Kara Sears
Black bear hunting in Canada is legal in every province and territory, with certain restrictions. However, in July 2022, the First Nations and the B.C. government banned black bear hunting in the territories of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest to protect the rare spirit bear, a black bear with a white coat. This ban covers 8,158 square kilometres of land and approximately 13% of the Great Bear Rainforest. While black bear hunting is legal in most of Canada, there are specific rules and regulations that hunters must follow, such as obtaining a licence, only using certain types of weapons and ammunition, and adhering to hunting seasons and zones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hunting weapon | Firearm (includes bows) |
| Hunting hours | One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset |
| Hunting gear restrictions | Sound amplifiers |
| Number of black bears that can be killed per year | 2 |
| Hunting zones | 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 19, 23, 24, 26, the western portion of zone 27 and zone 29 |
| Hunting restrictions | No hunting within 500 meters of a dwelling or 30 meters of a public vehicular traffic right of way |
| Hunting permits | Required for non-residents |
| Export permits | Required for non-residents |
| Possession restrictions | It is illegal to be in possession of a black bear gallbladder |
| Hunting ban | Black bear hunting is banned in the territories of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest |
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What You'll Learn
- Black bear hunting is legal across Canada, but restricted in certain provinces
- Hunters must obtain a licence and follow rules on weapons and ammunition
- There are limits on the number of bears that can be killed
- Hunting is prohibited from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise
- In some areas, the use of bait is banned
Black bear hunting is legal across Canada, but restricted in certain provinces
Black bear hunting is legal across Canada, but there are restrictions in certain provinces. In British Columbia, for example, the hunting of black bears has been banned in the territories of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest. This move aims to protect the rare spirit bear, a black bear with a white coat due to a recessive gene. The spirit bear holds deep cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures and is now a protected provincial emblem.
In Ontario, black bear hunting is permitted, but specific regulations must be followed. Hunters must possess a valid licence and comply with rules regarding firearms, ammunition, and bait placement. Non-residents are required to hunt through a licensed operator and must adhere to additional export requirements if they wish to take the bear out of Canada.
Quebec also allows black bear hunting, with a limit of two bears per year: one during the spring season and one in selected zones during the fall season. Hunters must purchase a licence and adhere to rules regarding weapons, safety, and hunting gear.
While black bear hunting is legal across Canada, it is important to note that each province may have its own unique set of regulations and restrictions. Hunters are responsible for understanding and complying with the laws specific to the province they intend to hunt in.
In summary, while black bear hunting is legal across Canada, there are varying restrictions in different provinces. Hunters should always consult the relevant provincial authorities and regulations before engaging in any hunting activities.
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Hunters must obtain a licence and follow rules on weapons and ammunition
Hunting black bears in Canada requires a licence, which must be obtained before a second tag can be purchased. A black bear hunting licence is valid in both the spring and fall seasons. Non-resident hunters must obtain a black bear hunting validation certificate from a licensed bear operator.
Black bears are considered big game and can only be hunted with a firearm, including bows. Hunters are only permitted to carry firearms of the type permitted for deer or moose if hunting these animals at the same time as black bears. Specifications on the firearms, ammunition, arrows and broadheads that are permitted when hunting black bears can be found in the general regulations section of the hunting guide. Hunters must also adhere to rules on the handling, use and transportation of their weapons. For example, in Quebec, hunters must transport their weapons unloaded and in a closed case.
There are also rules on the use of bait. During the spring and fall black bear seasons, bait may not be placed within 500 metres of a dwelling unless written permission is obtained from the owner. Food may not be used as bait during certain periods in specific zones. For example, from July 1 to August 15 in zones 16, 17, 19, the western portion of zone 27 and zone 29.
Hunting is prohibited from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. Hunters must also wear a fluorescent orange bib and adhere to safety rules, such as not endangering other hunters.
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There are limits on the number of bears that can be killed
Black bear hunting is legal in every Canadian province and territory except for the territories of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest, where it was banned in 2022 to protect the rare spirit bear, a black bear with a white coat.
