Ontario Hunter Education Exam – Printable Questions and Answers

50 Ontario hunter education practice questions on regulations, hunter orange, tags, safety and ethics, with a separate answer key. Print or save as PDF. Free.

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The Ontario Hunter Education Course ends with an exam that most new hunters must pass before they can buy a hunting licence. This sheet gives you 50 original questions to work through on paper, mixed across our eleven topics: accreditation and licences, hunter orange and hours, field safety, legal equipment, roads and vehicles, land and dogs, tags and reporting, big game rules, small game and birds, wildlife management and health, and ethics and enforcement.

We do not copy the course manual or the exam. Every question is written from the free 2026 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary, ontario.ca and federal firearms safety material, and the answer key on the last pages explains each answer. Keep the summary beside you while you work through the sheet. Print it, or choose Save as PDF to keep it on your phone.

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1.When is a rifle with a detachable magazine considered loaded?
1. Only when the magazine is completely full
2. Only when a round is in the chamber itself
3. Whenever ammunition for it is anywhere in the same vehicle
4. When a live round is in the chamber or attached magazine
2.In most of southern Ontario, how close to the travelled part of a public road may you have a loaded firearm?
1. No closer than 3 metres from the shoulder
2. There is no distance limit if you do not shoot
3. No closer than 8 metres
4. No closer than 15 metres from the centre line
3.You leave your tagged deer at camp while you go out to party hunt. What must you do with the tag?
1. Keep it in your pocket while you hunt
2. Give it to the next hunter in your party
3. Leave it on the camp table beside the deer
4. Attach it to the deer
4.Another hunter is approaching your turkey set-up. How should you alert them?
1. Make a few turkey clucks
2. Call out in a loud, clear voice
3. Stand up quickly and wave your hat
4. Wave your hand above the brush
5.What crossbow draw weight is required to hunt deer?
1. At least 45 kg (99.2 lb)
2. At least 30 kg (66 lb)
3. At least 54 kg (119 lb)
4. At least 22 kg (48.5 lb)
6.May poison be used to kill coyotes bothering your livestock?
1. Yes, on your own property only
2. Yes, if you hold a small game licence
3. Yes, in winter when other animals sleep
4. No, poison may never be used on wildlife
7.Besides a falconry licence, what must every falconer hold to hunt?
1. A firearms possession licence
2. A CFSC student report
3. A valid small game licence
4. A big game licence
8.Before hunting in a provincial park, what should you do?
1. Check with the park office about areas and species
2. Buy a special provincial park hunting licence
3. Assume hunting follows the same rules as Crown land
4. Assume all provincial parks are closed to hunting
9.How does the ministry use the information hunters submit in their reports?
1. To assign hunters to particular wildlife officers
2. To decide which hunters may renew a PAL each year
3. To set the prices of licences and tags for the following year
4. To monitor populations and set quotas, seasons and limits
10.You want to carry your licence summary on your phone. Which format is valid?
1. A screenshot of your online account
2. A photo of the printed summary
3. A text message with your licence number
4. The PDF provided by the licensing service
11.A deer hunter's tag is valid for an antlerless deer. When may they take an antlered buck?
1. When the antlerless deer quota is already filled
2. When the buck is seen on the last day of the season
3. Whenever the buck is clearly larger than any doe that is in view
4. When party hunting with someone whose tag allows a buck
12.You hunt deer from a ground blind during the gun season. What applies to hunter orange?
1. The blind replaces the need for orange
2. You must keep wearing it inside the blind
3. You may take it off once inside the blind
4. Only your hat must stay on inside the blind
13.How must a night raccoon hunter carry their gun while in a vehicle?
1. Loaded, with the safety on, on the seat
2. Unloaded but uncased, on the dashboard
3. Unloaded and encased
4. Loaded, if the vehicle is stopped and parked
14.Which species may be party hunted in Ontario?
1. Ruffed grouse and wild turkey
2. Moose, deer and black bear
3. Wild turkey and black bear
4. Wolf and coyote where tags are needed
15.A hunter is accidentally shot and needs a doctor's treatment. What must be done?
1. Only the landowner must be informed
2. Only the hunter's insurance company must be told about it
3. The injury must be reported to a conservation officer
4. Nothing, if the injury is not serious
16.Which rifle may be used to hunt white-tailed deer?
1. A .22 rim-fire rifle
2. A centre-fire rifle
3. Any air rifle
4. A .17 rim-fire rifle
17.You shot a bear but do not want the meat. What does the law say?
1. You may leave it if you keep the hide
2. Leaving it in the bush is fine for bears, since they are predators
3. You may leave it if you tell a neighbour
4. You may not let edible meat spoil or be abandoned
18.When is a small game licence NOT valid in northern Ontario?
