Spring Bear Hunt Reinstated in Ontario

After abruptly cancelling the hunt in Ontario in 1999, the ministry of natural resources have brought back the spring bear hunt.

The MNR brought back the Spring Bear Hunt in a pilot project in 2014/2015. The two-year pilot involved only Ontario residents and included eight Wildlife Management Units near Timmins, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay.

However, the Ministry of Natural Resources has decided to extend the pilot into 2020. From May 1 to June 15 each year, the bear hunt will be open to residents and non-residents.

Under the expanded pilot, it will still be illegal to hunt bear cubs and females with cubs. If convicted of this offence, one could face a fine of up to $25,000 and up to one year's imprisonment. In most cases, each licensed hunter will only be allowed to hunt one bear in each calendar year. There are also some rules to follow when baiting during all bear hunting seasons that will be regulated to help address public safety.

The Government cites concerns voiced by northern communities about human-bear conflicts and to support economic growth and tourism in the north as the reasons for reinstating the Spring Bear Hunt.

Download the Ontario Hunting Regulations for more information about hunting in Ontario.

If you're interested in booking a Spring Bear Hunt, find out information from one of these bear hunting outfitters.

Follow the Hunt Sunset Country Facebook page for more about hunting in Ontario. 

About Erin Rody

I grew up on Black Sturgeon Lake in Northwestern Ontario. I am a staff writer for the Sunset Country Travel Association. Through my articles I hope to entice you to visit the wonderful region I call home. We are all about outdoor adventure; with 70,000 lakes and rivers and a whole lot of forests how can we not be? Whether you like to fish, hunt, canoe, kayak, boat or go camping, Sunset Country has something for you. Enjoy!

Recommended Articles

Is the 1,400 Kilometre Drive to Northwest Ontario For a Fishing Trip Worth it?

It depends if you want to catch hundreds of fish a day or not!

8 must-see waterfalls

You won't need your hiking boots for these easily accessible waterfalls.

6 Ways to Get Your 10,000 Steps This Fall

Strap on your fitness tracker and hike one of these beautiful trails in Northwest Ontario.

Top 5 Reasons You Should Be Fishing in Morson, Ontario

Looking for somewhere new to fish? Check out this hidden gem on Lake of the Woods.

Discover The Winnipeg River

From fur traders to trophy anglers, the beauty hasn't changed.

Enjoy Sunset Country's Fall Colours on Your Next Road Trip

Goodbye summer, hello autumn!

Fishing in the Fall?

Here's some walleye fishing tips as the weather cools down.

6 Reasons to Book a Fall Vacation to Sunset Country

Sunny days + cool nights + zero bugs = heaven on Earth.

10 Reasons to Avoid Ontario’s Sunset Country

Haters of wilderness, wildlife, and quiet: best steer clear.

Heading Across Canada?

Here's what you need to know about Sunset Country (from the giant moose statues to the even bigger waterfalls)

A Guide to Sunset Country Museums

15 places to discover history on your next visit to Ontario's Northwest.

The Promised Land: Best Muskie Fishing in Ontario

With 250,000 lakes, Ontario is North America's top spot for trophy muskie fishing. Your fish of a lifetime is out there—here’s where to catch it.

Fall Fishing Tips

As the weather cools down, the fishing heats up in Sunset Country!

5 Essential Boreal Experiences in Ontario's Sunset Country

Freshwater fishing, forest hiking, and sunset views await in this pristine paradise

5 Obscure Facts About Northwestern Ontario: Were You Aware of These?

Here are 5 facts that most people don't know about Sunset Country.

Great Food in Relatively Unknown Places

These hidden culinary gems in Sunset Country are local-approved and road-trip ready.

Outdoor Medicine

Here's why experiencing the natural world is good for you—and your health.

A Guide to Bringing Your Pets on Vacation to Canada

Here's what you need to know to enjoy a relaxing getaway with your favourite furry friend.

There's more than just fishing in the Red Lake Region

Although the fishing's pretty good too!

5 Amazing Sights You Can Only See By Boat

From mermaids to boat-in museums, the Northwest corner of Ontario has some of the coolest sights to see on water!

Going Fishing in Canada?

Get the answers to your questions

Going fishing in Ontario?

Your lodging has just the boat you need!

Outdoor Adventure in Ontario's Northern Paradise

On the links, on the trails, and on the water–discover why Kenora has it all this fall!

Planning A Family Fishing Trip to Canada

Fall is the time to look ahead to warmer times—and the best time to plan for your next summer trip!

Tips from a Fishing Legend

Big Bass, Walleye, Muskie and So Much More

What makes Wabigoon such a great lake to fish?

Well for one, it has potential for the next world record muskie!

Search Sunset Country