Overview
White-tailed deer are the most common and widely distributed large mammal in North America. In Ontario, they are the most numerous of the province’s four deer (cervid) species (white-tailed deer, moose, woodland caribou and American elk).
White-tailed deer hold strong ecological, social and economic importance in Ontario. They:
- are an integral part of our natural biodiversity across much of the province
- generate millions of dollars in economic activity each year through hunting, viewing and tourism
- are a social and cultural icon to many of our rural communities
- hold cultural, spiritual and social significance for many Indigenous communities, and continue to be an important traditional food source
White-tailed deer hunting
What you need to know before hunting white-tailed deer in Ontario, including rules, licensing and where and when to hunt.
Hunting Regulations Summary
Read the rules and regulations for hunting white-tailed deer, and view a white-tailed deer season map.
Licensing
Find out what licensing requirements you need before you can hunt deer.
Tentative deer season dates
Find tentative white-tailed deer season dates. In early April, the confirmed dates will be available in the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Apply to hunt big game (including deer draws)
Find out how and when to apply for:
- the antlerless deer draw
- the controlled deer hunt draw
- an additional deer tag in select Wildlife Management Units
Antlerless deer tag quotas
Annual regular season and bows-only season tag quotas for the antlerless deer draw.
Mandatory hunter reports
Learn how and when to submit your mandatory hunter report.
Wildlife Management Units
Use these maps to identify the boundaries of your Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).
White-tailed deer population management
Learn how white-tailed deer population management is guided by policies and hunter reporting.
White-tailed deer management policies
Read about how we manage white-tailed deer.
Cervid Ecological Framework
Learn how we coordinate the management of white-tailed deer, moose, woodland caribou and American elk.
Hunter reporting summaries and activity
Review hunter report summaries or data on hunting activity and harvest.
Preventing and managing conflicts with deer
Learn how to prevent and manage conflicts with deer. This could include authorization for farmers to remove or harass deer to protect agricultural property.
White-tailed deer health
Chronic wasting disease (CWD)
Find out how you can help keep CWD out of Ontario.
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD)
Learn about EHD, how it spreads, its potential impact and what we are doing.