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Hunting

Hunting on designated ABCA lands

Hunting is permitted on certain designated conservation lands, owned by Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), but only when hunters have obtained the proper Hunting Permit from ABCA.

Hunters must pre-purchase a Hunting Permit from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) in order to hunt on permitted lands.

Hunting Permit Application Form

Please ensure you have the most current Hunting Permit Application form.

The Hunting Permit application form for 2024 is below:

Hunting is not permitted on some lands.

A map, showing where hunting is permitted (with a hunting permit from ABCA), and where it is not permitted at all, is available from the ABCA office and on this web page at this link: 

For more detailed property boundaries, please visit this link: 

For the Permitted and Prohibited Uses on ABCA Conservation lands visit the Uses page:

The 2024 Hunting Permit fees are:

  • Individual permit for one specific tract is $35.
  • Family permit for one specific tract is $52.50.
  • Super Permit for individuals, with access to all tracts where hunting is permitted, is $52.50.
  • Family Super Permit, for access to all tracts where hunting is permitted, is $78.75.

For a copy of the Trapping Permit Application Form please contact us.

For current property status and updates please visit this web page:

More Hunting Information

Hunting seasons happen throughout the year and hunting activity is particularly active in autumn.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is sharing the following public resources for the information of the public:

Hunting in Ontario

1) General Links  Link to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry hunting information:

Here is some information from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (November 2011 – subject to change). For updated information please go directly to the MNRF links listed above:

Safety in the Woods

Be Aware and Prepared if You're Heading into the Forest

People planning to hike, jog, ride or bird-watch in forested areas should take steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Public lands in Ontario are used for a variety of activities.  All those in the forest and surrounding areas need to be aware others may be nearby, and ensure they are visible.

Hunting is allowed on most Crown lands, on private property with the permission of the property owner, and on some municipal lands.  Anyone using public, municipal or county lands should check with the appropriate municipality for specific information.

JOGGERS, HIKERS AND BIRDWATCHERS

  • Be aware of hunting seasons in the area.
  • It is safest to wear bright orange, and bells or other items that make a noise while walking or jogging.
  • Bright colours that could not be mistaken for wildlife are important, but one caution: red and green can appear brown at dawn or dusk and a white hat or mitts can resemble a deer's tail through the woods
  • Dogs and other pets should wear a brightly coloured marker.

HUNTERS

  • Be aware that you may be sharing public lands with other hunters, as well as hikers, riders or birdwatchers.
  • All licensed hunters, including archery hunters, hunting during gun season for deer and moose, must wear solid hunter orange clothing (a minimum of 2,580 square centimetres (400 square inches) above the waist and visible from all sides) and a hunter orange headcover.
  • Please consult the Hunting Regulations Summary for exceptions.
  • Hunters must never shoot unless they are absolutely sure of their target and what is beyond and around it.

For information about hunting seasons and regulations, please consult the Hunting Regulations Summary which is available from licence issuers, ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, and on the Ministry's website at ontario.ca/hunting. 

The content provided here, in the More Hunting Resources section, is intended for local educational and information purposes only. Subject to change.

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