FIREARM REGULATIONS

Firearms include air or pellet guns, bows and crossbows. You may use semi-automatic or repeating firearms for hunting in Ontario, but not handguns or fully automatic firearms.

Importing Firearms

Those who are coming from outside Ontario to hunt should be aware of the regulations governing the transportation of firearms into the province. It is generally the rule that hunters bringing a firearm into Ontario will have to declare their firearms in writing at their point of entry into Canada. This declaration is valid for 60 days after the bearer enters the province. Declaration forms are available at customs offices and through the Canadian Firearms website listed below.

Hunters who intend to borrow a firearm while staying in Ontario must apply for a non-resident’s 60 day Possession License in advance of their arrival to Canada. The application is also available through the Canadian Firearms Centre.

The following requirements apply to the importation of firearms:

  • you must be at least 18 years of age
  • you cannot import prohibited firearms, or any prohibited weapons or devices, including silencers and replica firearms
  • visitors may temporarily import restricted firearms, such as pistols or revolvers, provided they get an Authorization to Transport (ATT) in advance from a chief firearms officer. For more information on importing a firearm into Canada, applying for a Canadian firearms license or an Authorization to Transport (ATT) you may contact:

    • Canadian Firearms Centre
    Ottawa, ON K1A 1M6
    Phone: 1-800-731-4000 (Canada & US) or 506-624-5380 (other countries)
    Email: Canadian.firearms@justice.gc.ca
    Or visit their website by clicking here

Firearm class regulations

There are regulations that specify the class of firearm and types of ammunition that are permitted for the hunting of big game animals and migratory birds. For example, non-toxic shot must be used in hunting certain migratory birds such as ducks and geese.

For more information regarding firearm regulations and restrictions, contact MNR, or download the Hunting Regulations Summary here.

To go directly to the Ministry of Natural Resources section for Fish and Wildlife, click here.

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