Outdoors Card

H1/H2 Class Outdoors Card Requirements

License Information

An Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet-sized, identification card to which Ontario licence tag stickers are affixed. There are two versions of the card: the hunting version (which also allows for fishing privileges) and the fishing (only) version.

Hunting version Outdoors Cards are issued to Ontario residents only. The hunting version Outdoors Card and the Temporary Hunting version Outdoors Card are the only cards that provide an Ontario resident with hunting privileges. The hunting version Outdoors Card also provides fishing privileges, once a fishing licence tag is obtained. You must carry your hunting version Outdoors Card with you whenever you hunt or fish.

An Outdoors Card is valid for three calendar years, expiring on December 31 of the third year. The expiry date for your Outdoors Card is shown on the front of your card immediately to the right of the card number. Hunting licence tags also expire on December 31, but the year of expiry may be different for your Outdoors Card and your licence tags, depending on how you purchase your licence(s). The expiry date for one-year licence tags is printed on the lower edge of the tag. The expiry of one-year E-licences is shown in the "Valid Licences" box in the top right corner of the licence. Three-year small game hunting or fishing licence tags expire with the card. Your Outdoors Card, licence tag or E-licence and any applicable paper licence must be current for you to have a particular hunting or fishing privilege.

Who needs a hunting version Ontario Outdoors Card?

To hunt in Ontario, most Ontario residents need a hunting version Outdoors Card and all applicable licence tags and licences. There are two exceptions to this.

The first exception is the Ontario resident Hunter Apprentice hunting with a licensed Mentor. The Hunter Apprentice must carry an Ontario-issued Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card. (The Mentor must have an Ontario hunting version Outdoors Card and all applicable licences.)

The second exception is members of Aboriginal communities with Aboriginal or treaty hunting rights in Ontario. These hunters are not required to be in possession of an Outdoors Card provided they are hunting for food or ceremonial purposes within their traditional or treaty area. All other Ontario residents, including Aboriginal persons hunting outside of areas within which they have Aboriginal or treaty hunting rights, must have a hunting version Ontario Outdoors Card and all applicable licences.

What are the two classes of hunting version Outdoors Cards available as of January 1, 2006?

As of January 1, 2006, Ontario recognizes two types of resident hunters (and two classes of hunting Outdoors Cards) based on the hunting method(s) for which the hunter is accredited. Hunters will be designated as either H1 or H2.

The Class H1 card permits the cardholder to hunt with allmethods permitted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

The Class H2 card permits the cardholder to hunt with allmethods permitted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act except guns.

Any person with:

• An Ontario hunting version Outdoors Card (current or expired) issued before January 1, 2006 OR
• A Hunter Education Exam Certificate/Report indicating a pass issued after January 1, 1968 and before January 1, 2006 OR
• An Ontario resident's hunting licence issued after January 1, 1968 will automatically be deemed to be an H1 hunter.

H1/H2 Class Outdoors Card Backgrounder (PDF, 22 KB)

If a new applicant does not have one of the pieces of accreditation listed above, a hunting Outdoors Card is now issued based on the exam(s) the applicant has passed. To obtain an H1 hunting Outdoors Card, the applicant must provide proof (an original or certified copy) of passing BOTH the Ontario Hunter Education Course exam and the Canadian Firearms Safety Course exam. The applicant for an H2 hunting Outdoors Card must provide proof (an original or certified copy) of passing the Ontario Hunter Education Course exam.

NOTE: Two classes of Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Cards will also be recognized as of January 1, 2006. The A1 card permits the Apprentice to hunt with all methods permitted under the FWCA. The A2 card permits the Apprentice to hunt with all methods permitted under the FWCA and regulations except guns. If the A1 Apprentice is hunting with a gun, the Mentor must hold an H1 Outdoors Card. If the Apprentice is hunting with archery equipment or a falconry bird, the Mentor must hold an H1 or an H2 Outdoors Card.

For more information on the Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program, contact an MNR office.

No, an Outdoors Card is not a hunting licence. A complete and valid licence to hunt consists of an Outdoors Card plus the required hunting licence tags plus any applicable paper hunting licences and game seals and/or validation tags.

One-year hunting licence tags are available from licence issuers located throughout Ontario. Call the MNR office that serves your area to find out the location of the issuer nearest you, and where you can purchase any required paper licences.

One-year small game licences are available at www.outdoorscard.mnr.gov.on.ca.

How do I get a hunting version Outdoors Card if I have never had one before?

A resident of Ontario who has never had a hunting version Outdoors Card may apply in one of two ways. The method you use to apply depends on how soon you want to go hunting or enter a wildlife validation tag draw.

Three types of hunting accreditation will be accepted when applying for a hunting version of the Outdoors Card. You must provide the original of one of the following:

• An Ontario Hunter Education Examination Report or Certificate issued to you after January 1, 1968
• An Ontario resident's hunting licence issued to you after January 1, 1968
• An Ontario Hunting Licence Verification Certificate showing that you were issued a hunting licence as a resident or that you passed the Hunting Licence Examination.

The two methods of applying for a hunting version Outdoors Card are:

1. If you do not intend to go hunting right away you can submit an Outdoors Card application with the original of your hunting accreditation (and, if required, proof of passing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course exam if applying for an H1 hunting Outdoors Card) and payment, to the Outdoors Card Centre through the mail. (You may want to make a photocopy for your records before sending original documentation.) You will receive the Outdoors Card, with any hunting or fishing licence tags you purchased affixed to the card, in approximately four to six weeks.
   
