraged to apply early in the application period and make sure to keep record of their application receipt or confirmation number for reference.
- You can apply online at Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service, by calling the automated phone line at
1-800-288-1155 or in person at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario. - Go to the How to apply to a big game draw section and service options for more information.
How it works
Each tag type is allocated separately in a series of up to 3 steps.
- Each tag type will be allocated to the hunters with the most points who selected that tag type as their first choice.
- For example, all first-choice applicants for a given tag type will be ordered by their points. Tags will be awarded in descending order from highest to lowest points.
- If tags remain available, the applicants with the most points that selected that tag type as their second choice will be awarded tags.
- If tags are still available, this process will be repeated for third-choice applicants.
A random draw will be used to break ties when there are more applicants with the same points than the number of tags that remain available.
Check primary allocation results and claim tag: May 16 to June 7
- Allocation results for the primary allocation will be available May 16.
- Check if you were awarded a tag online at Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service or by calling the automated phone line at
1-800-288-1155 . - Claim your tag before the deadline on June 7 by buying your moose licence and purchasing your tag. See section on fees.
- Your points will reset to zero when you claim a tag awarded in the primary allocation stage.
- You can claim your tag by purchasing a moose licence and your tag online, by phone or at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.
- You must claim your tag by June 7 for it to be issued to you. Unclaimed tags will be made available for other hunters to apply for in the second chance allocation stage.
- There is currently no penalty for not claiming a tag.
- Hunters who choose not to claim a tag or who are unsuccessful in the primary allocation stage can apply to the second chance allocation stage without paying a second application fee.
Second chance allocation stage
Apply: June 15 to July 8
- On June 15 the ministry publishes the remaining number of tags available for the second chance allocation stage and the second chance application period opens.
- Numbers of tags remaining available can be accessed at moose tag quotas and hunt codes or by calling
1-800-288-1155 . Hunt codes for remaining tag types will remain unchanged between stages. - Tags available will include those that weren’t applied for or went unclaimed in the primary allocation stage.
- Hunters can submit a new application to the second chance allocation stage unless they already claimed a tag in the primary allocation stage. Your previous choices will not automatically carry forward to the second chance allocation.
- Hunters can again make up to three choices for a tag type.
- Hunters can select WMU “99Z” (hunt code "999") as their first choice if they do not wish to be awarded a tag based on points. They can also enter a second or third choice for a tag awarded by random draw.
How it works
- Like the primary allocation stage, tags will be awarded to the first-choice applicants with the most points.
- If tags remain available, a random draw will be used to allocate tags among hunters who applied for that tag type as their second choice.
- If tags are still available, a random draw will be used to allocate tags among hunters who applied for that tag type as their third choice.
Check second chance allocation results and claim tag: August 1 to end of season
- Allocation results for the second chance allocation will be available August 1.
- You can choose to claim your tag after August 1 and before the end of the relevant season by buying your moose licence and paying for your tag.
- You can claim your tag by purchasing a moose licence and your tag online or at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.
- Your points reset to zero if you claim a tag you were awarded from your first choice in the second chance allocation stage. If you applied to WMU “99Z” or you chose to claim a tag from your second or third choice you will retain your points and gain a point.
Draw history and points
Your points from the past moose tag draw
Your current points may reflect points you gained based on your draw history from 1993 through 2020. Go to points-based moose tag allocation process for more information.
Your points under the tag allocation process
Under the points-based allocation process, a hunter will accumulate a single point in any year they apply to one or both allocation stages, if they don’t claim a tag awarded based on points.
If you claim a tag awarded based on points from the primary allocation or the first choice of the second chance allocation, your points will reset to zero (early next year).
You will retain your points and will gain a point (early next year) if you claim a tag awarded to you on either your second or third tag choices in the second chance allocation.
You can accumulate a single point per year without being considered for a tag by selecting WMU “99Z” with your first choice in either the primary or second chance allocation.
Obtaining a moose tag from a tourist outfitter will not affect your points. You cannot hold more than one moose tag per year. Your points are available through your online account at Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service or by calling the automated phone line at
Northern Ontario preference point
Northern Ontario resident hunters will receive a small preference by receiving one additional point (non-accumulating) in choices they enter for a northern WMU (WMUs 1–42). This small preference replaced the northern resident draw.
