The deer hunting season opening in Ontario depends on the type of hunting (archery, rifle, muzzleloader) and the region. For general rifle season, it typically opens the first Monday of November in most regions. Archery season starts earlier, generally in early October for many zones, and can start as early as September 1 in some specific wildlife management units. For 2025, bow-only seasons start as early as September 1 in some areas, with rifle season generally starting around the first Monday of November, and muzzleloader season following in mid to late November or December depending on the zone. Southern Ontario sees rifle season roughly from November 1 to mid- November, while in Northern Ontario it starts around November 6 to 20. In summary:
- Archery season: Starts early October in many zones, some zones as early as September 1.
- Rifle season: Generally starts the first Monday of November (e.g., November 4, 2025).
- Muzzleloader season: Typically mid-November to December 31, varying by region.
The exact opening date can vary by the wildlife management unit within Ontario. For more precise dates by zone, consult the 2025 Ontario hunting regulations or specific wildlife management unit dates.