In Quebec, a hunter may kill two black bears per year: one during the spring season and one in selected zones during the fall season. In Ontario, WMU-specific black bear second tags may be available to resident bear hunters in WMUs where population levels permit. This second tag allows hunters to harvest a second black bear in the WMU specified.
Hunters must also adhere to other regulations, such as those regarding the type of weapon used and how it is handled and transported. In Ontario, for example, big game, including black bears, may only be hunted with a firearm (including bows). Hunters must also follow rules regarding the use of bait. In Quebec, hunters must follow rules regarding the identification of their game animal and safety procedures, such as wearing a fluorescent orange bib.
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Hunting is prohibited from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise
Black bear hunting in Canada is legal in every province and territory, although prices, opportunities, and available hunting methods vary. For example, in the Central and Western provinces, such as Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, hunters can find offers for spot-and-stalk black bear hunts and bear hunts with hounds. In contrast, the more affordable options are baited hunts in provinces like Nova Scotia, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Quebec.
In Ontario, big game, including black bears, may only be hunted with a firearm (including bows). Non-residents must hunt through an operator licensed to provide black bear hunting services. A second tag can be purchased to harvest a second black bear, but a black bear license is required before doing so.
In Quebec, a hunter may kill two black bears per year: one during the spring season and one in selected zones during the fall season. Food may not be used as bait for black bears during specific periods in different zones.
In July 2022, the B.C. government banned black bear hunting in the territories of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest to protect the rare spirit bear, a black bear with a white coat due to a recessive gene. The spirit bear has deep cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures and is the provincial mammal emblem of B.C.
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In some areas, the use of bait is banned
In Ontario, Canada, baiting is a common method used to hunt black bears. It is legal in the province during the spring and fall seasons, which are the only times when black bears can be legally hunted in the region. However, there are some restrictions on the use of bait for black bear hunting in certain areas.
During the spring and fall black bear hunting seasons in Ontario, it is prohibited to place bait for the purpose of hunting black bears within 500 meters of a dwelling. Hunters are required to obtain written permission from the owner of the dwelling to bait within this 500-meter buffer zone. Additionally, bait placement is not allowed within 30 meters of a right-of-way for public vehicular traffic or a signposted recreational trail maintained by an organization for the general public. These restrictions aim to minimize the impact of hunting activities on residential areas and public spaces.
To ensure responsible and ethical hunting practices, hunters employing baiting techniques should consider several factors. Firstly, choosing the right location is crucial. Hunters should select a spot that takes into account the predominant wind directions for the hunting season. By setting up the stand and bait with the wind in their face, hunters can avoid having the bear approach from unexpected directions due to wind currents. Additionally, maintaining a safe distance is essential. For archery, a distance of 22 to 25 yards is recommended, while gun hunting typically requires a greater distance.
The type of bait used is also important. Bears are attracted to a variety of foods, so hunters can experiment with different options. However, it is advisable to choose bait that does not rot quickly in hot weather and attracts flies, as this can help mask the scent of the hunter. Consistency in baiting is beneficial, as it establishes a reliable food source for the bears. Hunters should also consider using natural contours or breaks in the land to guide bears towards the bait, similar to how deer travel routes are identified.
In addition to these guidelines, hunters must comply with other regulations specific to Ontario. These include possessing the necessary licences and certificates, adhering to designated hunting areas, and following guidelines for importing, exporting, and shipping related to black bear hunting.
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Frequently asked questions
Black bear hunting is legal in every Canadian province and territory except for the territories of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest, where it was banned in July 2022 to protect the rare spirit bear.
A hunter may kill 2 black bears per year: one during the spring season and one in selected zones during the fall season.
Big game, including black bears, may only be hunted with a firearm (including bows).
Yes, there are restrictions on certain hunting gear, such as sound amplifiers.
Yes, the prohibited hours for hunting wildlife are from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
