When does deer season start in Ontario?

Deer hunting seasons in Ontario vary by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) and weapon type. Archery typically opens in September, firearms in October. Use our season checker to find exact dates for your WMU.

What hunting seasons are currently open in Ontario?

Currently there are 53 species with open seasons and 3 upcoming in Ontario. Check the detailed listings above for specific species and dates.

How many WMUs have hunting in Ontario?

Ontario has 151 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). Season dates vary by WMU—use the species links below to see which zones allow hunting and when.

Is moose season open in Ontario?

Moose season status in Ontario varies by WMU and often uses a draw system. Check our moose season page for Ontario to see current open/closed status and dates.

Ontario Hunting Seasons 2026: All Species by WMU

Ontario Hunting Seasons

Ontario offers diverse hunting opportunities across 151 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), ranging from the boreal forests of the north to the agricultural regions of the south. The province is home to abundant white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, wild turkey, and various small game species.

Direct Answer

Ontario hunting season dates differ by WMU(151 WMUs). Enter your postal code below to see the dates for your WMU, or use the species cards for province-wide open/upcoming status.

Last reviewed: Mar 11, 2026 • Source timestamp: Mar 11, 2026 • Sources: provincial wildlife authority publications and HuntScout season snapshots.

Big Game

Large game animals including deer, moose, elk, and bear

18 species

Deer

Open

81 WMUs

Direct Answer

Season dates differ by WMU — check yours

Quick Links — Ontario Season Dates

Big Game

Deer

Deer (Bow Only)

Deer (Bows & Ml)

Deer (Bows, Shotgun, Muzzleloader)

Deer

Deer (Shotgun, Muzzleloader)

Deer (Muzzleloader)

Moose ((Draw))

Deer (Muzzleloader, Bows)

Deer

Elk

Elk

Elk

Elk

Elk

Elk

Elk

Elk

Predators

Arctic Fox

Black Bear

Bobcat And Lynx

Coloured Fox

Coyote

Coyote (See Restrictions)

Red Fox

Wolf

Wolf (See Restrictions)

Wolf and Coyote

Black Bear (Bows & Ml)

Black Bear

Black Bear

Small Game

Beaver

Cormorant

Cottontail Rabbit

European Hare

Fisher And Martin

Fox Squirrel

Gallinules

Gray (Black) Squirrel

Gray (Hungarian) Partridge

Mink

Muskrat

Opossum

Opossum and Raccoon

Otter

Pheasant

Porcupine

Ptarmigan

Raccoon

Red Squirrel And Weasel

Ruffed And Spruce Grouse

Ruffed Grouse

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

Skunk

Weasel

Woodcock

Bullfrog

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey (Male Or Female (Fall))

Waterfowl

Canada And Cackling Geese

Coots

Ducks ((Excludes Harlequin Ducks))

Mourning Doves

Other Geese

Other Geese

Rails ((Excludes Yellow And King))

Snipe

Snow and Ross's Geese

Varying (Snowshoe) Hare

Snow Geese

Sandhill Cranes

Season dates differ by WMU — check yours

Popular Ontario Hunting Seasons