Tag transfers
Moose tag transfers are no longer permitted. In exceptional circumstances such as injury, illness or death of the tag holder or an immediate family member; or redeployment by the Canadian Armed Forces, a tag transfer may be considered with written request and documentation. If necessary, please contact the Natural Resource Information and Support Centre at NRISC@ontario.ca.
Important dates for moose hunters
Dates subject to change beyond 2024.
- April 1 to April 30: apply to the primary allocation stage
- May 16 to June 7: claim tags awarded in the primary allocation stage
- May 16: moose licences become available for purchase
- June 15 to July 8: apply to the second chance allocation stage
- August 1 to end of season: claim tags awarded in the second chance allocation stage
- August 20: tags available to print until end of season
Hunter reporting deadlines
- November 22: non-resident moose hunter report for tourist outfitter deadline
- December 22: resident moose tag holder report for tourist outfitter deadline
- December 29: moose hunter report deadline
Service options for moose hunters
Moose tag allocation process service options
Service | Online | Automated phone line: | Participating ServiceOntario or licence issuer |
---|---|---|---|
Learn tag quotas | moose tag quotas and hunt codes | Yes | No |
Apply for a moose tag | ontario.ca/HuntandFish | Yes | Yes |
Check results | ontario.ca/HuntandFish | Yes | No |
Claim your moose tag | ontario.ca/HuntandFish |
| Yes |
Print your moose tag | ontario.ca/HuntandFish | No | Yes |
For step-by-step instructions
- Visit Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service
- Go to Helpful links
- Go to Tips to get started
- Choose:
- how to set up your online account
- how to view your draw entry and results (includes draw history)
- how to view your moose points
- how to apply to the moose tag allocation process
- how to claim your moose tag
Learn more about what to consider when you apply and at points-based moose tag allocation process.
For inquiries contact the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre by email NRISC@ontario.ca or phone
Moose hunting fees
Hunters pay an application fee to apply to the allocation process, instead of having to purchase a licence to apply. Hunters only need to purchase a moose licence before claiming a tag or party hunting with a tag holder. Go to the application fee, licence fee and tag fees.
Additional moose hunting regulations for non-residents
Non-resident moose hunters can only hunt moose:
- during an open non-resident moose season
- as a registered guest of a tourist outfitter hunting on a tag issued to them or a party member by the tourist outfitter
- by party hunting on a tag issued through the moose tag allocation process to an immediate relative who is an Ontario resident, and only on that tag
A non-resident may not party hunt on a tag issued through the moose tag allocation process to an Ontario resident that is not their immediate relative. Immediate relative means grandparent, parent, spouse, child, sibling or grandchild (including equivalent step-family relationships). An attestation statement verifying the immediate relative relationship must be completed by the non-resident online or in-person at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario location at the time the non-resident moose licence for an immediate relative is purchased.
Non-residents are required to have hunter accreditation that is recognized by Ontario – refer to the hunting licence information section for more details.
Non-residents must employ one licensed guide for each two hunters when hunting moose in the Territorial District of Rainy River. WMUs with moose hunting seasons in the Territorial District of Rainy River are: 9B, 11A and parts of 7B and 12B (see WMU 3 map).
Hunting with a tourist outfitter
Residents and non-residents can acquire a hunt that includes a tag from a tourist outfitter. A hunter can only acquire a tag through an outfitter if they haven’t already been issued a tag for that year. You must have a valid Outdoors Card before a tourist outfitter can request the moose tag on your behalf. Outfitters will provide further instruction to prospective clients on the steps that must be taken to purchase a moose licence and the tag from the ministry before arriving at the outfitter. The outfitter can only provide the tag once the client has paid for the tag. The moose tag fees apply to both residents and non-residents.
Any hunter who receives a tag from an outfitter or is hunting in a party with another hunter who receives a tag from an outfitter must have a moose licence and be a registered guest of the outfitter. Each registered guest must and carry documentation provided by the outfitter to verify this (in addition to their Outdoors Card, moose licence and tag if applicable).
How to properly identify a moose before you shoot
As a moose hunter, you are responsible for properly identifying your target and only harvesting a moose that you or a person you are party hunting with has a valid tag for. Evaluating multiple physical characteristics of the moose will better enable you to correctly identify the age or sex of the moose before harvesting it. If in doubt, do not shoot.
