Bear Hunting

With numbers estimated at 75,000 to 100,000, Ontario has one of the largest black bear populations in North America. Black bears are distributed widely across northern and central Ontario, with a range that extends into southern Ontario’s lush Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region.

In all units with a bear season, hunting is open to both residents and non-residents.During the time of the hunt, bears are eating to accumulate body fat necessary to carry them through winter. Baiting can be a particularly successful hunting method, with the hunter in a tree stand or in a ground blind. We continuously keep the bait pits well stocked with "goodies" for the bears.

Bow hunting for bear is growing in popularity, particularly over baits. When bow hunting, certain conditions apply to your longbow, recurve or compound. Draw weight must be 49 pounds (22 kg) or more when measured at a draw length of 28 inches (700 mm) or less. Crossbows must have a draw weight of 119 pounds (54 kg) or more and a draw length of 12 inches (300 mm) or more. Refer to the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary for specifics on arrows and bolts. Black bears are tough, strong, large-boned animals.