The same remote country that produces trophy fishing is also classic northern hunting ground. For generations, the boreal forest around Red Lake has drawn hunters after moose, black bear, and waterfowl, often as an autumn extension of a fishing trip. This page offers a general overview of the region's hunting; for the binding rules, always consult the official Ontario sources linked below.
Moose: The Icon of the North
The moose is the great prize of the northern forest, a massive animal perfectly at home in the muskeg, willow bottoms, and shallow bays of the shield. Archery seasons typically open in September, with rifle seasons following in October, aligned to the fall rut when bulls are active and responsive to calling. Hunting moose in this country is demanding and deeply rewarding, combining woodcraft, patience, and a tolerance for wild, roadless terrain. Tags and validation are strictly controlled and allocated; hunters must understand the tag system before planning.
Black Bear
Northwestern Ontario supports a healthy population of black bear, and the fall bear hunt is a long tradition. Bear seasons generally open in the late summer, giving hunters a chance at these intelligent, wary animals as they feed heavily before winter. As with all big game, licences, tags, and outfitter permits where required are governed by provincial regulation.
Waterfowl
When September paints the marshes gold, the waterfowl arrive. Ducks and geese move through the boreal wetlands in numbers, and a morning in a shoreline blind is a fine complement to an afternoon of fall fishing. Migratory bird hunting in Canada requires federal permits in addition to provincial licensing, so waterfowlers have an extra layer of rules to observe.
Know the Rules Before You Go
Hunting in Ontario is closely regulated, and the details — seasons, zones, tag draws, and licensing — change from year to year. This page is an overview only and is not a substitute for the current regulations. Before planning any hunt, consult the Ontario hunting regulations. Non-residents and visitors from outside Canada face additional requirements, including rules on bringing firearms into Canada, which must be arranged well in advance.
Hunt the Country with Respect
Northern hunting is a privilege earned through preparation and respect — for the regulations, for the animals, and for a wilderness that supports them only because it remains wild. Ethical shot selection, full use of harvested game, and careful attention to the rules keep these traditions alive. Many visitors combine a fall hunt with the season's excellent fishing; see our seasons guide for how the autumn windows overlap.