Ontario Fish and Wildlife

Official account of the Fish & Wildlife Program of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Terms of use En français @PecheFauneON

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Treat dad to some time on the water this Father’s Day.

From June 20 to 21, Canadian residents can fish for free in Ontario, making it the perfect weekend to create lasting family memories.

When fishing for free, remember to:
• follow conservation licence catch limits
• obey size limits and sanctuaries
• follow fishing regulations
• carry government-issued identification

Learn more at https://t.co/pVuk6w1OvF.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Important reminder for all licensed trappers:

Mandatory season‑end harvest reports must be submitted to the relevant issuing organization by June 10. 📅

Learn more about trapping regulations and how to report at https://t.co/Q1UFjxJIIl.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Heading out for your first fishing trip of the year?

Double‑check that your fishing licence and Ontario Outdoors Card are valid for 2026.

Renew online at https://t.co/lSxrfa52T1.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Conviction release for June 5, 2026. 🚨

An individual from Southern Ontario has been fined $2,500 for the following deer hunting violations:

A male individual of Eganville pleaded guilty to hunting big game without a licence, unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm in a conveyance, failing to immediately invalidate a tag and failing to properly attach an invalidated tag. He was fined $2,500 and is prohibited from possessing an Ontario hunting licence and engaging in any hunting activities in the province for one year.

The Ontario Court of Justice heard that on November 10, 2025, conservation officers were conducting compliance inspections in the Eganville area when they inspected the individual. During the inspection, it was determined that the individual hunted and harvested an antlered deer without having his deer tag printed. He then continued to hunt white-tailed deer without a valid licence.

If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more: https://t.co/wOID8IiJk4

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Planning to apply for the elk draw this year?

The deadline is June 10.

Apply at https://t.co/lSxrfa5AIz, or by calling 1-800-288-1155. You can also apply for draws in person at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Reminder for moose hunters. ⏰

The primary allocation tag claim deadline is June 8.

Successful applicants must claim their tag by this date. Any unclaimed tags will be made available in the second chance allocation.

Claim your tag by purchasing your moose licence and tag online at https://t.co/L6qRCQB9AU, or call 1-800-288-1155. You can also apply for draws in person at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

The Learn to Fish program returns this June — perfect for beginners, families and anyone ready to cast a line! 🎣

Register for a free two‑hour session and learn the basics with all equipment provided.

Find dates, locations and register at https://t.co/8Imk7rQHIH.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Don’t miss these important June deadlines and opportunities. 

• June 1: Learn to Fish registration opens
• June 8: Moose primary allocation tag claim deadline 
• June 10: Elk draw deadline  
• June 14: Spring wild turkey hunter reporting deadline 
 • June 15: Moose second chance allocation application period opens 
• June 20–21: Father’s Day free fishing weekend 
• June 22: Spring black bear non-resident hunter reporting deadline 
• June 27-July 5: Free Family Fishing Week 

To submit your hunter report or apply for draws, visit the link in our bio, or call 1-800-288-1155. You can also apply for draws in person at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Conviction release for May 29, 2026. 🚨

Two individuals from Northwestern Ontario have been fined a total of $5,700 for the following trapping violations:

A male individual of Kaministiquia pleaded guilty to unlawfully trapping a black bear and unlawfully abandoning a wolf pelt. He was fined $4,500.

A second male individual of Kaministiquia pleaded guilty to unlawfully trapping lynx during the closed season and failing to ensure compliance by a helper trapper. He was fined $1,200.

In addition, both individuals will proceed with implementing a logbook to track their trapping activities and metal tags will be attached to each of their traps or snares to help prevent unlawful trapping from occurring again.

If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more: https://t.co/QP0pNNt25v

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Normandale Fish Culture Technicians have been busy raising these super-sized lake whitefish for their release in Lake Simcoe earlier this month.

The team released around 6,000 fish of this size as part of the ongoing effort to support lake whitefish rehabilitation and sustainability of Lake Simcoe’s popular fishery.

Want to see how they’re raised from start to finish?

Follow along at @FishWildlifeON

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Seeing young wildlife alone doesn’t always mean they’re abandoned. Many species leave their young safely hidden while they search for food.

If you find a wild animal that appears sick, injured or orphaned:

• leave it in its natural habitat
• keep your distance
• contact a wildlife custodian for advice

To learn more, visit https://t.co/v2uvcum2IY.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Fish sanctuaries give fish safe spaces that help them thrive — especially during spawning season. This is why fish sanctuaries are closed to all fishing.

