Can I Shoot A Bow In My Backyard In Ontario?

You can have a bow. But once you shoot, it becomes a firearm.

What if I want to practice my archery or hunting skills at home?

Can I Shoot A Bow In My Backyard In Ontario?

Or will I get detained for shooting my bow? …

You can shoot a bow in your backyard in Ontario. Still, you have to make sure that it complies with safety regulations. You should never shoot a firearm in a populated area. Otherwise, it would be a crime, and the penalty is much higher when you hurt someone.

Make sure that no one, both animals and humans, would get hurt when shooting a bow in your backyard. Before you shoot a bow, you need to understand the archery laws Ontario. Remember, you need to abide by the local rules and restrictions.

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Are Bows Legal In Ontario?

Shooting bows are legal in Ontario but under certain restrictions. Its use is almost the same as any other weapon since it can hurt, injure, and kill someone. But it may not be as strict as guns and sharp-edged blades. Still, you need to follow bow standards in Ontario for safety.

For hunting:

• The bow must have at least 18 kilograms (39.7 pounds) at draw weight at a draw length of 700 millimeters (27.6 inches) or less.
• The arrows must be at least 600 millimeters (23.6 inches) long with 22-millimeter (0.87 in) broadheads.
• The broadhead should have at least two sharp cutting edges.

What makes a bow and arrow illegal in Ontario is how you handle it and where you will bring it. First, you should never carry a loaded bow in public. Ontario authorities consider the bow loaded if it has a nocked arrow.

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Careless hunting using bows is an offense, too. Any hunter that handles firearms without diligent care and attention may face a fine. Irresponsible hunters may get fined up to $25,000 or up to 2 years of jail time.

Bow Restrictions For Hunting in Ontario Based On Species

• Moose, Elk, and Bear – The bow must have a draw weight of at least 22 kilograms (48.5 pounds). The draw length should be 700 millimeters (27.6 inches) or less. Use arrows that are at least 600 millimeters (23.6 inches) in length with a 22-millimeter (0.87 inches) wide head.
• Deer – The bow must have a draw weight of at least 18 kilograms (39.7 pounds). The draw length should be at least 700 millimeters (27.6 inches) or less. It has the same arrow requirements when hunting for Moose, Elk, and Bear.
• Wild Turkey – The bow should have a draw weight of at least 18 kilograms (39.7 pounds). Meanwhile, the draw length and arrow specifications are the same for hunting elk.

So, always check the regulations of your hunting place. Follow the rules and be a responsible bow owner. If you want to shoot a bow in your backyard, make sure that no one will get hurt.

Do You Need A License For A Bow In Ontario?

Unlike other firearms, Ontario does not need a license application for a bow. But, there are some restrictions. For example, you can only hold a crossbow that requires two hands and is over 500 mm (20 in) long.

But first, let us discuss some of the typical bows used by archers and hunters in Ontario.

• Compound Bow. It has a pulley arrangement. The user puts less force when pulling back the bowstring. Thus, it is easier to use than a traditional bow.
• Crossbow. Unlike the compound bows, you need to mount crossbows at right angles to a crosspiece. It is like aiming a rifle or shotgun. So, it is more challenging to use and not ideal for beginners.

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• Recurve Bow. You can see these bows often in most Olympic archery competitions. The bow tips curve away from the archer until you pull back on the bowstring. Hence, the name “recurve” bow. It looks like a curly brace punctuation mark ({).
• Long Bow. It is the tallest kind of bow. It is even taller than the archer. Its shape is like a regular bracket ((). Unlike the recurve bow, the bow tip doesn’t curve away from the archer.

Many jurisdictions in Ontario prohibit carrying a loaded bow within 8 meters of a road. The same rule applies to roadside fence lines. It is one way to promote responsible bow ownership and the safety of other citizens.

Can You Hunt On Your Own Land In Ontario?

You can hunt on your private land. You, as the owner, may grant or deny access to those who want to use or hunt on the property. But it is your responsibility to take care of all consumable resources in your land.

Nothing beats the feeling of hunting in your land in Ontario. Hunting with no one else around you is surreal. But it is an opportunity you should never take for granted. You can even ask permission from someone you know who has private land for hunting.

Where Can I Hunt in Ontario?

What if you don’t have private land or can’t find one? Where can you hunt in Ontario? We have listed some places below.

• Crown Land – It gives you unique hunting opportunities. You can find Crown lands in different sizes, locations, and accessibility. Since it is government property, there are laws to follow. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) governs Crown land in Ontario. The organization created an interactive mapping tool called Crown Land Use Policy Atlas (CLUPA). It identifies Crown areas and the activities allowed for hunters. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) also developed a guide to download on their website.
• Municipal or County Forests – Municipal governments own and operate these forests. These lands offer hunting opportunities in forests and trail systems. The goal is to promote outdoor activities and tourism in the community. So, expect that there are rules to protect the habitats. Always check the specific regulations with the municipality.
• Provincial Parks – Some provincial parks in Ontario allow hunting. But it would help if you referred to the Hunting Regulations Summary for a list. Then, know any restrictions by contacting the local park office.
• Provincial Wildlife Areas – These are parcels of land owned by the province of Ontario. The local government partners with non-government agencies to manage the areas. Most wildlife areas offer a specific type of hunting, like for birds. So, it is best to contact the local wildlife area office to know the best hunting area in a particular site.
• Conservation Areas – These are watersheds and natural habitats. Groups of municipalities manage conservation areas. Check with the Conservation Authorities (CA) about hunting ahead of time.