1. During every gun season for moose
2. From December 1 to March 31
3. From April 1 to May 31
4. From June 16 to August 31
19.You are unsure who owns a woodlot and whether hunting is allowed there. What should you do?
1. Hunt it, but only from the road edge
2. Hunt it and leave a note for the owner
3. Hunt it, since unsigned land is public
4. Stay out until you find out
20.What is the most immediate tool Ontario uses to manage moose populations?
1. Adjusting tag quotas
2. Feeding moose in deep-snow winters
3. Banning moose hunting every second year
4. Moving moose between regions each winter
21.Who counts as an Ontario resident for hunting licences?
1. Anyone who has hunted in Ontario before
2. A person living in Ontario 6 months in a row in the past year
3. Anyone with an Ontario driver's licence or an Ontario health card
4. Anyone who owns land in Ontario
22.In the spring bear season, which bears may NOT be shot?
1. Male bears over 100 kilograms
2. Bears feeding at a legal bait site
3. Bears on Crown land after 6 p.m.
4. Cubs, and females with cubs
23.A percussion muzzleloader has powder and a ball in the barrel but no cap on the nipple. Is it loaded under Ontario's hunting rules?
1. Yes, powder alone makes it loaded
2. No, it is loaded only when the cap is also on
3. Yes, a ball in the barrel makes it loaded
4. No, muzzleloaders are never considered loaded
24.May you use a drone to find a deer you wounded?
1. No, aircraft including drones may not be used
2. Yes, if a conservation officer is told first
3. Yes, as long as the drone carries no weapon
4. Yes, but only after legal hunting hours end
25.You bought a deer tag but never went hunting. Do you need to submit a hunter report?
1. No, only moose hunters report
2. Yes
3. Only if a conservation officer asks
4. No, only successful hunters report
26.What can happen to a hunter who handles or fires a firearm without due care for people and property?
1. Only a warning letter from the ministry
2. A fine up to $25,000, jail up to 2 years, or both
3. A fine of $100 with no other penalty
4. Only the loss of the deer tag and licence for that one year
27.What must a broadhead used on big game or wild turkey have?
1. A width of at least 22 mm and 2 sharp cutting edges
2. Three blades and a field-point tip behind them
3. A width of at least 15 mm and 1 sharp edge
4. Barbed edges and a weight of at least 100 grains
28.You are driving a friend's deer home for him. What should you be ready to tell a conservation officer?
1. The hunter's name, card and licence numbers, and hunt details
2. Only the make and model of the firearm that was used to kill it
3. Nothing, because it is not your deer
4. Only the name of the butcher who will process it
29.When may snares be used under a small game licence?
1. For raccoons, if set within 10 m of a den
2. For cottontail rabbits on any farm in southern Ontario with consent
3. For any furbearer, if checked once every day
4. Only for snowshoe hare north of the French and Mattawa
30.Why is wolf and coyote hunting closed in and around Algonquin Provincial Park?
1. To protect the Eastern wolf
2. Because of chronic wasting disease
3. Because the park is a Crown Game Preserve
4. To protect deer wintering areas
31.Why is CWD hard to control once it is established?
1. It only spreads on hunters' clothing, boots and vehicle tires
2. Infected animals can look healthy for years and spread it
3. It can be cured, but the medicine is very costly
4. It infects only old animals near the end of life
32.Who can take part in Ontario's Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program?
1. Residents aged 10 to 17 hunting with a parent present
2. Residents aged 12 to 14 who passed hunter education
3. Non-residents aged 12 to 16 with a guide
4. Anyone under 18 who holds a PAL
33.During bear season, how close to a public road or marked trail may bear bait be placed?
1. No closer than 300 metres
2. No closer than 5 metres
3. No closer than 30 metres
4. There is no rule for roads
34.During a spring bear season with no deer, elk or moose gun season open, when may a bear hunter skip hunter orange?
1. When sitting in a tree stand
2. When hunting with a bow
3. When hunting after 4 p.m.
4. When hunting on private land
35.How may double-crested cormorants be hunted from a motorboat?
1. Only by bow, never with a shotgun of any kind
2. Only when it is stationary with the motor's power off
3. At any time if the hunter wears hunter orange
4. From a moving boat at slow trolling speed
36.For a bull moose, what must stay attached to the leg that carries the tag?
1. The lower jaw, kept whole with the carcass
2. The tail, until the hide is removed
3. The scrotal sac, by connective tissue
4. The antlers, until the moose is processed
37.You pull the trigger on a deer and nothing happens. What should you do first?
