Hunting and Fishing
Bruce County Forests are permitted for a variety of recreational uses including hunting. Be prepared to encounter other types of users. Please respect trail users, obey posted signs, and maintain safe distances from all open trails.
Hunting is regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. For more information see the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Fishing is permitted within the Bruce County Forests providing the angler adheres to provincial licensing and regulations.
Hunting is regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. For more information see the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Fishing is permitted within the Bruce County Forests providing the angler adheres to provincial licensing and regulations.
Bruce County Forest Maps
Please review the general property map to show where hunting is and is not permitted.
For more details on property boundaries, active trail locations, please visit the Web Map of Bruce County Forest Tracts.
Important Information for Hunters
- Hunters are only permitted to use portable ground blinds between April 15th and May 31st and to use portable and temporary tree stands, ladders and ground blinds between September 1st and January 15th.
- These stands, ladders and ground blinds shall not be attached to a tree by any method that penetrates the tree and must be removed outside the permitted dates. Stands and ladders that are not compliant will be removed. The county is not responsible for any theft or damage of stands, ladders and blinds.
- Portable blinds, tree stands and ladders must be tagged with owner’s name and phone number so owners can be contacted if an issue occurs.
- Cutting down trees for material to build hunting shelters or to improve site lines from tree stands is prohibited.
- For your safety, please ensure ladders and stands are attached to healthy trees and avoid the use of dead or rotting trees that can be potentially dangerous.
- Sighting in Firearms, target practice and clay shooting are prohibited in any County Forests. We recommend you find a gun range in your area.
- See useful links for gun ranges in our area.
- Bear Baiting is prohibited in County Forests
- Be aware of municipal bylaws regarding baiting.
The Township of Huron-Kinloss By-Law 2021-93: A By-law to prohibit the feeding of wildlife and feral animals within the Township of Huron-Kinloss. - Reference the Ontario Hunting Regulations for additional baiting rules.
- All Terrain Vehicle are prohibited in County Forests except in approved areas with a valid permit. Permits can be purchased through the Huron Shores ATV Club or the South Bruce Peninsula ATV Club to ride in designated areas of county forests and within the approved operating period of the club. While hunting these designated forests, you may encounter other recreational users.
- Please review the Bruce County Recreational Bylaw and be aware of local municipal bylaws regarding prohibited hunting activities
- Hunting with dogs must be in compliance with Ontario Hunting Regulations and the Bruce County Recreational Bylaw.
- No hunting is permitted on the Bruce County Rail Trail
- Camping and overnight parking is prohibited in County Forests
- Starting January 1, 2023, all hunters must have private coverage of 5 million liability insurance or be members in good standing with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) to hunt in County Forests. The OFAH membership provides 5 million liability insurance for hunters and provides information and appropriate messaging about hunting etiquette and safety.
Contact us
General Inquiries
Transportation and Environmental Services
Tel : 519-881-2400
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Bruce County Property Map for Hunting | 7.16 MB |