RESOURCES

During the primary allocation stage, all tags are awarded based on points and claiming any tag will cause a hunter to use their points. During the second chance allocation stage, only first-choice tags are awarded based on points and claiming one of these tags will use a hunter’s points. In this stage, second and third choices are awarded based on a random draw and claiming one of these tags does not use a hunter’s points. See FAQ “How do choices work when applying for tags?” for more information on choices.

For tags awarded based on points, imagine a line, where the people with the most points applying for that tag type are at the start of the line. There is no minimum number of points that guarantees a hunter a tag. When a hunter at the front of the line claims a tag, they use all their points and go to the end of the line.

When applying to either the primary allocation stage or the second chance allocation stage, a hunter can select up to three different WMU/tag type combinations (e.g., gun bull in WMU 13). A hunter ranks these as their first, second, and third choices. When the NDMNRF awards tags during each allocation stage, they start with the first-choice applicants for a given tag type. If there are tags still unawarded once first-choice demand is met, they then award tags to second-choice applicants. If tags remain once second-choice demand is met, they are awarded to third-choice applicants. 

The most likely explanation is that these hunters applied for the same tag with different choices. Because the NDMNRF runs the allocation by choice (see FAQ “How do choices work when applying for tags?” for more information on choices), a hunter with less points who applied for a tag as their first choice would be awarded the tag before a hunter with more points who applied for the same tag as their second or third choice.

Following each allocation stage there is a claim period associated with the stage during which a hunter can see if they were awarded a tag and decide whether to claim it. In 2022, the primary allocation claim period is from May 16th to June 7th and the second chance allocation claim period is from August 1st until the end of the season the tag is for. During the primary allocation claim period, a tag can be claimed online at www.huntandfishontario.com, by phone at 1-800-288-1155, or in person at a licence issuer or participating Service Ontario location. During the second chance claim period, tags must be printed when they are claimed, so a hunter can only do so online at www.huntandfishontario.com or in person at a licence issuer or participating Service Ontario location.

If a hunter is awarded a tag and does not want to claim it, no action is required on their part. Not claiming a tag has no effect on a hunter’s point total. Tags unclaimed in the primary allocation stage will be available to hunters applying in the second chance allocation stage.

A hunter can learn their points totals by calling 1-800-288-1155 or online at www.huntandfishontario.com under Draw Entries and Results. The online site also allows a hunter to view their past moose draw history.

A hunter only pays the $15 application fee once per year. If a hunter paid the fee when they applied to the primary allocation stage, they do not need to pay again if they apply to the second chance stage. If a hunter did not apply to the primary allocation stage but then does apply to the second chance stage, they would pay the fee at that time.

A hunter can only gain one point per year. A hunter gains a point in a year where they applied to the allocation and did not claim a tag awarded based on points.

A cow/calf tag allows a hunter to harvest either a cow or a calf during the season the tag is valid for.

To go moose hunting, a hunter must have a valid Outdoors Card, a moose license listed on their license summary, and either have their own moose tag that is valid for the season they are hunting in or be party hunting on another hunter’s valid moose tag. If a hunter is hunting with a gun, they must have proof of firearms accreditation (i.e., their PAL). Note that the moose license is a separate item that must be purchased. The $15 application fee is not a moose license.

No. The NDMNRF originally consulted on a cap to moose party hunting size as part of the Moose Management Review but decided not to proceed with that change.

Yes, provided you are meeting all the conditions for party hunting defined in the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary and are hunting with someone who holds a valid moose tag.

The NDMNRF no longer permits tag transfers. According to the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary: In exceptional circumstances such as injury, illness or death of the tag holder or an immediate family member; or redeployment by the Canadian Armed Forces, a tag transfer may be considered with written request and documentation. Anyone seeking a transfer should contact the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at nrisc@ontario.ca.