1. Open the action right away and check the round in the chamber
2. Keep the muzzle pointed safely and wait 60 seconds
3. Look down the barrel to see if it is blocked
4. Pull the trigger again quickly
38.May you hunt white-tailed deer with an air or pellet gun?
1. Yes, but only during the bow season
2. Yes, if you hold a big game licence
3. No, air guns are allowed for small game only
4. Yes, if it shoots faster than 152 m/s
39.What must hunters do at a game check station?
1. Refuse questions unless a lawyer is present
2. Only show their Outdoors Card and leave
3. Hand over the meat of any animal taken
4. Give reasonable help and accurate information
40.Which level of government sets the seasons and bag limits for ducks and geese?
1. The federal government
2. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
3. The local municipality
4. The Ontario ministry
41.You want to use a leashed dog to track a deer you wounded. Which condition applies?
1. The handler must carry a loaded firearm
2. A leash of 10 m or less, and you must be with the dog
3. The dog must hold a hunting licence of its own
4. Tracking is allowed only after legal hunting hours
42.Which animals can be infected by chronic wasting disease (CWD)?
1. Black bears and wolves
2. Ducks, geese and swans
3. Deer, moose, elk and caribou
4. Rabbits and hares
43.In which two ways does the ministry offer the Ontario Hunter Education Course?
1. By correspondence or by video conference only
2. Only in person at a ServiceOntario centre
3. Only online, with an exam by mail
4. In person with an instructor, or online
44.Which of these is illegal when hunting wild turkey in Ontario?
1. Using a mouth or box call
2. Calling for a friend after filling your tags, with no gun
3. Using an electronic call
4. Using a non-living decoy
45.When is a firearm considered encased under Ontario's hunting rules?
1. When a trigger lock is fitted to it
2. When it is enclosed on all six sides
3. When it is wrapped in a jacket
4. When the action is open and visible
46.Where in Ontario is it illegal to shoot from or across a public road?
1. Only during the deer and elk gun seasons
2. Only in southern Ontario counties and cities
3. Only within city limits and towns
4. Everywhere in Ontario
47.Your printed tag was damaged. How do you get a replacement?
1. Print another copy at home from your online licensing account
2. Write the tag details by hand on a new paper
3. Ask a hunting partner to share their tag
4. Surrender it at ServiceOntario or an issuer and pay a fee
48.Before a group deer drive, what must everyone agree on?
1. Who will field dress the deer
2. Which calibre each hunter will use
3. Who will carry the extra ammunition
4. Each hunter's safe zone of fire
49.Which of these is illegal when hunting ring-necked pheasants?
1. Using a rifle
2. Using a shotgun
3. Hunting on a licensed game bird preserve
4. Using a pointing dog
50.Which of these people can act as a conservation officer under the FWCA?
1. An RCMP or police officer
2. A landowner on their own property
3. A ServiceOntario clerk
4. Any licensed hunting guide

Answer key with explanations

1. D — When a live round is in the chamber or attached magazine
A firearm is loaded if it has an unfired cartridge or shell in the chamber or in a magazine attached to the firearm.
Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms, Summary — General regulations, Firearms
2. C — No closer than 8 metres
In most of southern Ontario you may not have a loaded firearm on or within 8 metres of the travelled portion of a public road, or its fence line where one exists.
Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft, Summary — Firearms restrictions related to roads and trails
3. D — Attach it to the deer
You may carry a notched tag only while you stay with the animal. If you leave it, for example at camp, at a butcher or in another vehicle, you must attach the tag. If unsure, attach it.
Tags, party hunting and hunter reports · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Tags, party hunting and hunter reports, Summary — Tags, Tagging requirements
4. B — Call out in a loud, clear voice
Call out in a loud, clear voice. Do not wave or make turkey sounds, which could draw a shot.
Firearm safety in the field · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Firearm safety in the field, Summary — Wild turkey, safety
5. A — At least 45 kg (99.2 lb)
For deer and turkey a crossbow needs a draw weight of at least 45 kg (99.2 lb) and a draw length of at least 300 mm; for moose, elk and bear the minimum is 54 kg (119 lb).
Legal firearms, bows and ammunition · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Legal firearms, bows and ammunition, Summary — Firearms restrictions for hunting
6. D — No, poison may never be used on wildlife
It is illegal to use poison or adhesives to kill, injure or capture wildlife, including to protect property.
Hunter ethics and enforcement · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Hunter ethics and enforcement, Summary — General regulations, Poison
7. C — A valid small game licence
All falconers must have a valid small game licence, plus a falconry licence to keep and hunt with native raptors. The falconry season runs September 1 to March 31.
