Background

Ontario is home to an incredible abundance of natural beauty and resources, and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) is committed to protecting this important heritage for future generations. White-tailed deer contribute substantial ecological, social, and economic benefits to the people of Ontario. They are one of the most sought-after big game species for harvest by licensed hunters as a heritage activity and food source. They are also very popular for non-consumptive activities such as wildlife viewing. In some situations, deer come into conflict with people, as they can damage agricultural crops, impact protected areas and are the most common big game species involved in collisions with vehicles. As a result, deer are one of Ontario’s more intensively managed species.

In winter 2021/22, the ministry consulted on changes to simplify and align deer hunting seasons in some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in the province (ERO 019-4637). The changes to specific WMUs included extending gun hunting seasons to provide a consistent end date, expanding the use of bows during gun hunting seasons, and aligning and simplifying season types and duration.

One of the proposed deer season changes in this recently posted proposal included permitting the use of bows during the gun season(s) in most WMUs across southern Ontario where this was not already permitted. This proposal did not include WMUs 91A-B and 92A-D in the Elgin County area, which would make them the only areas in the province that would not permit the use of bows during the gun season(s).

Feedback received has suggested there is interest to make this same change in WMUs 91A-B and 92A-D.

Proposed regulation amendments

Based on feedback received, we are proposing amendments to regulations under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to permit the use of bows during the gun seasons in WMUs 91A-B and 92A-D.

This proposed change would:

• increase consistency and align deer seasons in the province;
• provide increased opportunity for controlled deer hunters interested in using a bow to harvest deer in the WMUs listed; and
• not impact the existing requirements regarding controlled deer hunts (e.g., application for a controlled deer hunt validation, participation in only one controlled deer hunt season) or the existing hunter safety measures (e.g., hunter orange) during gun seasons as described in the Hunting Regulations Summary.

There are no anticipated significant environmental impacts to deer harvest levels or population stability, and no impacts to hunter safety, as a result of these proposed changes.

The ministry is proposing amendments to Ontario Regulation 670/98 (Open Seasons - Wildlife) under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to implement the changes should the proposal proceed.

Regulatory impact statement

The anticipated environmental and social consequences of the proposal are neutral. The proposed changes are consistent with the current deer management framework.

The anticipated economic consequences of the proposal are neutral or positive. There are no annual administrative costs to business anticipated from these proposed changes.