Points-based moose tag allocation process
Learn how moose tags are distributed to resident hunters.
Overview
As of 2021, the moose tag draw was replaced by a points-based allocation process to distribute moose tags among resident hunters.
The process has a primary allocation stage and a second chance allocation stage.
All hunters apply as individuals. There are no group applications.
To party hunt with a tag holder, you must purchase a moose licence before your hunt.
The points-based allocation process:
- addresses concerns about fairness
- distributes all tag types to resident hunters
- allows hunters to purchase only the products they need
- increases hunters' ability to predict when they are likely to be awarded a tag
- gives hunters more choices when applying
- allows hunters to decide whether to apply using their points or to gain a point
- allows hunters awarded a tag the ability to decide whether to claim it
- provides most allocation results much earlier
- continues to provide Northern resident hunters with a small preference by receiving one additional (non-accumulating) point
- supports moose hunter recruitment and retention
- eliminates surplus tag distribution and provides a second chance allocation
- does not allow tag transfers (except in special circumstances)
How the allocation process works
Learn if you are eligible to apply and find step-by-step instructions on how to apply to hunt moose.
You pay an application fee and apply to the primary allocation stage by April 30:
- you may choose up to three tag type: Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), moose type and season/firearm type
- you may apply for a point directly to increase your points for future applications
We run the primary allocation stage for each tag type:
- step 1 –tags awarded based on points to first-choice applicants
- step 2 – if tags remain available, tags awarded based on points to second-choice applicants
- step 3 – if tags remain available, tags awarded based on points to third-choice applicants
If you are awarded a tag, you may choose to claim it by the tag claim deadline of June 7:
- you may claim your awarded tag by purchasing a moose licence and the tag
- your points reset to zero if you claim an awarded tag
Note:
- All moose hunters require a moose licence
- Applying to the allocation process does not provide you with a moose licence
- Moose licences can be purchased beginning May 16th
We publish the remaining number of tags available.
You may choose to apply to the second chance allocation stage by July 8:
- you can make up to three choices for tag type: WMU, moose type and season/firearm type
- you can apply for a point directly to gain a point for the future
- if you did not apply to the primary allocation, you must pay an application fee
We run the second chance allocation stage for each tag type remaining available:
- step 1 - tags are awarded based on points to first-choice applicants
- step 2 – if tags remain available, tags are awarded by random draw to second-choice applicants
- step 3 – if tags remain available, tags are awarded by random draw to third-choice applicants
You may choose to claim a tag you were awarded in the second chance allocation stage any time from August 1 until the end of the season:
- you may claim your awarded tag by purchasing a $35.29 moose licence and the tag
- claiming your first choice of tag will reset your points to zero
- claiming your second or third choice of tag will result in you gaining a point
Primary allocation stage
Each tag type (WMU, moose type and season/firearm type) is allocated separately in a series of up to three steps.
- Each tag type will be allocated to the hunters with the most points who selected that particular 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 who selected that tag type as their second choice will be awarded tags.
- If tags are still available, the applicants with the most points who selected that tag type as their third choice will be awarded tags.
If you choose to claim a tag you've been awarded in the primary allocation, your points will reset to zero.
The number of points required to be awarded each tag type, and whether any tags will remain after first-choices applications are considered, is determined by how many hunters choose each tag type relative to the quota and by their number of points.
Ties will occur when there are more applicants with a given number of points than the number of tags that remain available. A random draw will be used to break ties.
Example of possible results from step 1 in the primary allocation stage
Points of applicants | Remaining tags available | Number of applicants | Number of applicants awarded a tag | Percentage of applicants awarded a tag |
---|---|---|---|---|
16 | 30 | 6 | 6 | 100% |
15 | 24 | 8 | 8 | 100% |
14 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 100% |
13 | 2 | 25 | 2 | 8% |
12 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
10 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
9 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 0 |
8 | 0 | 59 | 0 | 0 |
7 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 0 |
6 | 0 | 91 | 0 | 0 |
5 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 0 |
4 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The table above provides an example of possible results from step 1 (first choices) in the primary allocation stage of the tag allocation process.
- The example shows first-choice applicants for a particular tag type with a quota of 30 tags.
- Among applicants entering this tag type as their first choice, 16 was the highest amount of points. There were six first-choice applicants with 16 points.
- There were enough tags remaining to award first-choice applicants with the most points a tag in descending order until reaching applicants with 13 points.
