How to Hunt White Tailed Deer in Ontario

Ontario is known for producing trophy white-tailed bucks.

Canada is recognized as a trophy white-tailed deer hunting area, and the landscape of Ontario consistently produces trophy bucks. With the trophy potential, hunters from around the world travel to Ontario every deer season. The communities in Ontario rely on deer hunting to stimulate the economy through license sales and tourism. The thick woods and remote country can make white-tailed deer hunting in Ontario difficult. Successful hunters, however, take planning and preparation before the hunt and use patience to wait for a trophy buck.

Things You'll Need

• Trail camera
• Tree stand or ground blind
• Deer calls

Instructions

1. Scout before the season. Use a trail camera positioned near a travel route or game trail to capture photos of deer. Quentin Branch, owner of Seine River Lodge, recommends scouting all year long to learn the general movement patterns of the deer. If you are hunting with an outfitter, inquire about the preseason scouting and trophy potential.

2. Hang the tree stands or set the ground blinds according to the scouting. Branch recommends hanging the stand at least a month before the season to give the deer time to acclimate to the change in environment. Use the natural cover in the tree or surrounding brush and hang the stand at least 14 feet high, which keeps the stand out of the natural sightline of deer.

3. Find the remote logging roads. In areas of northwest Ontario, you can find remote areas with limited road access and unpressured white-tailed deer. Gateway North Outfitters in Emo, Ontario, hunts deep in the brush to learn the topography of the land, surrounding food and deer bedding areas. With limited hunting pressure, the deer in these remote areas will remain active throughout the day. After you access the hunting location, use patience to wait for an approaching deer to present a shot opportunity.

4. Change your hunting methods to match the conditions. Most outfitters and hunters will combine hunting methods of tree stands, spot-and-stalk or deer drives. Gateway North Outfitters recommends calling with a rattling horns and grunt tubes to attract a trophy buck to your location. Use the calls along scrape and rub lines or natural funnel areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Some outfitters might offer a combination hunt for black bear at a reduced rate.

• Be aware of current hunting regulations.

• Prepare for border crossings by having the right documentation. If coming from the United States, this requirement included a passport or other documentation as of 2010.

References

• Whitetail Heaven: Effective Whitetail Deer Hunting Techniques
• North American Whitetail: Whitetail Deer Hunting Hotspots
• The Great Canadian Experience: Ontario Whitetail Deer Hunting
• Gateway North Outfitters: Ontario Whitetail Deer Hunts

Resources

• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Hunting