Hunting & Trapping

Responsible hunting and trapping is beneficial to the ecosystem; South Nation Conservation owns over 13,000 acres of sustainably managed forests, wetlands, and grasslands across the watershed. With permission, SNC allows organized hunting and trapping on some of its properties.

Access our online mapping tool to determine which properties permit hunting and trapping activities.

Wildlife occupying SNC lands may be hunted in season and include: deer; moose; wild turkey; ruffed grouse; woodcock; ducks; and rabbits.

Requirements to Hunt on SNC Lands (Adult and Apprentice hunters): 

  • A valid Ontario Outdoors Card. 
  • Hunter accreditation on file with the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service. 
  • Federal firearms accreditation (for example, your Possession and Acquisition Licence, minor’s licence) if you are hunting with a firearm. 
  • All required licences and tags for the game you wish to hunt, learn more about Hunter Education programs here 
  • $2 million dollars liability insurance 

 

Please submit a hunting permit application to obtain your annual hunting or trapping permit HERE.

The best way to obtain $2 million dollars liability insurance is through a membership with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). OFAH has several tiers of memberships that include liability insurance, Lyme disease coverage, hard and digital copies of Ontario Out of Doors magazine, and other discounts etc.  

The three most popular tiers are: 

  • Single adult membership: Covers one person over the age of 25 with $5 million dollars liability insurance. The single adult membership fee is $59.95 per year.  
  • Family membership: Covers two parents and children under 25 years of age. Every family member is entitled to 5 million dollars liability insurance. (Children must reside with parents). The family membership fee is $72.95 per year. 
  • Junior membership: Covers one youth under 18 years of age with $5 million dollars liability insurance. The junior membership fee is $46.55 per year.  

 

For the complete list of all tiers, please see the visit the OFAH website here: https://www.ofah.org/membership/compare/ 

Hunting in Ontario is regulated to support sustainable wildlife populations, protect habitats, and ensure safe, responsible outdoor recreation. The Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary outlines key information on licensing, season dates, Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), species-specific rules, and mandatory reporting requirements.

The guide also highlights the importance of respecting private property, other resource users, and Indigenous rights, while promoting responsible harvesting and conservation practices.

Reviewing this document each season helps ensure compliance and supports the long-term stewardship of Ontario’s natural resources.

👉 Access the 2026 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary (PDF)

Ontario’s Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program (HASP) allows individuals to safely develop their hunting skills while under the direct and immediate supervision of a qualified mentor.  

Apprentice Hunting Requirements (Ontario)

Ontario residents aged 12–14 can participate in the apprentice hunting program with a valid Outdoors Card and hunting accreditation.

Eligibility & Requirements
  • Must be 12–14 years old and a resident of Ontario
  • Must hold and carry a valid Outdoors Card
  • Must hunt under the direct supervision of a mentor (18+) with valid licences/tags
  • Must share a single firearm with their mentor
  • Must carry a valid firearms licence or proof of completing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) when in possession of a firearm
  • Must have a federal migratory game bird hunting permit to hunt migratory birds

Licensing & Bag Limits
  • May hunt without their own licences/tags by sharing the mentor’s bag limits
  • Game harvested counts toward the mentor’s limit unless the apprentice holds their own licences/tags
  • May purchase select licences and tags (not issued through a draw) to hunt under their own bag limits
  • Cannot apply for big game draws

Getting an Outdoors Card