Hunting Seasons

The Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) has divided Ontario into 95 regions known as Wildlife Management Units (WMU). Each unit may have different hunting seasons and regulations. We are in WMU 50. Hunting season dates change each year!

The following dates (2020) for hunting various species were obtained from the MNRF:

Moose: Oct. 24 - 30 (guns) Oct. 3 - 9 (bows only)

Bear: Sept. 8 - Nov. 30

Grouse: Sept. 15 - Dec. 31

Deer: Nov. 2 - 15

Rabbits: Sept. 15 - Dec. 31 

Raccoons:  Oct. 5 - Jan. 31

Red fox / Skunk: All year

Wolf / Coyote: Sept. 15 - Mar. 31

Geese / Waterfowl: Sept. 1 – Dec. 16  (for waterfowl hunting we are in the Central District – different designation from WMU)

If anyone has more information on hunting seasons, please feel free to add as it is complicated system. 

When walking/hiking please wear bright clothing so as not to blend into the forest.  The same applies to boating where waterfowl hunting might take place.

Following, is a quick reference guide for Lake of Bays by-laws – please note that fireworks are banned.

For a complete list of all the Lake of Bays by-laws please check with our by-law enforcement officer, Chris Collings, who was very helpful in providing this information.

If you are aware of immediate firearms problems, please do not hesitate to call the OPP.