Ontario offers some of the best moose hunting in North America, with a well-managed population and diverse hunting opportunities. This guide covers everything you need to know about hunting moose in Ontario, from licensing to seasons to tag allocations.
Disclaimer: Regulations change annually. Always verify current regulations with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) before hunting.
Quick Facts
- Estimated Moose Population: ~90,000-110,000
- Annual Harvest: ~8,000-10,000
- License Required: Outdoors Card + Moose Hunting License + Tag Validation
- Draw System: Yes, for most Wildlife Management Units (WMUs)
- Seasons: Archery, gun, and muzzleloader periods
Licensing Requirements
1. Outdoors Card
Every hunter needs a valid Ontario Outdoors Card.
- Resident: $9.68 (3-year)
- Non-Resident Canadian: Same
- Non-Resident Foreign: Must hire licensed outfitter
Available at ServiceOntario locations or online.
2. Moose Hunting License
In addition to your Outdoors Card:
- Resident: ~$47
- Non-Resident Canadian: ~$237
- Non-Resident Alien: ~$407
3. Moose Tag (Validation)
You must possess a valid moose tag before hunting. Tags are obtained through:
The Draw System Explained
When to Apply
- Application period: Early May (typically)
- Draw results: Late June
- First round, second round, and leftover draws follow
- Most competitive
- Point system rewards continued applications
- Separate draw
- Either sex under 1 year
- Good way to fill freezer
Draw Types
Adult Bull/Cow Tags
Calf Tags
Party Hunting
Ontario allows party hunting where one tag can be filled by any licensed member of the hunting party. This increases odds of success.
Group Application:
- Apply as a group (2-6 hunters)
- Share points
- Share tag if successful
Point System
If unsuccessful, you earn a preference point. More points = higher draw odds next year.
- 0-2 points: Low odds
- 3-4 points: Moderate odds
- 5+ points: Good odds (varies by WMU)
Seasons Overview
Ontario divides moose season into multiple periods:
Archery Season
- When: Early October (varies by WMU)
- Duration: ~2 weeks
- Equipment: Bow, crossbow
- When: Late October
- Duration: ~1 week
- Most Popular: Peak rut activity
- When: Late October / Early November
- Duration: ~1 week
- When: Varies by WMU
- Special regulations apply
Gun Season 1
Gun Season 2
Muzzleloader
Check WMU-specific dates at ontario.ca/moose
Wildlife Management Units (WMUs)
Ontario is divided into WMUs, each with its own:
- Tag quotas
- Season dates
- Special regulations
- WMU 1-10: Northwestern
- WMU 11-22: Northeastern
- Highest moose populations
- More tags available
- WMU 41-49
- Moderate density
- Higher hunting pressure
- WMU 54-65
- Limited moose populations
- Very limited tags
- Must wear solid hunter orange hat AND upper body garment
- Visible from all sides
- Required during gun seasons
- Tag must be attached immediately after kill
- Report harvest (mandatory)
- Keep evidence of sex attached
- One moose per hunter per year
- Calf tags are additional (if drawn)
- Online at ontario.ca/moose
- By phone: 1-800-288-1155
Northern Ontario (Best Moose Density)
Central Ontario
Southern Ontario
Legal Requirements While Hunting
Hunter Orange
Transport & Export
Bag Limits
Harvest Reporting
Mandatory reporting within 48 hours of kill:
Information required:
- Date of kill
- Location (WMU)
- Sex and age class
- Antler points (if bull)
Failure to report = loss of future draw eligibility.
Non-Resident Hunting
Canadian Non-Residents
- Can apply for draws
- Higher license fees
- Same regulations as residents
- Must hunt with licensed outfitter
- Outfitter provides tag
- Higher costs but quality experience
- Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH)
- Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters (NOTO)
- Check reviews and references
- WMU 1, 2, 3 (Kenora/Rainy River)
- WMU 15A, 15B (Chapleau)
- WMU 30 (Wawa area)
- WMU 24-29 (North Bay/Sudbury)
- WMU 36-40 (Parry Sound)
- WMU 41-47 (Muskoka/Haliburton)
- Limited tags but close to population centers
- October: 5-15°C days, near freezing nights
- Late October/November: Below freezing common
- Rain and wet snow likely
- Thick boreal forest
- Muskeg and swamps
- Limited road access in remote WMUs
- Cool nights help
- Bring quality game bags
- Plan for pack-out (can be several km)
- Ontario Hunting Regulations: ontario.ca/hunting
- Draw Applications: ontario.ca/outdoorscard
- OFAH: ofah.org
- MNRF Contact: 1-800-667-1940
- [ ] Get/renew Outdoors Card
- [ ] Research WMUs and success rates
- [ ] Form hunting party (optional)
- [ ] Apply during May window
- [ ] Confirm tag and validation
- [ ] Review WMU-specific regulations
- [ ] Check season dates
- [ ] Prepare gear and meat care plan
- [ ] Attach tag immediately
- [ ] Report harvest within 48 hours
- [ ] Maintain evidence of sex during transport
Non-Resident Aliens
Finding an Outfitter
Recommended WMUs for Success
High Density (Harder to Draw)
Moderate Density (Better Draw Odds)
Accessible for Southern Hunters
Gear & Preparation Tips for Ontario
Weather Expectations
Terrain Challenges
Meat Care
Helpful Resources
Summary Checklist
Before You Apply:
Before You Hunt:
After the Kill:
Planning Your Ontario Moose Hunt
Ontario offers incredible moose hunting opportunities for residents and non-residents alike. Success takes planning:
Good luck in the draw, and may you find a bull on opening morning!
Have questions about Ontario moose hunting? Drop them in the comments or email moose@moosemulitia.com