Dufferin County Services Forest Hunting

Hunting

Horseback riders, hikers, cyclists, and many others use the County Forest tracts for recreation.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND OTHER USERS AT ALL TIMES.

 

Hunting Frequently Asked Questions Buying a Forest Use Permit (Hunting)
ducks on a lake

 

The following are the clauses of the County Forest By-Law 2017-39 that you should be aware of when hunting in the Dufferin County Forest:

  • Hunting is permitted between October 1 and May 31 in the following tracts of the Dufferin County Forest: south portion of Amaranth, Gara Gore, Melancthon, Randwick, Riverview, and Simmons.
  • There is no hunting allowed at any time in the following tracts: north portion of Amaranth, Hockley, Leening, Levitt, Little, Main, Mono, Thomson, and River Road. 
  • There is no hunting allowed in any Dufferin County Forest tract between June 1 and September 30. 
  • Hunters are required to obtain a hunting forest use permit from the County in order to hunt in the County Forest. The application form is located below. The permit is valid from October 1, or the date of issue, whichever is later, until May 31 of the following year. The fee for the permit is $30.00 + HST = $33.90. 
  • The fees are used to support the ongoing management of the Dufferin County Forest; specifically the provision of signs and advertisements to inform both hunters and non-hunters about the times when they can expect the greatest number of hunters in the Forest. Permits may be obtained in person or by mail from the address below. Please make cheques for permits payable to the County of Dufferin. 
  • Hunters are required to provide proof of membership in a recognized organization that provides a minimum of $5 million liability insurance for its members while they are engaged in hunting activities, in order to obtain a Forest Use Permit.
  • Electrically powered vehicles are permitted for game retrieval. Otherwise, there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the County Forest properties, with the exception of areas designated for parking (in the Main Tract on the east side of Airport Road) and snowmobiles using designated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (O.F.S.C.) trails. 
  • Treestands and blinds must be of a portable, freestanding design and must be removed after every use. The County assumes no responsibility for treestands or blinds left in the Forest or for their use.
  • For information on Sunday gun hunting, click here.
  • For your own protection, ensure that you are in compliance with the requirements of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and associated regulations at all times while hunting in the Dufferin County Forest.
  • Note that the preceding information applies to hunting on the Dufferin County Forest properties only. Hunting on other properties in the County is governed by rules stipulated by the owner(s) of those properties. Ensure that you have the landowner’s permission prior to hunting on any property.

To obtain a hunting permit for the applicable tracts in the Dufferin County Forest, please visit our online payment portal to complete the registration form and submit payment. For questions, please contact forest@dufferincounty.ca.

No hunting is allowed in any Dufferin County Forest tract between June 1 and September 30.  A forest use permit is required for hunting at all other times.

Hunting Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I hunt in the Dufferin County Forest?

    You can hunt in some of the tracts of the Dufferin County Forest, in accordance with provincial hunting seasons, from Oct 1-May 31. Details here.

  • Can I sight my firearm in the Dufferin County Forest?

    No. Sighting of firearms is not permitted in the Dufferin County Forest – see section 7 of the Recreational Use Policy and section 24 of the County Forest By-Law 2017-39.

  • Why do I need a permit to hunt in the Dufferin County Forest?

    Proceeds from hunting permits are used to support posting of signs and placement of newspaper advertisements alerting non-hunting users of the Forest to main hunting seasons.

  • What is the cost of a hunting permit?

    $30 + HST = $33.90 Details here.

  • How can I pay for a hunting permit?

    You can pay online, or in person at the Museum of Dufferin, corner of Airport Road & Highway 89, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm.

  • How long is a hunting permit good for?

    From the date of issue or October 1, whichever is later, until the following May 31. Details here.

  • Why do I need to be an OFAH member to get a hunting permit?

    The OFAH provides its members with liability insurance while they are hunting.

Buying a Forest Use Permit (Hunting)

A Forest Use Permit (Hunting) can be purchased online by following the link below.

A Forest Use Permit (Hunting) can be purchased in person at the Museum of Dufferin.

Buy a Permit