Hunting in Ontario

To get a resident hunting licence in Ontario, most people need to pass the Ontario Hunter Education Course, including an exam.

Once you have successfully completed the course and exam, you will receive proof of completion. You need to bring your copy to a participating ServiceOntario location that provides hunting licence services to register your hunter accreditation. You will then be able to buy hunting licences and tags and apply to big game draws. A valid Outdoors Card is required before you can purchase hunting products.

You must follow all federal firearm regulations and carry appropriate documentation if you are hunting with a gun.

Ontario Hunter Education Course

The ministry offers two options to take Ontario's Hunter Education Course:

  1. In-person, instructor-led course
  2. Online course, self-directed learning

Learn more about Ontario's Hunter Education Course.

Ontario residents must take the course through the Ontario Hunter Education Course and pass the exam to:

  • buy hunting licences and tags
  • participate in the Ontario Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program

The Ontario Hunter Education Course teaches new hunters about:

  • hunting safety and equipment
  • hunting regulations and laws
  • hunter responsibilities
  • wildlife management
  • hunting techniques
  • wildlife identification

Learn more about the Ontario Hunter Education Course.

Hunter education course exemptions

In some cases, you do not need to take the Ontario Hunter Education Course if you are a:

New Ontario resident

Hunters who have moved to Ontario and want to get a resident hunting licence, do not need to take the Ontario Hunter Education Course if:

  • you have lived in Ontario for at least 6 months, and,
  • you took hunter education or have Ontario-recognized hunting credentials from your home jurisdiction

Non-resident of Ontario

Hunters who are non-residents of Ontario and want to get a non-resident hunting licence, do not need to take the Ontario Hunter Education Course if:

  • you have previously hunted in Ontario and already have valid hunting credentials on file with the ministry, or
  • you took hunter education or have Ontario-recognized hunting credentials from your home jurisdiction

For more information contact the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011.

Canadian Firearms Safety Course

If you want to hunt using a gun, you must have successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, and hold one of the following:

  • a valid possession and acquisition licence
  • a valid minor’s licence
  • proof of completing the course

If you are a non-resident and reside outside of Canada, you must have one of the following:

  • a valid non-resident firearms declaration form confirmed by a Canadian customs officer
  • a valid temporary firearms borrowing licence for non-residents.

The Canadian Firearms Safety Course is administered through the Canadian Firearms Program.

Learn more about the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.

Find a course instructor through the Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario.

One-stop course

Many instructors offer a convenient one-stop course that combines the:

The courses can also be taken separately.

Find a combined course through the Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario.

Ontario Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program

The Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program allows new hunters to learn from an experienced mentor. It is designed to introduce young people to hunting and is open to Ontario residents who are 12 to 14 years old. To participate, you need to pass the Ontario Hunter Education Course, including the exam.

When you pass the course, you’ll receive a copy of proof of completing the course. You will need to bring your copy to a participating ServiceOntario location that provides hunting licence services to file your hunter accreditation with the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service. Once this is filed you must purchase an Outdoors Card, and then have the option of purchasing selected hunting licences and tags.

Hunter apprentices must:

  • carry their Outdoors Card with them while hunting
  • hunt under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed mentor, 18 years or older, who holds an Outdoors Card, and a valid hunting licence for the game being hunted
  • share a firearm with their mentor and carry proof of firearm accreditation (if hunting with a gun)
  • share a bag limit with their mentor (unless the apprentice hunter has purchased their own hunting licences and tags, which allows the apprentice to hunt under their own bag limit)
    • Only select licences and tags that are not obtained through a draw are available to apprentice hunters, for example a small game licence, Wild Turkey Tag or antlered deer licence

Apprentice hunters who do not wish to purchase their own licences and currently have a valid hunter apprenticeship safety card can continue to use this card until its expiry date.

Who can participate

Ontario residents who are 12 to 14 years old and have:

  • passed the Ontario Hunter Education Course
  • passed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and follow all federal firearm regulations while carry appropriate documentation (if hunting with a gun)
  • attested to the parental/guardian consent statement that a participating ServiceOntario representative will read aloud and input into the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service

Learn more about the Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program.