Who can hunt antlerless deer?
An Ontario resident who has a valid hunting version Outdoors Card, a deer licence tag and who receives an antlerless deer validation tag in the draw is permitted to harvest an antlerless deer during the open season in the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) specified on the validation tag.
NOTE: Non-residents cannot apply to this draw.
How do I apply to the draw for an antlerless deer validation tag?
Hunters who wish to apply to the draw for an antlerless deer validation tag may enter the draw between March 1 and July 2, 2013. There are three ways to enter the draw. Your chance of being drawn for an antlerless deer validation tag is the same whether you apply by telephone, Internet or at a participating ServiceOntario centre or licence issuer.
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| A white-tailed deer rubbing his antlers on a branch, a rutting behavior. ©iStockphoto.com/Paul Tessier |
- Telephone Application System
Call 1-800-288-1155 to purchase a deer licence tag and apply to the antlerless deer draw in one phone call. Be sure to record the authorization number voiced at the end of the call for future reference. Please note that if you have already purchased your deer licence tag, you will not be able to enter the draw by telephone; in this situation you must apply for the draw over the Internet or by visiting a participating ServiceOntario centre or licence issuer who offers this service.
- Internet
Go to the web page ontario.ca/outdoorscard to purchase a deer licence tag and apply to the antlerless deer draw in one transaction. If you have already purchased a deer licence tag you can go to this web page to apply to the draw. 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.
- Participating ServiceOntario Centre or Licence Issuer
A ServiceOntario representative or participating licence issuer will assist you in purchasing your deer licence tag and electronically submitting your draw application. Be sure to check your draw confirmation receipt prior to leaving the ServiceOntario centre or licence issuer to ensure your choice have been correctly entered. View a list of participating ServiceOntario centres and licence issuers to determine where electronic draw entry services are offered in your area.
What is the draw deadline?
The deadline for draw entry by telephone or Internet is 11:59 p.m. (ET) on July 2, 2013. The deadline for draw entry at a participating ServiceOntario centre or a participating licence issuer is within regular business hours on July 2, 2013.
How do I know if my application was successful?
Starting August 8, draw applicants can call the toll-free Draw Results Line at 1-800-288-1155 or go online at ontario.ca/outdoorscard to get their draw results. All hunters who purchased a deer licence tag and/or entered the draw on or before the draw deadline will receive their licence tag and game seal (with validation tag, if successful in the draw) by mail.
When will I receive my licence tag, game seal and validation tag?
When you purchase your licence tag determines when you will receive your licence tag, game seal and validation tag (if applicable).
If you purchase your deer licence tag before the draw closes your licence tag and game seal (and validation tag for those successful in the draw) will be mailed after the draw has been run. If you have not received your licence tag and game seal by one week before the hunt, visit a participating ServiceOntario centre.
If you purchase your deer licence tag after the draw closes you will receive your licence tag and game seal directly from the issuer or participating ServiceOntario centre where you make your purchase.
All clients are asked to retain the receipt they receive for online and counter purchases, or the authorization number they receive for telephone transactions, for their records.
Note that hunters cannot purchase their deer licence tag online or by telephone after the draw closes.
For more information about antlerless deer validation tags, the draw process and Wildlife Management Units refer to the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.
