Hunter Orange, Gun Calibers & Bow Draw Weights for Moose & Bear Hunting 


Most hunters hunting during the rifle seasons for Deer, Moose or Black Bear, must wear an outer garment of at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist. A hunter orange cap also must be worn.


The regulation applies to upland game hunters and archers during the big game rifle seasons as well. Waterfowlers won't be required to wear hunter orange, nor will archers during archery-only seasons. Upland game hunters escape the regulation outside the rifle seasons for deer and moose. Small game hunters with the exception of Waterfowlers must wear hunter orange during the big game rifle season.


The clothing must be solid hunter orange. Open mesh or camouflage hunter orange does not qualify. The 400 square-inch minimum equates roughly to a solid hunter-orange vest and cap.





Note: Did you know Bear & Moose are colorblind. Hunter Orange looks gray to them.



 
 Game Gun Caliber: For Bear, Moose, Deer or Wolf hunting, the rifle should be in the 30 caliber range. A 30-06 to a 300 WIN MAG is recommended. By law, all guns must have a trigger lock and be locked and in a transportation case within 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise. You do not want to deviate from these instructions. Gun laws in Canada are very strict.


Small Game Gun Cliber: 12 gauge, 410, 7 - 7 1/2 - 8 shot is best.


Bow Draw Weight: By law, a bow must have a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds for Deer and a minimum draw weight of 50 pounds for Bear and Moose. 60 pounds is highly recommended.


Broadhead: A 100-grain broadhead is the best size to use and it must be sharp. By law, a Black Bear or Moose must be within 20 yards before you take a shot with a bow or crossbow.


Hunting From A Boat: By law, you are allowed to hunt from a canoe. If you are hunting from a motor boat, you must stop the boat so there is no motion, turn off the motor, pull the motor out of the water and disconnect the gas hose before you are allowed to shoot your rifle. You can not shoot a rifle from any boat if the waves are creating white-caps on any part of the lake. (don't shoot if it's wavy)


Residents must be at least 15 years old and non-residents must be 16 years old to hunt in Ontario.


Hunters need to bring their old hunting license and proper personal identification.