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Can You Do Archery In Your Backyard Ontario?

There are no specific guidelines about doing archery in your backyard in Ontario. Some people do it, but it always depends on the situation. Some municipalities have by-laws restricting the discharge of firearms. Check with the local municipal office for details.

It’s doubtful to do archery in your backyard if you live among townhouses or a subdivision. You can never know when accidents will happen, no matter how careful or expert you are in archery.

Unless your home is 30 miles of bush and there are farm fields behind you, then it’s safe to do archery. So, farms are the best place to do archery if you want to do it in your backyard. It is a good idea if you let your neighbors know that you’ll sometimes do archery in your backyard.

Let your neighbors know you are going there to practice. Who knows, they might wish to join you.

The Ontario laws are strict with many bows, which are almost like firearms. It is because one wrong move can claim a life, and it has happened in the past. Yet, certain conditions will allow you to shoot within the city (make sure to check the local bylaws of where you are planning to do archery).

Meanwhile, others only allow the use of bows 500 meters away from schools and businesses. But it’s best to practice archery in an empty field against a grassy knoll.

Can You Shoot a Compound Bow in Your Backyard in Ontario?

There are no specific restrictions when shooting a compound bow for the purpose of recreation; just do so safely. You can provide the necessary protection, like archery backstops, to deal with stray arrows.

For hunting purposes, the appropriate licenses and registrations must be accounted for.

Can You Shoot a Crossbow in Your Backyard in Ontario?

If your crossbow is longer than 500 mm (20 in) and needs two hands to operate and you follow the guidelines for safety outlined above, you are good.

Now, if your bow is 500 mm and below in length, the crossbow becomes prohibited under Ontario Crossbow Laws. That said, you will need to coordinate with your local municipality authorities.

What Can You Hunt Right Now in Ontario?

You can hunt different species in Ontario’s private and public lands. It includes deer, turkey, moose, and elk. You need to use the required poundage on your bow depending on the species you want to hunt.

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For example, you need to use at least 18 kilograms (39.7 pounds) of the bow if you want to target deer. Its draw length should be at least 700 millimeters (27.6 inches) or less. What if you’re into hunting elk, moose, or black bear? Then, the smallest bow weight is 22 kilograms (48.5 pounds).

Meanwhile, wild turkey requires at least 18 kilograms (39.7 pounds) of draw weight. For some deer hunters, 45 lbs are ideal to use, while it’s about 50 lbs for most elk or moose hunters.

Regardless of the species, safety is a priority. So, use the right gear depending on the species you want to hunt. Most of all, never abuse the area where you will hunt.

Follow the laws to take care of the entire property and the species living in it. Thus, let us give you the Ontario hunting laws. Be a responsible hunter at all times.

Bow Hunting Laws in Ontario

Ontario has some strict laws for hunters. The local authority allows this recreational activity while taking care of the entire property and the species living in it. Thus, let us give you the general Ontario hunting laws. Be a responsible hunter at all times.

• The hunter must be over 16 years old.
• The hunter must get a valid Ontario Outdoors Card. You must complete the hunting training course and complete a test.
• Observe no trespassing” signs. Failure to comply may cause both trespassing and poaching.

When looking for a place to hunt, keep these rules in mind.

• No one can hunt in Ontario cities or near towns. You can only hunt in designated areas for safe hunting.
• You need to get permission when hunting on a private farm or someone else’s private property.
• No one can hunt on a prohibited Crown land.

Meanwhile, here are the laws to follow when you are already on the hunting ground.

• The hunter must use the least poundage on the bow, depending on the species you’re hunting. Please check our guidelines above.
• It would help if you had appropriate tags depending on what you are hunting.
• You can only hunt on designated bow hunting seasons. The dates may vary depending on the type of animal.

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Where Can You Bow Aside From Backyard?

If shooting a bow in your backyard is doubtful, it’s best to join clubs and look for an area filled with grass. Remember to abide by the local laws and restrictions. Whether for hunting or archery, safety always comes first.

Be responsible when shooting bow in backyards.

You can shoot a bow in your background for as long as there are 30 miles of bush and farm fields behind you. Make sure that you are 500 meters away from other schools and businesses. Never shoot a bow in a populated area because it could cause injury or, worse, death.

Ontario authorities consider bows to be firearms, so be responsible for using them. No living organism should get hurt when you shoot a bow in your backyard. Know the laws and restrictions. Protect yourself and other people living with and around you.

Where Can I Practice Archery in Ontario?

Heading to your local archery range is the most appropriate place to practice archery. You do not have to scratch your head figuring out the local rules, regulations, and bylaws of the municipality you are in. Therefore, you can put 100% of your focus on the practice.

Can I Practice Archery in a Park in Ontario?

Most large cities in Canada outlaw archery in urban yards or parks. The bylaws of the municipality dictate this, so it is best to reach out to your local police department.

If you are in a provincial park, you will have to justify to the authorities that you are just practicing if you do not have a license to hunt.

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