Hunting? Think Safety First!

FROM: OPP West Region Headquarters                          DATE: November 14, 2023

HUNTING? THINK SAFETY FIRST

Tips For A Safe Hunt

(WEST REGION HEADQUARTERS) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to remind hunters to think about personal and public safety as they venture into the woods this hunting season. 

Here are a series of tips aimed at keeping everyone safe:

Hunting Safety Rules:

• Handle firearms with care and attention at all times.
• Hunters must never shoot unless they are absolutely sure of their target and what lies beyond it.
• It is illegal to shoot from, down or across a public road in any part of the province.
• It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle, including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.
• Firearms must be unloaded and encased (enclosed on all 6 sides) from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
• If you hunt from a tree stand, always wear a safety harness, and use a rope to raise and lower your firearm.

 General Safety:

• Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will be returning.
• Know the weather conditions in your hunting area, and dress accordingly.

A handy, downloadable guide on provincial hunting regulations and open season dates can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/files/2023-05/mnrf-2023-hunting-regulations-summary-en-2023-05-03.pdf. .