- A random draw would have been required to allocate the two remaining tags among the 25 applicants with 13 points.
- No tags remained available to be allocated to any first choice, primary allocation applicant with fewer than 13 points or to any second or third-choice applicants in the primary allocation.
- If any of the 30 awarded tags were not claimed, they could be applied for in the second chance allocation.
Second chance allocation stage
The remaining tags for the second chance allocation are tags that were:
- not applied for in the primary allocation stage
- unclaimed in the primary allocation stage
You may apply to the second chance allocation even if you didn't apply to the primary allocation. You only need to pay the application fee once.
Each remaining tag type will be allocated separately in up to three steps.
- Each tag type that remains available will be awarded to the hunters with the most points who applied for 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, they will be allocated randomly 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.
Only tags applied for with first choices are awarded based on points. If you choose to claim a tag you've been awarded from your first choice in the second chance allocation, you will have your points reset to zero.
Tags applied for with second and third choices are awarded randomly. The points of second and third-choice applicants will not be considered. If you choose to claim a tag you've been awarded from your second or third choice you will retain your points and you will gain a point.
Example of possible results of step 1 in the second chance allocation stage
Points of applicants | Remaining tags available | Number of applicants | Number of applicants awarded a tag | Percentage of applicants awarded a tag |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 | 43 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
3 | 41 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
2 | 36 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
1 | 31 | 13 | 13 | 100% |
0 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
The table above provides an example of possible results from step 1 (first choices) from the second chance allocation stage of the tag allocation process. In this example:
- There were 43 tags of a particular tag type remaining available after the primary allocation. This example is not related to the example provided in the table above for the primary allocation.
- Among applicants entering this tag type as their first choice, four points was the highest amount of points. There were two first-choice applicants with four points.
- There were 17 tags remaining available to be allocated to second-choice applicants, shown in the final example below.
Example of possible results of step 2 in the second chance allocation stage
Points of applicants | Remaining tags available | Number of applicants | Number of applicants awarded a tag | Percentage of applicants awarded a tag |
---|---|---|---|---|
N/A | 17 | 121 | 17 | 14% |
The table above shows possible results of step 2 (second choices) for the second allocation where tags are awarded by random draw. This table shows:
- 17 tags remaining after all first-choice applicants were awarded a tag (in the table above)
- applicants' points are not applicable when awarding tags randomly among second- or third-choice applicants
- no tags remain available to be allocated to third-choice applicants
Possible results for a party of five hunters
The graphic below:
- describes how the second chance allocation stage works
- provides an example of possible results for a party of five hunters
(The example results in the graphic are not related to the sample tables above.)
Your 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.
You will have gained one point for each year you applied for the moose draw since last receiving an adult tag, or since you began applying if you have never received an adult tag. This is the case whether you received the adult tag directly through the draw or by tag transfer.
Having made a tag transfer or having received a calf tag or a surplus tag will not have reset your points.
You will have gained a point in any year you applied to the WMU "99Z" because you did not want a tag and wanted to be in pool 1 the following year.
Consecutive applications are not required.
- For example, if the last time you were issued an adult tag through the draw or a tag transfer was in 2010, and you applied six times between 2011 and 2020, then you gained six points regardless of whether you transferred an adult tag or were issued a calf tag or surplus tag during that time.
Your draw history (draw entries and results) is available through your Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service account. Learn how to view your draw entries and results. If you don't already have one, learn how to create an online account.
Your moose points are available through your online account or by calling the automated phone line at
Draw histories are based on carefully checked computerized records that are very accurate. If you would like us to review a particular year in your moose draw history, you can complete the request for review of moose draw history form and provide the required supporting documentation.
Your points under the tag allocation process
Under the points-based allocation process that began in 2021, 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.
You will retain your points and will gain a point if you claim a tag awarded to you on either your second or third tag choices in the second chance allocation.
You can apply for a point directly in either stage in order to accumulate a single point per year.
If you want to gain a point without being considered for a tag you can select the WMU "99Z" (hunt code "999") with your first choice in either the primary or second chance allocation. In the second chance allocation you can select WMU "99Z" as your first choice and also enter a second or third choice for a tag that is awarded by random draw.
Changes to your points will not be made immediately. Points will reset the following year.
Tag transfers
Under the new process, 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 a written request and documentation.
If necessary, please contact the Natural Resource Information and Support Centre at NRISC@ontario.ca.
What to consider when you apply
You should plan ahead and consider how you and other members of your moose hunting party will apply in the current year and beyond.
