Posted on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Safety In The Woods

Be Aware and Prepared If You’re Heading Into The Forest

August 20, 2014

As the weather turns colder and the sun sets earlier, people planning to hike, hunt, 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 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 in some regional municipal forests.  Anyone using the forest should check with the appropriate regional municipality for specific information.

HUNTERS:

• Be aware that you may be sharing the forest 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 cap.
• Please consult the 2014 Hunting Regulations Summary for exceptions.
• Hunters must never shoot unless they are absolutely sure of their target and what is beyond it.

HIKERS AND BIRDWATCHERS:

• Be aware of hunting seasons in the area you are hiking in.
• Wear a hunter orange vest or jacket and hat, and be especially careful at dawn or dusk, when colours such as red and green appear brown.
• Avoid wearing white, especially white mittens or hats. These can resemble a deer’s tail through the trees.
• If you take a pet with you, such as a dog, ensure the animal is wearing a brightly coloured blanket or T-shirt.

HORSEBACK RIDERS

• Try to avoid known hunting areas, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Wear a hunter orange vest or jacket, and a brightly coloured helmet cover.
• Buy or make a brightly coloured rump sheet for your horse.

SHOTGUN, MUZZLE LOADER AND ARCHERY HUNTING
In the Parry Sound area, shotgun, muzzle loader and archery hunting for deer, bear and moose is allowed from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset in the following areas: WMUs 46, 47, 49, 50,53 A & B, 54

For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the 2013-2014 Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting.