Finding land to hunt on in SW Ontario - newb needs help

subneural

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
123   0   0
I'm a newb to hunting, and I need help! I'm a freshly licensed hunter with both the small game and migratory permits in hand. All I need now is a place to hunt :) From what I understand, there is no crown land left in souther Ontario (I couldn't spot any on the MNR maps).

I'm looking to get permission from private land owners somewhere within an hours drive on Kitchener, however I am new to the area and I don't know anyone directly I can ask. Previously I lived in the GTA, so there's nobody there to lead me either. Right now I'm only really interested in hunting waterfowl.

How do y'all go about finding land to hunt on? Is it a matter of just cold-calling on farmers & land owners, or are there other methods (I'm thinking taking an ad out in a regional paper might be one approach). Any input you can share here or via PM is greatly appreciated.

I'll add this as well - if anyone in the region already has a spot to hunt waterfowl, and is willing to mentor a newb, I'm willing to buy/bring a couple of boxes of blackcloud (or shot of your choice) and the timmies.

TIA
 
Last edited:
In the same spot... First season hunting, me and a buddy with no mentors or anything like that. We're probably going to try simcoe county forest, we're not sure exactly where yet though, and we have to join the OFAH first.

This might be a stretch, but if any farmers within 2 or 3 hours of Toronto need help with some work we're 2 20 year olds who're willing to help you out in exchange for permission to hunt on your land. We wouldn't mind shooting varmints as well.
 
Waterfowl hunting you say. look up Hullet Marsh. West of you towards Clinton. Big swamp the Ministry controls and you can get into hunt. Read up on it. I hunted it once, but it is a crowded location. Good place to hunt phesant too.

http://www.hullettmarsh.org/
 
Last edited:
Luther Marsh is close, Belwood Lake has land you can hunt and it is not over hunted, also the island on the lake is open for goose hunting, its $15 per day or it use to be $100 for the year, covers fall hunt as well as Turkey. Also, Grand River Conservation Area had a program a few years ago, $25 for the permit and gives you access to hunt several properties for the year. All you have to do is fill out a survey at the end of the year. It's been a few years since I did this but I was also in your position when I moved back to Ontario. Call head office in Cambridge for the GCRA and ask if they still have this program. Other than that start asking, people at work etc, knock on doors etc.
Good luck
 
just go bang on farmers doors... lots will let you setup for a morning of goose hunting. Worst thing they do is say no. I usually met the farmer the night before i goose hunt. Deer permissions are a bit different for the gun hunts. Bow hunting usually isnt an issue.
 
In the same spot... First season hunting, me and a buddy with no mentors or anything like that. We're probably going to try simcoe county forest, we're not sure exactly where yet though, and we have to join the OFAH first.

This might be a stretch, but if any farmers within 2 or 3 hours of Toronto need help with some work we're 2 20 year olds who're willing to help you out in exchange for permission to hunt on your land. We wouldn't mind shooting varmints as well.

on the subject of SCF, do check if hunting is allowed in the one you are planning to go to, not all of them are open to this activity

2-3 hrs drive? you can find crown land that far away from the T.O.
 
Waterfowl hunting you say. look up Hullet Marsh. West of you towards Clinton. Big swamp the Ministry controls and you can get into hunt. Read up on it. I hunted it once, but it is a crowded location. Good place to hunt phesant too.

http://www.hullettmarsh.org/
Try the Hullet marsh out, it is no longer run by the ministry but by private organization called friends of hullet, no mebership is required to hunt their but it is only $25 and that is a small fee to pay to help keep it going so you can hunt their in the future. It is busy for the first couple of weeks but after that you can sometimes have the whole marsh to yourself. Just follow the rules!!!! there are booklets on the marsh at all of the parking areas and i would suggest some afternoon hunts so you can walk in in the daylight to get to know the area. There is a side A and a side B all waterfowl hunting is on side A and you can hunt pheasant,rabbit,deer.... and anything that has a open season at the time on side B, you can even hunt turkeys in the spring.It is more likely a little over an hour away but no more than an hour and a half.Good luck
Slayer
 
East of kitchener is all farm land. Around the salem conestoga area it is all Mennonite land. Not sure if they will let you hunt there but I drive threw it everyday and I count hundreds of geese, also quite a few coyotes and deer. Doesn`t hurt to ask, I may have to hit up that area too.
 
The farmers that I have spoken to are more than happy to be rid of rabbits, coyotes, geese and deer. Some are afraid that "city-folk" are going to be careless with their guns so you may have to sell yourself a bit. I even met one guy who said I can hunt anytime except weekends and P.A. days so his kids won't be around.
 
Back
Top Bottom