You need a moose licence to hunt moose, but the licence does not come with a calf tag.
Applying to the moose tag allocation process does not provide you with a moose licence. If you are awarded a tag, you will need to purchase a moose licence when you claim your tag. To party hunt with a tag holder, you must purchase a moose licence before your hunt.
You will only be able to hunt moose by:
- being awarded and claiming a tag through the allocation process, and purchasing a moose licence when you claim your tag
- purchasing a moose licence and party hunting with a hunter that claimed a tag
- purchasing a moose licence and being the registered guest of a tourist outfitter from which you or a party member has obtained a tag
Getting a moose tag from a tourist outfitter will not affect your points. You cannot be issued more than one moose tag per year. Learn more about hunting moose with a tourist outfitter.
Minimum points required
We do not determine the number of points you need to be awarded each tag type, or whether any tags will remain after first-choices applications are considered. This is determined by how many hunters choose each tag type relative to the quota and their points.
The minimum points you need to be awarded each tag type will likely vary the most in the first few years of the tag allocation process because:
- hunters will use their accumulated points and develop strategies to apply for tags
- tag quotas may change in response to the implementation of calf tag quotas
Even if you have the minimum points needed for a tag last year, there is no guarantee that you will be awarded a tag this year because the minimum points required may be different this year. We provide last year’s minimum points required for each tag type to help you understand when you may have enough points for your preferred tag type and to help you apply strategically.
You can find the previous year’s minimum points required for each tag type in the primary and second chance allocation stages in early April each year in the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Tie breaking random draws
If there are more applicants with the minimum points required than there are tags remaining available, then we use a tie-breaking random draw to award the remaining tags among these applicants. This applies to most tag types.
You may have had the minimum points required for a particular tag type last year and applied for it with a choice when there were still tags available, but you may have been unsuccessful in a tie-breaking random draw so that you were not awarded that tag type.
Hunting parties
Hunting parties may get their preferred tag type most frequently by taking turns having the hunter with the most points apply for, be awarded and claim the tag whenever possible. Other party members would then build their points until they have the most points in the party and it becomes their turn to apply for the preferred tag type. This is illustrated in the graphic below.
If a party only wants one of their most preferred tag type, only the hunter with the most points should apply for it. If a party wants two of the same tag type, the two hunters with the most points should apply for that tag type. Other party members may consider applying for less preferred tag types or for a point.
Parties wishing to receive at least one tag to go moose hunting may choose for one or more members with fewer points to apply with their first choice in the primary allocation stage for a tag type that had a similarly low minimum points required last year.
Consider other hunters in the second chance allocation
If you choose not to claim tag awarded in the primary allocation, the tag will become available to other hunters in the second chance allocation. However, if you choose not to claim a tag awarded to you in the second chance allocation, this means nobody will be able to claim that tag, and other hunters may miss the moose hunt entirely.
Please do not apply for a tag in the second chance allocation if you do not intend to claim it.
Your first, second and third tag choices in either allocation stage
Your second choice will only be considered if tags remain available once all applicants selecting that tag type as their first choice have been awarded tags.
Your third choice will only be considered if:
- tags remain available after all applicants that selected that tag type as their first choice have been awarded tags
- those that selected it as their second choice have been awarded tags
Last year's allocation results in the Hunting Regulations Summary show:
- which tag types were awarded to first-choice applicants only
- which types had tags that remained available to second-choice and potentially third-choice applicants
For both allocation stages, it is better to make your second and third tag choices for the lower-demand tag types, which are the tag types that remained available after all first-choice applications were awarded tags last year.
You should never apply for the exact same tag type in more than one choice within an allocation stage. For example, you should not choose a bull gun tag in the same WMU as your first and second choice within a stage. If you were not awarded a tag on your earlier choice, there will be no tags of that type available for your later choice.
If you are awarded a tag in an earlier choice, such as your first choice, then your second and third choices are not considered in that allocation stage.
If you apply directly for a point in the primary allocation stage because you did not want to apply for a tag, you will be allowed to reconsider and enter the second chance allocation to apply for a tag.
Possible application strategy for a party of hunters
The graphic below:
- describes how a party of hunters may choose to apply to the primary allocation stage strategically over two years
- indicates the same minimum points required to be awarded this tag type in both years. The minimum points required will not be set by the ministry and may change from year to year with changes to tag quotas and the points of applicants
(The example results in the graphic are not related to the sample tables above.)