Do a quick rule check before you head out by visiting https://t.co/aWvOYeC6k0.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Celebrating hunting experiences across Ontario! Please join us in congratulating Carly on her successful hunt.

👤 Carly L
📍 Hartington, Ontario

“My persistence paid off again this season during a spring evening hunt in Hartington, Ontario. After a few hours of cat-and-mouse with a group of toms, soft purrs brought them back into range, giving me the chance to fill my tag.”

Thank you so much for sharing, Carly!

Before heading out, make sure you are up-to-date on hunting regulations and seasons at https://t.co/AxCDvKR3eF.

For a chance to be featured, tag your hunting photos using #MyONHunt or send us your photos via direct message or by emailing us at [email protected].

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Conviction release for May 22, 2026. 🚨

Two individuals from Southern Ontario have been fined a total of $4,000 for the following unlawful activity on the shore lands of a lake:

Two individuals of Haliburton both pleaded guilty to unlawfully dredging shore lands without a permit. They were fined $2,000 each.

The Ontario Court of Justice heard that on August 11, 2025, both individuals were operating an excavator on the shore of Lipsy Lake, located in the Township of Dysart et al, north of Haliburton. While attempting to remove woody debris and aquatic vegetation along the shoreline, the excavator was driven into the waters of Lipsy Lake.

The lakebed was scraped and dredged using the heavy machinery, without obtaining a permit. Witnesses observed the excavator in the water and immediately reported the incident to the ministry TIPS line. The ministry’s district staff responded to the incident, completing a damage assessment before handing the investigation over to conservation officers.

If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more: https://t.co/vv2zFc8t4g

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Why do geese fly so far north? 

The Hudson Bay Lowlands region is prime goose habitat — flat terrain makes spotting predators easier, and the vast wetlands offer plenty of shallow water and rich grasses for grazing. 

Some geese even go farther north after losing nests to predators. Why? To find food and space without competing with nesting geese. 

Learn more about the science we do at https://t.co/O2MA02gbUQ.

#ScienceON

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Conviction release for May 19, 2026. 🚨

A group of people has been fined a total of $15,000 for the following moose hunting violations:

A male individual of Toronto pleaded guilty to trespassing for the purpose of hunting and hunting moose without a licence. He was fined $5,000 and is prohibited from possessing an Ontario hunting licence for two years.

A second male individual of Richmond Hill pleaded guilty to trespassing for the purpose of hunting and hunting moose without a licence. He was fined $7,000 and is suspended from hunting in Ontario for one year.

A third male individual of Savard Township, the host of the two individuals, was found guilty at trial to entering prohibited premises under the Trespass to Property Act and to transporting unlawfully killed wildlife under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. He was fined a total of $3,000 and had his moose hunting licence suspended for one year.

If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more: https://t.co/TkSk5VXX1P

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Looking to introduce a young hunter to the field?

Ontario’s Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program gives 12–14‑year‑olds real experience with a licensed mentor.

To start they’ll need to:
• complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course
• get an Outdoors Card
• obtain a federal firearms accreditation if hunting with a gun

Learn more at https://t.co/qq71YUXJfZ.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Celebrating hunting experiences across Ontario! Please join us in congratulating Angelique on her successful hunt!

👤 Angelique
📍 London, Ontario

“Since I started hunting, I’ve been determined to experience as much of Ontario as possible. It’s a vast province, and I know it will take time to explore it all—but that’s what makes the journey so fulfilling.”

Thank you so much for sharing, Angelique!

Before heading out, make sure you are up-to-date on hunting regulations and seasons at https://t.co/AxCDvKR3eF.

For a chance to be featured, tag your hunting photos using #MyONHunt or send us your photos via direct message or by emailing us at [email protected].

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

We’re creating a new model that predicts dissolved oxygen in Ontario’s lakes to better understand coldwater fish, improve stocking, and strengthen fisheries management.

Learn more at https://t.co/RC7aNrKIE1.

#ScienceON

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Spring in Ontario looks best through your lens. 📸

Capture your best moments and inspire fellow hunters by sharing your journey.

Tag us @FishWildlifeON or use the hashtag #MyONHunt when you post your hunting photos. Alternatively, send them to our social team via DM or by emailing us at [email protected].