Strengthening guide requirements for non-resident white-tailed deer hunters in northern Ontario

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 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.

Historically, high quality and accessible deer hunting opportunities have attracted large numbers of non-resident hunters to northern Ontario (particularly in the northwest areas of Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances), which resulted in some resident and non-resident hunter conflicts (e.g. concerns about crowding in some hunting areas, hunter safety, declining hunt quality, impacts to outfitting businesses, etc).

Over the years, the ministry has worked to address concerns, including introducing non-resident camping prohibitions in some areas, expanding deer hunting seasons, implementing restricted hunting areas along roadways, hosting meetings on the issue, etc.

Currently the only regulatory guide requirement for non-resident deer hunters in Ontario is that they must employ one licensed guide for each two hunters when hunting deer in the Territorial District of Rainy River (WMUs 9B, 10, 11A and parts of 7B and 12B).

While non-resident hunter numbers have declined significantly since their 2007 peak, NDMNRF continues to hear some local concerns regarding non-resident deer hunting and the lack of economic returns from non-resident deer hunters to local tourism industries and northern communities.

Seeking your feedback

We invite you to provide input on non-resident deer hunting and potential changes to guide requirements for non-resident white-tailed deer hunters in parts of northern Ontario.  To support gathering input, we have posed the questions below:

1. Do you feel non-resident deer hunting is an issue in your area?

          a) Please explain the nature of the issue (e.g. hunt quality, overcrowding, misuse of Crown land etc.)?

          b) What are your ideas/suggestions for addressing the issue in your area?

      2. Should the ministry consider strengthening/expanding guiding requirements for non-resident deer hunters in an effort to address concerns?

          a) Please explain why.

          b) What are your ideas/suggestions for how to strengthen/expand these requirements? (e.g. who should be able to guide and over what area?)

     3. Should the ministry consider making the use of an outfitter, or outfitter services like lodging, mandatory for non-resident deer hunters in northern Ontario?  

     4. Do you feel the resource-based tourism industry in northern Ontario has been underutilized by non-resident hunters?

          a) Please explain any opportunities or ideas you have to increase its utilization?

     5. Please select which area of the province that best represents the information you provided in this survey (e.g. where you hunt):

          a) Territorial District of Rainy River (WMUs 9B, 10, 11A, parts of 7B and 12B)

          b) Other Northwestern Ontario (west of Lake Nipigon)

          c) Northeastern Ontario (east of Lake Nipigon, north of the French river and Mattawa River)

          d) Southern Ontario (south of the French River and Mattawa River)

     6. Please select which of the following apply to you (you may select more than one):

          a) Guide

          b) Tourist Outfitter

          c) Other business owner

          d) Resident deer hunter

          e) Non-resident deer hunter

          f) Other

7. Please provide any other information/concerns/suggestions regarding non-resident deer hunting guide requirements that you think the ministry should consider in the future.

Please provide your feedback to the above questions by March 25, 2022 by completing the digital form here