To hunt during a controlled deer hunt season, you must obtain a controlled deer hunt validation by applying to the draw. If you are successful in the draw, you will need to print an updated licence summary that lists your controlled deer hunt validation (area, season, type of deer). You must purchase a deer licence before your controlled deer hunt validation information will appear on your licence summary.

Before you apply

Choose where to hunt

  1. find the controlled deer draw hunt codes on page 44-45 of the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary (hunt codes can vary from year to year).
  2. review the options for:
    • wildlife management unit (WMU)
    • season dates
    • firearm
  3. choose your preferred hunt code, and a second choice (if you have one)

Choose to apply as an individual or as a group

Individual hunters can skip to the next step.

Up to 4 hunters can apply as a group. Once you submit your group application you cannot make a change to the group members.

Decide on a group leader who will carry out the following steps on behalf of the group:

  • be the first person in the group to apply (this person applies as the group leader)
  • provide the group’s preferred hunt code(s)
  • record the group number that identifies the group and its choices
  • share the group number (listed on the sales receipt) with the hunters in the group and instruct each of them to apply to the draw as a group member

Apply online

To apply online, you need to create an online account  with the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service. Once your account is set up, you can apply to the controlled deer draw.

Learn how to apply to the controlled deer draw from your online account.

Create a new account

To set up an online account, you will need your:

  • Outdoors Card number
  • date of birth
  • postal code

Learn how to create an online account

Login to your existing account

To access an online account that you already have, you will need the following:

  • Outdoors Card number or account email address
  • password

Apply by phone

  1. Call the automated phone line at 1-800-288-1155.
  2. Apply to the controlled deer draw.
  3. Record the confirmation number you receive at the end of the call.
Note: the confirmation number at the end of the call is your record of entering the controlled deer draw. Please stay on the line until you hear the confirmation number and record it for safe keeping.

Apply in person

  1. Visit a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario location.
  2. Check your receipt before leaving the counter to verify your choices are entered correctly.

Get draw results

Draw results are available starting September 1:

Learn how to view your draw results from your online account.

Buy your deer licence and receive your controlled deer hunt validation

If you were successful in the controlled deer draw your validation will be listed on your licence summary. You must purchase a deer licence before your controlled deer hunt validation will appear on your licence summary.

You can buy your deer licence:

If you did not receive a controlled deer hunt validation in the draw, you are not permitted to hunt in the controlled deer hunt.

Print your tag

Once controlled deer draw results are available you can print your updated licence summary and tag at:

Get detailed step-by-step instructions on how to print your tags online from your home.