The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding residents and visitors in the greater Kawarthas region that hunting season is now underway.
Hunting season for most small game (including grouse/partridge and hare) and most geese has already begun in the region, with duck season beginning on Saturday (September 24).
“Residents may see people participating in this outdoor activity,” reads a media release from the Haliburton OPP. “Other lawful activities such as target and skeet shooting may also be taking place. These also involve the discharge of firearms; residents should not be alarmed as long as this is done in a safe manner.”
In the greater Kawarthas region, hunting season for wild turkey begins in October. Deer season begins in October or November, depending on how the animals are hunted.
For those who want to enjoy a fall walk in the woods or along trails on public land in rural areas, police advise taking precautions. This includes on Sundays — Sunday hunting is now permitted by provincial regulations in most municipalities in southern Ontario, including all those in the greater Kawarthas region.
“If frequenting areas where these activities are occurring, please make yourself more visible by wearing a brightly coloured jacket and/or hat and be especially careful at dawn or dusk, when colours such as red and green appear brown,” police advise. “If you take your dog with you, consider putting something brightly coloured on them or attach a bell to their collar.”
Police add it’s important “everyone remains safe when participating in their respective activity.”
Hunting of migratory birds in Ontario including ducks and geese is regulated by the federal government based on provincial wildlife management units. For details about regulations, season dates, and hunting permits in Ontario, visit the federal government website at canada.ca.
In Ontario, hunting of non-migratory birds and other small game, fur-bearing mammals, and big game including deer, moose, and elk is regulated by the provincial government. For details about regulations, wildlife management units, season dates, and Outdoors Cards and hunting licences, visit the provincial government website at ontario.ca.
