Overview
The American elk is one of 4 members of the deer family (cervids) living in Ontario. Elk benefit Ontario because they:
- are an important part of our biodiversity and healthy ecosystems
- provide recreation opportunities in the form of hunting and viewing
- provide economic benefits through tourism
In the late 1800s, native elk were made regionally extinct in Ontario due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss. From 1998 to 2001, we worked with local and provincial partners to reintroduce elk to 4 separate locations across the province:
- Bancroft-North Hastings
- Nipissing-French River
- Lake Huron North Shore
- Lake of the Woods
The restoration of elk to Ontario is a significant achievement and represents an important contribution to Ontario’s biodiversity.
Elk hunting
The first modern elk hunt by licensed hunters in Ontario was initiated in the Bancroft area in the fall of 2011. This population has sustained an annual harvest since then.
In this section, you will find links to the information you need to hunt elk in Ontario, including rules, licensing and where and when to hunt.
Hunting regulations summary
Read the rules and regulations for hunting elk in Ontario, including elk harvest areas, hunt codes and tag quotas for the elk draw.
Licensing
Find out what licensing requirements you need before you can hunt elk. Only Ontario residents can get licenses to hunt elk in Ontario.
Apply to hunt big game (including the elk draw)
Find out how and when to apply for the elk draw.
Mandatory hunter reports
Learn how and when to submit your mandatory elk tag holder reports.
Elk population management
Learn how we guide elk management by policies and elk tag holder reporting in Ontario.
Cervid Ecological Framework
Read about how we coordinate the management of white-tailed deer, moose, woodland caribou and elk.
Elk management policies
Learn more about how Ontario manages elk populations, habitat and health.
Elk tag holder report summaries and harvests
Review elk tag holder report summaries and data on harvests.
Research and monitoring
Explore publications issued by ministry researchers since 2004. Find elk specific publications by:
- searching for “elk” in the search table bar
- scanning through article titles to find topics you are interested in
Preventing and managing conflicts with elk
Information to help prevent and manage conflicts with deer, elk and moose. This includes authorization for farmers to remove or harass elk to protect agricultural property.
Elk health
Chronic wasting disease (CWD)
Find out how you can help keep CWD out of Ontario.