The Beginner's Guide To Hunting Supplies
If you are new to hunting, here is some important information about the basic hunting supplies that you will need (click on each section to learn more):
If you are looking for expert advice about shooting or hunting supplies, contact us.
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Make sure you have all the hunting supplies you need before you head out
Hunting Supplies
1. Hunting Licences
You might not think that a licence would be part of a list of hunting supplies, but it is actually one of the most important things you will need. If you are hunting in Ontario, you need to get a valid hunting licence whether or not you kill, injure, capture, or harass any wildlife for the following:
Lying in wait for wildlife
Searching for wildlife
Being on the trail of wildlife
Pursuing, chasing or shooting at wildlife
You will need to purchase both an outdoors card and the appropriate licences for the type of game that you are hunting. Outdoor cards currently cost $8.57 and you need to carry them with you while you are hunting. Licences vary in cost depending on the type of game you are hunting, anywhere from about $10 for a resident wolf or coyote tag to about $470 for a non-resident moose licence.
There are 3 ways that you can buy your licence and outdoors card:
Online at the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service
Calling toll free 1-800-288-1155
Visiting a participating Service Ontario or licence issuer
You should also check for and follow any other hunting regulations specific to your area. For example, you are only allowed to hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset so you need to make sure that you check your local sunrise and sunset times before starting out.
In addition, some municipalities have restrictions about discharging firearms, so you should also check with the local municipal office where you are hunting before you head out.
Make sure you have the proper licences and know all the hunting regulations
2. Types of Firearms You Can Use for Hunting in Ontario
Another addition to the list of hunting supplies that you will need to choose is your firearm. You can use the following types of firearms when you are hunting in Ontario:
Bows (including longbows, crossbows, compound bows, and recurve bows)
Air or pellet guns (for small game only, not allowed for hunting big game)
Rifles
Shotguns
Muzzle-loading guns
Semi-automatic or repeating firearms
However, you cannot use restricted or prohibited firearms such as fully automatic firearms.
Note: If you discharge or handle your firearm "without due care and attention or consideration" for other people or property, you could be faced with a fine of up to $25,000 and you could be charged under the Criminal Code of Canada.
You cannot use restricted or prohibited firearms while hunting in Ontario
3. Proper Hunting Gear to Wear
All hunters, except those hunting double-crested cormorants or migratory game birds, except woodcock, need to wear a hunter orange garment and head cover. Here are the requirements for your hunter orange garments:
It must cover at least 400 square inches above your waist
It needs to be visible from all sides (a vest that only has front and rear panels may not be visible from all sides)
It must be solid and not be open mesh or a camouflage orange
It must not be completely concealed by a backpack that you are wearing (having hunter orange on your backpack will solve that problem)
The hunter orange head covering cannot contain camouflage material
The head cover can have open mesh, a peak or brim that is a different colour
The head cover can have a crest or logo as long as it doesn't completely cover the hunter orange on the side where it is attached
In addition to wearing hunter orange, you will need to have an appropriate outer jacket that is puncture resistant as well as boots, socks, gloves, thermal underwear, etc. to protect you from the elements.
Photo by Austin Tate on Unsplash
Hunter orange garments are one of the most important hunting supplies you need to have
4. Hunting Dogs
If you are using a dog to hunt deer, moose, or black bear, then your dog needs to be licensed. There are some areas where you can't use dogs to hunt deer and moose, so you should check the season of tables for deer and moose to be sure.
You can use a leashed dog (leashed dogs do not need a licence) to track and retrieve wounded big game during lawful hunting hours as long as you keep your dog on a leash that is no longer than 10 metres long. Your dog needs to be under the physical control of a dog handler at all times. The handler must not be carrying a firearm and the person who wounded the animal must be with the dog and the handler. You cannot use or be accompanied by a dog when you are hunting elk.
You need to make sure that your dog is under your control and that they don't enter private property. Many municipalities have by-laws that govern the use of hunting dogs, so you need to check those for additional details.
You need to keep your dogs under control while you are hunting
5. Additional Hunting Supplies and Equipment
In addition to the hunting supplies that directly relate to hunting, it is also smart to take other supplies with you. These could include:
Binoculars
Backpack
Knife and sharpener
Toilet paper
Sufficient food and water
GPS
Lighter or matches
Seat/Cushion
Dry towel
Two-way radio
Batteries
Game Calls
Trail-marking equipment
6. Where to Buy Hunting Supplies
It is a good idea to purchase your hunting supplies from a reputable dealer with knowledgeable staff. This is especially true if you are new to hunting. You want to be able to get accurate advice from experienced professionals who know the right type of hunting supplies that you will need such as:
Firearms
Hunting Garments
Purchase your hunting supplies from a reputable dealer
Why Choose Hummason for Your Hunting Supplies
Hummason is a hunting supplies store that cares. We want to make sure that you have the very best shooting experience possible - whether you’re hunting or practising your skills. That’s why we manufacture, distribute, and sell the highest-quality hunting supplies at the lowest prices possible.
We will give you a personalized experience that you won’t get at other big-box outdoor sports stores. Hummason is a Canadian-owned, family-run business. We are a smaller company that values that personal touch. You can have a real conversation with our highly-experienced staff and we are always here to answer any questions you may have.
We know the shooting supply industry inside and out and we would love to share our expertise with you. If you are a new client and are a bit intimidated by making your own ammunition, we can help you get started. We want to make sure that you succeed, so we’ll take the time to understand what you need and explain how to use any of our products properly and safely.
Take a look at our complete products & pricing list online, or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get ready for the field.
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