An adult moose (cow or bull) is a moose that is at least 1 year old at the time of the hunt. A calf moose is a moose that is less than 1 year old at the time of the hunt.
Identifying a bull:
- antlers
- often darker face
- often larger bell
- no vulva patch
Bull moose may lose their antlers before the end of the hunting season. A bull tag is still required to harvest a bull moose with or without antlers. Note the location where antlers detach and grow from (pedicle).
Identifying a cow:
- long bulbous nose
- curved hump
- muscular body
- vulva patch (cows only)
- height: 6 feet (1.8 metres)
These characteristics are in comparison to a calf.
Identifying a calf:
- shorter nose
- sharp hump
- more leg than body
- height: 4 feet (1.2 metres)
Calf moose are seldom alone.
Go to How to properly identify moose before hunting for more information on the difference between cow moose and calf moose.
Last year’s moose tag allocation process results
- 84,506 hunters applied
- 16,408 tags were available in the primary allocation
- 9,675 tags were available in the second chance allocation
14,912 tags were awarded overall, including:
- 99% of bull tags
- 89% of cow/calf tags
- 86% of calf tags
Of the applicants awarded tags:
- 11% were awarded by random draw (points not applicable (N/A))
- 44% had 0–4 points
- 26% had 5–9 points
- 10% had 10–14 points
- 6% had 15–19 points
- 3% had 20–24 points
- 1% had 25–30 points
The average minimum points required for a tag in 2023 decreased by 0.3 points in the primary allocation (7.1 to 6.8) and decreased by 0.2 points in the second chance allocation (6.3 to 6.5) compared to 2022.
Of the tags awarded in the primary allocation, those awarded to first-choice applicants (Choice 1) included:
- 99% of bull tags
- 87% of cow/calf tags
- 72% of calf tags
Of the tags awarded in the second chance allocation, those awarded to first-choice applicants (Choice 1) included:
- 94% of bull tags
- 75% of cow/calf tags
- 54% of calf tags
The overall percentage of awarded tags that were claimed:
- 82% of bull tags
- 74% of cow/calf tags
- 71% of calf tags
Tags awarded by points of applicants
Tags awarded by points of applicants in 2023. Most tags were awarded to applicants with relatively few points.
Change in minimum points required
Change in minimum points required (MPR) 2022 to 2023 (primary allocation). Being awarded most tag types required the same number of points (change in MPR = 0) or required fewer points (change < 0) in 2023 compared to 2022.
Refer to what to consider when you apply for more information on last year’s moose tag allocation process results.
What to consider when you apply
- Last year’s minimum points required for each tag type in the primary and second chance allocation stages is available in the tables. The minimum points required may vary from year to year based on tag quotas and the number of points of each applicant.
- There is no guarantee you will be awarded a tag if you have the minimum points required for a tag last year. This information is provided to help hunters understand when you may have enough points for your preferred tag type and to apply strategically.
- For most tag types a tie-breaking random draw was required to award the remaining tags among applicants that were tied at the minimum points required. You may have had the same number of points as the minimum points required but were unsuccessful in a tie-breaking random draw.
- Your second choice will not be considered for a tag type where all available tags were awarded to first-choice applicants, regardless of how many points you have. For second choices to be considered, all of the first-choice applicants for that tag type need to have been awarded tags.
- Similarly, your third choice will not be considered for a tag type where all available tags were awarded to first- or second-choice applicants, regardless of how many points you have. For third choices to be considered, all of the first- and second-choice applicants for that tag type need to have been awarded tags.
- If you are awarded a tag on your first choice, then your second and third choices are not considered in that allocation stage. Similarly, if you are awarded a tag on your second choice, your third choice is not considered in that allocation stage.
- The results tables can also be used to predict which tag types may remain available for second and third choices in either allocation stage. Minimum points required values with a 2 indicate that there were tags still available after all first-choice applicants had been awarded a tag. These are the tag types most likely to be available when considering second- and third-choices. Tag types without an asterisk had all available tags awarded to first-choice applicants. If you desire one of these tag types, you should select it as your first choice.
- Your first, second and third choices of the primary allocation, and your first choice of the second chance allocation will require you to use all of your points to claim a tag. Your second and third choices of the second chance allocation do not require you to use your points to claim a tag.
