How does the "tag system" work?

[jeffcarr88]

Hey CGN,

I was wondering if I can get an explanation and some help on the "tag system" for hunting. I am the solo hunter out of my family and all my friends (although some show interest) so hunting was a big/complex tag for me to do alone and figure it all out and its taken a few years to get to this point.

I AM licensed and I like to use both firearms and bows. In the past I have gone out for small game but that was simple...buy a sticker and hunting the correct game in the correct season.

Now...I would like to go after a deer, with my crossbow.

So to go about this...

I pick an area, WMU I'd like to harvest it from...

From there I need to buy and/or apply for a deer tags, for the archery season. Where is the best place to do this...online or a "local" office?

I understand that for most areas it is pretty easy to get a buck tag especially in bow season (but prices can vary) but you have to enter a draw for a doe tag/extra tags...is all of this correct?

Do I have a better chance to get a doe tag for archery season then I would with a rifle?

Anything else I need to know?

Much thanks, and sorry for the n00b questions!!!

- J

ADDED ---

Would like to hunt THIS fall/winter (depending when the deer bow season is, I am a total n00b)...I understand I may already be too late to get a tag.

 

[chalkriver]

No separate Doe or Buck tags for archery season , same tag for both. Some areas sell extra tags as mine only sells one.
Buying your deer license automatically gives you a buck tag and you enter into a draw for antlerless deer tag for the area you want.
There are different seasons for archery and rifle .
Here is a link with the info

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/OC/2ColumnSubPage/STDU_137147.html

 

[deerfarmer]

You can purchase tags on-line, over the phone (with credit card) or at an authorized licence issuer. In my area there is only one - Home Hardware. As for doe tags, unless there are additional seals in your WMU then you are too late. You have to apply for the antlerless draw by July 1st ish and that has to be done on phone or internet. No preferences are given for bow over archery in the draw that I am aware of. Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[Gargoyle]

Purchasing a "buck" tag is about your only option (from what i've heard very few additional tags are left if any). That tag entitles you to harvest any deer with antlers that are 4" or more. Once harvested follow the tagging instructions on the tag. You should still be able to apply for the "controlled" hunt if you wish to harvest a deer with shotgun or muzzle loader for this season. Draw application info is on the MNR site listed above, just follow the steps.

Shoot me a PM. I've been hunting deer for about 15 years (ya ya still a newbie by some standards) just west of where your signature says you are from (about 45mins or so). Might be able to take you out at my spots for a day or two to give you the feel of things this season.

Good luck.

 

[blasted_saber]

You can buy a tag to hunt a buck in any WMU in any regular open season at any time. You could likely buy one after the hunt even, for all the good it would do you.

The draws are passed, so you will be unable to apply this year. But you can still hunt bucks anywhere.