Elk hunting is relatively new to Ontario and some of the regulations are different from moose and deer hunting. Carefully review the regulations and draw application instructions if you are interested in applying for an elk hunting opportunity in southern Ontario.
Ontario's Elk Hunt Draw
The elk hunt will take place only in parts of southern Ontario where the elk herd is now self-sustaining and can support limited hunting opportunities. Refer to this map of harvest areas for elk for more information.
Who can hunt elk in Ontario?
A resident who has a valid hunting version Outdoors Card and who is successful in the draw for an elk game seal, or is part of a group that is successful in the draw, is permitted to purchase a licence tag and is eligible to hunt an elk during the open season in the Elk Harvest Area specified on the seal. Please refer to the elk section of the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary (PDF, 327 kb) for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: Only residents of Ontario can apply to this draw.
Hunters wishing to party hunt for elk must apply to the draw as a group. If a hunter is successful in the draw for an elk seal, only the applicants who applied as part of his or her group will be eligible to buy an elk licence and party hunt under that seal. The maximum group size for hunting elk is four (not including any apprentice hunters). A person hunting under the authority of a Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card and under the direct and immediate supervision of a member of the elk hunting group is permitted to participate in the elk hunt.
Applications for the elk hunt draw are accepted from May 1 - June 10, 2013. An application fee of $16.95 (includes 13% HST) is charged when entering the draw.
Ontario resident hunters wishing to apply to the draw to hunt elk have three options :
- Apply to the draw online TIP : Be sure to print or save a copy of your draw application receipt for future reference using the "PRINT RECEIPT" button once your draw application has been submitted.
- Call the toll-free automated telephone application system to apply to the draw (1-800-288-1155) TIP : Be sure to record the authorization number (voiced at the end of the call) for future reference.
- Go to a participating ServiceOntario centre to apply to the draw. A ServiceOntario representative will assist you in electronically submitting your draw application and processing your draw entry fee. TIP : Be sure to check your draw confirmation receipt prior to leaving the ServiceOntario Centre to ensure your choices have been correctly entered.
As of 2013 paper applications are no longer being used or accepted.
Applying to the Elk Draw
To apply as an individual, you need to have your first and second choice (if applicable) hunt codes representing the Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) and Elk Harvest Areas in which you would like to hunt.
Hunters wishing to party hunt for elk must apply to the draw as a group. If a hunter is successful in the draw for an elk seal, only the applicants who applied as part of his or her group will be eligible to buy an elk licence tag and party hunt under that seal. If applying as part of a group, decide with your group if you are the Group Leader or a Group Member. The Group Leader is the only person who will submit a Hunt Code and will then be given a Group Reference Number to identify the group. The Group Leader will provide the Group Reference Number to the Group Members and the Group Members will use this Group Reference Number to enter the draw.
The maximum number of hunters who can apply in one group is four (not including any apprentice hunters. A person hunting under the authority of a Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card and under the direct and immediate supervision of a member of the elk hunting group is permitted to participate in the elk hunt.) For a list of Hunt Codes, WMUs, Elk Harvest Areas and seasons, please refer to the Hunting Regulations Summary (PDF, 327 kb).
Draw Results
All successful draw applicants will be notified in early August that they are eligible to purchase an elk licence tag. Additionally, starting August 2, 2013, draw applicants can call the toll free Draw Results Line at 1-800-288-1155 or go online to get their draw results.
Before hunting elk in Ontario, all successful draw applicants and their respective group members (if applicable) must purchase an elk licence tag. No refund of application fees is granted to an applicant who is unsuccessful in the draw.
PLEASE NOTE: Hunters who were successfully drawn for a seal and who purchased an elk licence tag in a previous year may not receive another elk seal in the draw for five years. However, such hunters may continue to be listed as members of a group and party hunt for elk during this time if a member of their group is successful in the draw.