- Consider other hunters when applying to the second chance allocation. A tag you are awarded in the primary allocation that you choose not to claim will be made available in the second chance allocation, but being awarded a tag in the second chance allocation that you don’t claim removes that hunting opportunity from other hunters and may mean they miss the moose hunt entirely. Please don't apply for a tag you won't claim.
- If you are not willing to use your points on a tag in the second chance allocation, then you can apply to WMU “99Z” (hunt code “999”) with your first choice and still enter a second (and third) choice.
- Learn more about what to consider when you apply at points-based moose tag allocation process.
- More detailed moose tag allocation results are available through moose in Ontario.
Notes for tables of last year’s tag allocation results
- WMUs not listed did not have a quota of that type last year.
- Second chance minimum points required is not applicable (N/A) where there were no second chance tags available.
- The minimum points required values include the Northern Ontario preference point.
- tag types that were available after all first-choice applicants had been awarded a tag.
- Values without a footnote had all available tags awarded to first-choice applicants.
- For WMU 18B “bow” tags are for the bows and muzzle-loading guns only season.
- Tags in far Northern Ontario (such as WMUs 1A, 1C, 1D, 2, 16A, 16C, 17, 18B and 25) may be in relatively low demand and awarded to hunters with few points, but moose in all or large parts of these WMUs cannot be accessed by road.
- Any road-accessible areas of such WMUs may have higher than expected hunter numbers and lower hunter success rates.
- Please consider these aspects when planning a moose hunt in such WMUs.
Last year's bull gun tag allocation results
Last year’s cow/calf gun tag allocation results
Last year’s bull bow tag allocation results
WMU | Primary quota | Primary minimum points required | Second chance tags available | Second chance minimum points required |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 36 | 1 | 19 | 0 |
3 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
4 | 28 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
5 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 7 |
8 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 7 |
9A | 2 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
9B | 3 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
11A | 5 | 9 | 1 | 8 |
11B | 5 | 7 | 0 | N/A |
12A | 7 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
12B | 9 | 9 | 4 | 8 |
13 | 2 | 11 | 0 | N/A |
14 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
15A | 34 | 6 | 16 | 6 |
15B | 51 | 6 | 22 | 5 |
18A | 3 | 8 | 1 | 12 |
18B | 2 | 13 | 1 | 9 |
19 | 71 | 6 | 34 | 5 |
21A | 19 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
21B | 29 | 9 | 13 | 8 |
22 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 9 |
23 | 28 | 9 | 13 | 7 |
24 | 26 | 9 | 13 | 8 |
27 | 5 | 10 | 3 | 9 |
28 | 24 | 12 | 5 | 12 |
29 | 17 | 15 | 6 | 14 |
30 | 14 | 11 | 5 | 8 |
31 | 9 | 14 | 4 | 12 |
32 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 9 |
33 | 2 | 9 | 0 | N/A |
35 | 12 | 11 | 4 | 10 |
36 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 8 |
37 | 3 | 12 | 1 | 11 |
38 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 10 |
39 | 11 | 15 | 3 | 12 |
40 | 7 | 15 | 1 | 14 |
41 | 11 | 18 | 5 | 18 |
42 | 7 | 14 | 4 | 14 |
46 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 6 |
47 | 7 | 16 | 2 | 15 |
48 | 25 | 16 | 6 | 16 |
49 | 8 | 12 | 3 | 11 |
50 | 2 | 14 | 0 | N/A |
53 | 4 | 13 | 2 | 9 |
54 | 4 | 10 | 1 | 9 |
55A | 2 | 13 | 1 | 16 |
55B | 2 | 12 | 1 | 11 |
56 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 10 |
57 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 13 |
58 | 4 | 12 | 1 | 13 |
60 | 10 | 11 | 6 | 10 |
61 | 3 | 14 | 1 | 12 |
62 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 9 |
63 | 3 | 13 | 1 | 11 |
65 | 33 | 5 | 15 | 4 |
Total | 685 | N/A | 270 | N/A |
Last year’s cow/calf bow tag allocation results
Last year’s calf tag allocation results
Tag allocation process hunt codes
Notes:
- for these WMUs, “bow tags” are for the bows and muzzle-loading guns only season
- “N/A” indicates the WMU does not have the applicable season
- not all hunt codes listed may have a quota. Check quotas online at moose tag quotas and hunt codes or by calling
1-800-288-1155