What is changing?
Moose tags will be distributed to Ontario residents using a points-based process. A moose licence will no longer include a calf tag. Resident hunters will start with one point for each year they applied for the moose draw since the last time they received an adult moose tag. ###
The fees for moose hunting are becoming fairer. Hunters will pay a fee of $15 to apply for a tag instead of being required to buy a moose licence before applying. Hunters who claim a tag will pay more in those years, but will save money in years they apply, but don’t claim a tag. The cost of a moose licence will be reduced from $50 to $35. A licence will be required to claim a tag or to party hunt with a tag holder.
Sign on to your online account at huntandfishontario.com to view your moose draw
history. Your draw history will be used to calculate your point total.#
Don’t have an online account? Sign up today. #
Learn how to view your draw entries, results and history.#
In early 2021 your point total will be available through your online account or by
calling the automated phone line at 1-800-288-1155.
Make sure your Outdoors Card is valid and up to date. ##
Decide what tag types (Wildlife Management Unit (WMU)/moose type/season) you and other members in your hunting party are interested in applying for and whether you are willing to have your points reset to zero if you are awarded and claim that tag type. Learn more below. ##
All hunters will apply as individuals. There will be no group applications and no pooling of points among multiple hunters. Hunting in groups (i.e. party hunting) will still be permitted and the party hunting rules remain unchanged. #
The new tag allocation process will contain a Primary Allocation stage when most high-demand tags are likely to be awarded,and a Second Chance Allocation stage when remaining tags will be awarded.#
Each stage will have a separate application period. You can apply to either or both stages by paying a $15 application fee once.#
If you are awarded a tag, you must claim the tag before the relevant tag claim deadline in order to receive it. To claim a tag, you must purchase a $35 moose licence and pay the tag fee ($30 calf tag, $150 cow/calf tag, $200 bull tag). Learn about the benefits of the licensing and fee changes at Ontario.ca/moosereview.#
If you apply to either or both stages but aren’t awarded a tag or don’t claim a tag awarded to you based on points, you will gain a point to improve your chances in the future.#
Didn’t get a tag or missed the deadlines but still want to hunt? You can party hunt
with another tag holder if you have purchased a moose licence. A reminder that beginning
in 2021 a calf tag will no longer come with the purchase of a moose licence.
You can also consider purchasing a moose hunt from a tourist outfitter.#
Stay safe and have fun! #
#*Dates for the new moose allocation process are currently tentative. Stay up to date on all the latest information by checking Ontario.ca/moose. #
Primary Allocation Stage: #
On April 1st MNRF publishes tag quotas for the Primary Allocation stage: #
Pay $15 application fee and apply for a tag either online at huntandfishontario.com, by phone using the automated phone line#
(1-800-288-1155) or apply in person at a participating ServiceOntario or a licence issuer. #
Complete your application by the April 30th for the Primary Allocation stage.
Make up to 3 choices of tag type (i.e. WMU/moose type/season combination) in the Primary Allocation stage.#
You can apply for a point directly by selecting the non-existent WMU “99Z” as your first choice rather than applying for a tag. #
Each tag type will be allocated to the hunters with the most points that applied for it as their first choice. If tags remain available, the applicants with the most points that selected that tag type as their second choice will be awarded tags.
If tags still remain available, this will be repeated for third choice
applicants.#
A random draw will be used to break ties when there are more applicants with the same point total than the number of tags that remain available.
The points required to be awarded each tag type and whether tags remain available beyond the first choice is not set in advance but is determined solely by how many hunters choose each tag type relative to the quota and their point totals. #
Claim your tag before the deadline on June 7th by buying your moose licence and purchasing your tag.#
Your points will reset to zero when you claim a tag awarded in the Primary Allocation stage.
Second Chance Allocation Stage:
On June 15th MNRF publishes information on the number of tags that remain available for the Second Chance Allocation stage (tags that weren’t applied for or went unclaimed in the Primary Allocation stage):
Hunters can apply to the Second Chance Allocation stage (a $15 application fee is only required if you didn’t apply for to the Primary Allocation stage) unless they already claimed a tag in the Primary Allocation stage.#
Complete your application by July 7th for the Second Chance Allocation stage.
Make up to 3 choices of tag type and WMU.#
You have the option of applying for a point in this stage as well by selecting the non-existent WMU “99Z” (you can only gain one point per year).#
Tags are awarded based on points for first choices and by random draw for second and third choices – this means that hunters with zero or few points still have a chance to be awarded tags that remain available.#
You can choose to claim your tag after August 1st and before the end of the relevant season by buying your moose licence and paying for your tag.#
Your points reset to zero if you claim a tag you were awarded from your first choice in the 2nd Chance Allocation stage. If you choose to claim a tag from your second or third choice you will retain your points and gain a point.#
Any resident hunter can purchase a moose licence for $35 to party hunt with a tag holder. Party hunting rules have not changed.
Beginning in 2022, the MNRF will publish the minimum point total that was awarded each tag type (i.e.WMU/moose type/season combination) in the previous year. This information will help hunters plan how they wish to apply. While the points required for each tag type are not determined in advance of the allocation and are likely to change somewhat from year to year, information on previous years will give hunters a good idea how many points will be required for each tag type/area and allow them to apply strategically. ###
Learn more about the improvements being made to moose management in Ontario in 2020 and 2021 at Ontario.ca/moosereview.