   An Outdoors Card application is available by calling 1-800-387-7011 .The application form will be mailed to you.


2. If you want to hunt, or enter a wildlife draw, right away, a Temporary Hunting Outdoors Card is available from ServiceOntario offices only. You must show the original of your hunting accreditation (and, if required, proof of passing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course exam if applying for an H1 Outdoors Card).
   
   A Temporary Hunting Outdoors Card is valid for hunting during the open season as soon as the required hunting licence tags are affixed to the back, and any required paper licences, game seals and/or validation tags are obtained. The Temporary Hunting Outdoors Card is valid until the end of the calendar year. The fee for this Temporary Hunting Outdoors Card includes the cost of a three-year Outdoors Card. You will automatically be mailed the plastic three-year card at the end of the calendar year.

My Outdoors Card has expired. How do I renew it?

The date on which your hunting version Outdoors Card expires is shown on the front of your card (immediately to the right of your card number). To avoid any lapse in your privileges, it is recommended that you renew your card as soon as you receive your renewal notification. This information is automatically mailed to you in the fall of the year in which your card expires.

You may renew your Outdoors Card in any of five ways. If you want to hunt right away or apply to a big game draw with a paper application and the draw deadline is imminent, you should renew by purchasing a Temporary Hunting Outdoors Card (see option number five following). If you wish to hunt small game right away, you may be eligible to renew your Outdoors Card and purchase an “instant �E-licence tag over the Internet. Please check the website for restrictions if you wish to add a small game E-licence to your renewal purchase (see option number two following).

The five ways to renew your Outdoors Card are:

1. By using the toll-free automated telephone system and your VISA, MasterCard or American Express credit card. Be sure to have your Outdoors Card number on hand when you call 1-800-288-1155.Please allow two to three weeks for your card to reach you.


2. By visiting www.outdoorscard.mnr.gov.on.ca and using your VISA or MasterCard credit card. You will need your Outdoors Card number and date of birth to complete this transaction. Please allow two to three weeks for your card to reach you, or print out any E-licences you have purchased. Your expired Outdoors Card, when carried with your E-licences, will allow you to enjoy the open season while you wait for your new plastic Outdoors Card to reach you.
   
   NOTE: Big game licences cannot be affixed to an E-licence. You must receive your plastic card before purchasing your licence tag from an issuer.


3. At more than 70 ServiceOntario Kiosk locations. ServiceOntario Kiosks accept VISA, MasterCard or American Express transactions as well as bank debit cards. You will need your Outdoors Card number when you renew. Please allow two to three weeks for your card to reach you.


4. By mail, using a paper application. Payment may be made by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, cheque or money order. Please allow four to six weeks for your card to reach you. If you need a paper application, call 1-800-387-7011.


5. By purchasing a Temporary Hunting Outdoors Card, in person, from a ServiceOntario office. The fee includes the cost of a three-year Outdoors Card. Hunters purchasing a Temporary Hunting Outdoors Card will be charged an administrative fee of $9.35 plus GST. You will automatically be mailed the plastic three-year Outdoors Card at the end of the calendar year.

I have a current Outdoors Card, but my licence tag has expired. How do I get a licence tag for this year?

If you wish to purchase a small game licence you may do so 24 hours a day at www.outdoorscard.mnr.gov.on.ca. Deer, moose, black bear and one-year small game hunting licence tags are available from licence issuers located throughout Ontario. Call the MNR office that serves your area to find out the location of the issuer nearest you, and where you can purchase any required paper licences.

A deer licence tag is also available when applying to the antlerless deer draw over the automated telephone application system from March to July. A moose licence tag is also available when applying to the moose draw over the automated telephone application system from April to May. The phone number for the automated telephone application system is 1-800-288-1155.

How can I get more information on the Outdoors Card?

The staff at the Outdoors Card Centre would be pleased to answer your questions. You can reach the Outdoors Card Centre without charge from anywhere in North America by calling: 1-800-387-7011

The hours of operation of the Outdoors Card Centre are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EDT).

What should I do if my Outdoors Card is lost, stolen or destroyed?

If your Outdoors Card or any part of your licence is lost, stolen or destroyed, call the Outdoors Card Centre to arrange for a replacement. You will receive a replacement for the card and any three-year licence tags previously purchased. There may be a fee for replacement. To get an annual licence tag or paper licence replaced, you must complete an application form for a search (for a fee of $10.00) at an MNR office. If you lose a game seal, contact the local MNR office.

What else should I know about my Outdoors Card?

Here are other important things to keep in mind:

• You must notify the Ministry of Natural Resources of any address change within 10 days of the change. You can do this by using the Internet site at www.outdoorscard.mnr.gov.on.ca or by calling the Outdoors Card Centre toll free at 1-800-387-7011. Failure to change your address within 10 days can result in a substantial fine under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
• You must carry your Outdoors Card, with all applicable licence tags attached (and all applicable paper licences), on your person whenever you are fishing or hunting. If a Conservation Officer asks to see your Outdoors Card, the law states you must show it.
• Your Outdoors Card is not transferable to another person - it provides privileges to you alone.
• It is an offence to provide false information on an Outdoors Card application, licence tag, game seal or validation tag or to accept a licence with no date or one dated before or after the date you applied for it.
• It is illegal for a hunter to hold more than one licence tag to hunt deer, moose or black bear.
• Licences cannot be exchanged as part payment toward another type of licence.

---

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® is required to view files in PDF format.
You may download it FREE from the link below.



To save the PDF files to your computer, right click on the link and select Save Target As...