People planning to hike, jog, ride or bird-watch in forested areas should take steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Public lands in Ontario are used for a variety of activities. All those in the forest and surrounding areas need to be aware others may be nearby, and ensure they are visible.
Hunting is allowed on most Crown lands, on private property with the permission of the property owner, and on some municipal lands. Anyone using public, municipal or county lands should check with the appropriate municipality for specific information.
JOGGERS, HIKERS AND BIRDWATCHERS
- Be aware of hunting seasons in the area.
- It is safest to wear bright orange, and bells or other items that make a noise while walking or jogging.
- Bright colours that could not be mistaken for wildlife are important, but one caution: red and green can appear brown at dawn or dusk and a white hat or mitts can resemble a deer’s tail through the woods
- Dogs and other pets should wear a brightly coloured marker.
HORSEBACK RIDERS
- Try to avoid known hunting areas, especially at dawn or dusk.
- It is safest to wear a hunter orange vest or jacket, and a brightly coloured helmet cover.
- Buy or make a brightly coloured rump sheet for your horse.
HUNTERS
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- Be aware that you may be sharing public lands with other hunters, as well as hikers, riders or birdwatchers.
- All licensed hunters, including archery hunters, hunting during gun season for deer and moose, must wear solid hunter orange clothing (a minimum of 2,580 square centimetres (400 square inches) above the waist and visible from all sides) and a hunter orange headcover.
- Please consult the Hunting Regulations Summary for exceptions.
- Hunters must never shoot unless they are absolutely sure of their target and what is beyond and around it.
For information about hunting seasons and regulations, please consult the Hunting Regulations Summary which is available from licence issuers, ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, and on the ministry's website at ontario.ca/hunting.
