Spring Bear Hunt Reinstated in Ontario

The MNR brought back the Spring Bear Hunt in a pilot project in 2014/2015. The two-year pilot involved only Ontario residents and included eight Wildlife Management Units near Timmins, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay.

However, the Ministry of Natural Resources has decided to extend the pilot into 2020. From May 1 to June 15 each year, the bear hunt will be open to residents and non-residents.

Under the expanded pilot, it will still be illegal to hunt bear cubs and females with cubs. If convicted of this offence, one could face a fine of up to $25,000 and up to one year's imprisonment. In most cases, each licensed hunter will only be allowed to hunt one bear in each calendar year. There are also some rules to follow when baiting during all bear hunting seasons that will be regulated to help address public safety.

The Government cites concerns voiced by northern communities about human-bear conflicts and to support economic growth and tourism in the north as the reasons for reinstating the Spring Bear Hunt.

Download the Ontario Hunting Regulations for more information about hunting in Ontario.

If you're interested in booking a Spring Bear Hunt, find out information from one of these bear hunting outfitters.

Follow the Hunt Sunset Country Facebook page for more about hunting in Ontario. 

Edited Body Text

The MNR brought back the Spring Bear Hunt in a pilot project in 2014/2015. The two-year pilot involved only Ontario residents and included eight Wildlife Management Units near Timmins, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay.

However, the Ministry of Natural Resources has decided to extend the pilot into 2020. From May 1 to June 15 each year, the bear hunt will be open to residents and non-residents.

Under the expanded pilot, it will still be illegal to hunt bear cubs and females with cubs. If convicted of this offence, one could face a fine of up to $25,000 and up to one year's imprisonment. In most cases, each licensed hunter will only be allowed to hunt one bear in each calendar year. There are also some rules to follow when baiting during all bear hunting seasons that will be regulated to help address public safety.

The Government cites concerns voiced by northern communities about human-bear conflicts and to support economic growth and tourism in the north as the reasons for reinstating the Spring Bear Hunt.

Download the Ontario Hunting Regulations for more information about hunting in Ontario.

If you're interested in booking a Spring Bear Hunt, find out information from one of these bear hunting outfitters.

Follow the Hunt Sunset Country Facebook page for more about hunting in Ontario.