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 16 species with open seasons and 34 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: Deer, Moose & Turkey Dates

Big Game

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

3 species

Deer

Upcoming

142 WMUs

Direct Answer

Quick Links — Ontario Season Dates

Big Game

Deer

Elk

Moose (Draw)

Predators

Arctic Fox

Coyote

Wolf

Wolf and Coyote

Black Bear

Bobcat And Lynx

Coloured Fox

Red Fox

Small Game

Beaver

Cottontail Rabbit

European Hare

Muskrat

Otter

Pheasant

Porcupine

Ptarmigan

Ruffed And Spruce Grouse

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

Snow Geese

Varying (Snowshoe) Hare

Bullfrog

Canada And Cackling Geese

Canada And Cackling Geese (Excluding Sundays)

Coots

Cormorant

Ducks (Excludes Harlequin Ducks)

Fisher And Martin

Fox Squirrel

Gallinules

Gray (Black) Squirrel

Gray (Hungarian) Partridge

Mink

Mourning Doves

Opossum

Opossum and Raccoon

Other Geese (Excludes Canada, Cackling, Snow, And Ross' Geese)

Other Geese

Raccoon

Rails (Excludes Yellow And King)

Red Squirrel And Weasel

Ruffed Grouse

Skunk

Snipe

Snow and Ross's Geese

Weasel

Wild Turkey

Woodcock

Get Ontario seasons on the map

Popular Ontario Hunting Seasons

Other Provinces

Need Detailed WMU Information?