Small game, furbearers and migratory birds · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Small game, furbearers and migratory birds, Summary — Small game, Falconry
8. A — Check with the park office about areas and species
Hunting is permitted in some provincial parks. Check with the park office about open areas, species, seasons and other restrictions.
Private land, protected areas and dogs · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Private land, protected areas and dogs, Summary — Hunting in provincial parks
9. D — To monitor populations and set quotas, seasons and limits
Hunter reports help monitor wildlife populations, set tag quotas and additional tags, change seasons and bag limits and inform management policies.
Wildlife management and wildlife health · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Wildlife management and wildlife health, Summary — Mandatory hunter reporting
10. D — The PDF provided by the licensing service
A digital licence summary must be the PDF from the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service. Photos and screenshots are not valid, and your device must be charged.
Hunter accreditation, Outdoors Card and licences · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Hunter accreditation, Outdoors Card and licences, Summary — Hunting licence information, Licence summary
11. D — When party hunting with someone whose tag allows a buck
Hunters may only take the type of deer on their own tag, unless party hunting, where they may take the type shown on a party member's tag, or in a controlled hunt as validated.
Deer, moose, bear, turkey and wolf rules · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Deer, moose, bear, turkey and wolf rules, Summary — White-tailed deer
12. B — You must keep wearing it inside the blind
Hunters using ground blinds must wear hunter orange even inside the blind, and should mark the blind with orange so other hunters can see it.
Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms, Summary — General regulations, Hunter orange
13. C — Unloaded and encased
Night raccoon hunters must have their guns unloaded and encased in a vehicle, and they may not shine a light from or attached to a vehicle or boat.
Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft, Summary — Small game, Raccoon at night
14. B — Moose, deer and black bear
Moose, deer and black bear (and elk, with extra rules) may be party hunted. Party hunting is not allowed for wild turkey, or for wolf and coyote where a tag is required.
Tags, party hunting and hunter reports · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Tags, party hunting and hunter reports, Summary — General regulations, Party hunting
15. C — The injury must be reported to a conservation officer
Any injury from a firearm discharged while hunting or trapping that needs a physician's treatment must be reported to a conservation officer.
Firearm safety in the field · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Firearm safety in the field, Summary — General regulations, Firearms
16. B — A centre-fire rifle
For deer, moose, elk and bear, only centre-fire rifles are permitted; rim-fire rifles are not.
Legal firearms, bows and ammunition · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Legal firearms, bows and ammunition, Summary — Firearms restrictions for hunting
17. D — You may not let edible meat spoil or be abandoned
With some exceptions for furbearers and cormorants, you may not let the flesh of harvested game that is suitable for food spoil or be abandoned. This includes black bear.
Hunter ethics and enforcement · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Hunter ethics and enforcement, Summary — General regulations, Game wildlife and parts
18. D — From June 16 to August 31
A small game licence is not valid in northern and some parts of central Ontario from June 16 to August 31.
Small game, furbearers and migratory birds · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Small game, furbearers and migratory birds, Summary — Small game
19. D — Stay out until you find out
It is the hunter's responsibility to find out who owns the land and whether entry or hunting is prohibited. If unsure, stay out.
Private land, protected areas and dogs · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Private land, protected areas and dogs, Summary — Trespassing
20. A — Adjusting tag quotas
Many factors affect moose, but adjusting tag quotas for sustainable harvests is currently the most immediate and effective management tool.
Wildlife management and wildlife health · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Wildlife management and wildlife health, Summary — Moose management
21. B — A person living in Ontario 6 months in a row in the past year
A resident's primary residence is in Ontario and they have lived here at least six consecutive months during the 12 months before applying. Some military and RCMP exceptions apply.
Hunter accreditation, Outdoors Card and licences · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Hunter accreditation, Outdoors Card and licences, Summary — Hunting licence information, Residency
22. D — Cubs, and females with cubs
Shooting cubs, or female bears accompanied by a cub, is not permitted during the spring season.
Deer, moose, bear, turkey and wolf rules · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Deer, moose, bear, turkey and wolf rules, Summary — Black bear
23. B — No, it is loaded only when the cap is also on
Ontario's hunting rules treat a percussion muzzleloader as loaded when powder and a projectile are in the barrel and a cap is on the nipple. Federal storage and transport rules are stricter: it is not unloaded until the charge is removed.
Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms, Summary — General regulations, Firearms
24. A — No, aircraft including drones may not be used
Aircraft, including drones and balloons, may not be used while hunting, and that includes searching for a wounded animal.
Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft, Summary — Use of vehicles, boats, drones or aircraft
25. B — Yes
Anyone who buys or is issued a tag for elk, deer, bear, wild turkey or wolf/coyote, and every moose licence holder, must submit a report, even if they did not hunt or harvest.
Tags, party hunting and hunter reports · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Tags, party hunting and hunter reports, Summary — Mandatory hunter reporting
26. B — A fine up to $25,000, jail up to 2 years, or both
Hunting carelessly is an offence. Careless handling or discharge can bring a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both, and Criminal Code charges may also apply.
Firearm safety in the field · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Firearm safety in the field, Summary — General regulations, Firearms
27. A — A width of at least 22 mm and 2 sharp cutting edges
Broadheads for big game or wild turkey must be at least 22 mm (0.87 in) wide with at least 2 sharp cutting edges.
Legal firearms, bows and ammunition · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Legal firearms, bows and ammunition, Summary — General regulations, Firearms
28. A — The hunter's name, card and licence numbers, and hunt details
When transporting game harvested by another hunter, be prepared to provide information about that hunter (name, Outdoors Card number, licence number) and details of the hunt.
Hunter ethics and enforcement · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Hunter ethics and enforcement, Summary — General regulations, Conservation officers
29. D — Only for snowshoe hare north of the French and Mattawa
Snares cannot be used under a small game licence, except by residents taking snowshoe hare north of the French and Mattawa rivers with a copper or brass wire snare of 22 to 24 gauge.
Small game, furbearers and migratory birds · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Small game, furbearers and migratory birds, Summary — Small game
30. A — To protect the Eastern wolf
Hunting and trapping wolf or coyote is illegal within and around Algonquin, Killarney, Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands and Kawartha Highlands parks to help protect the Eastern wolf.
Private land, protected areas and dogs · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Private land, protected areas and dogs, Summary — Wolf and coyote
31. B — Infected animals can look healthy for years and spread it
An infected animal may appear normal while spreading CWD for years. It spreads through saliva, urine, feces and blood, and the prions can stay infectious in the environment for years.
Wildlife management and wildlife health · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Wildlife management and wildlife health, Summary — White-tailed deer, CWD
32. B — Residents aged 12 to 14 who passed hunter education
HASP is for Ontario residents aged 12 to 14 who have passed the hunter education course and hold an Outdoors Card with accreditation. Those 15 and older need their own licences.
Hunter accreditation, Outdoors Card and licences · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Hunter accreditation, Outdoors Card and licences, Summary — Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program
33. C — No closer than 30 metres
Bait for bear hunting may not be placed within 30 m of a public road or a marked recreational trail, within 500 m of a public building, or within 500 m of a dwelling without the owner's written permission.
Deer, moose, bear, turkey and wolf rules · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Deer, moose, bear, turkey and wolf rules, Summary — Black bear, Bait placement
34. A — When sitting in a tree stand
Licensed bear hunters must wear hunter orange during the bear season even when no deer, elk or moose gun season is open, except when they are in a tree stand.
Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms, Summary — General regulations, Hunter orange
35. B — Only when it is stationary with the motor's power off
Cormorant hunters may shoot from a motorboat only when it is not moving and the power to the motor is turned off.
Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft, Summary — Small game, Double-crested cormorants
36. C — The scrotal sac, by connective tissue
A bull moose tag goes on a hind leg with the scrotal sac attached to that leg by connective tissue. For a cow, the vulva stays attached; for a calf, the tag goes on the lower jaw.
Tags, party hunting and hunter reports · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Tags, party hunting and hunter reports, Summary — Tags, Tagging locations
37. B — Keep the muzzle pointed safely and wait 60 seconds
The round could be a hangfire that goes off seconds later. Keep the muzzle in a safe direction for 60 seconds, then unload and check the bore.
Firearm safety in the field · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Firearm safety in the field, CFSC Handbook — Hazards
38. C — No, air guns are allowed for small game only
Air and pellet guns may not be used for big game, but they may be used to hunt small game.
Legal firearms, bows and ammunition · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Legal firearms, bows and ammunition, Summary — General regulations, Firearms
39. D — Give reasonable help and accurate information
At check stations and inspections, hunters are required to provide reasonable assistance and accurate information about the hunt.
Hunter ethics and enforcement · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Hunter ethics and enforcement, Summary — General regulations, Conservation officers
40. A — The federal government
Migratory game bird seasons are the responsibility of the federal government under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.
Small game, furbearers and migratory birds · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Small game, furbearers and migratory birds, Summary — Migratory game birds
41. B — A leash of 10 m or less, and you must be with the dog
During legal hours in the open season, a leashed dog (leash 10 m or less, under the handler's control) may track wounded big game without a licence. The hunter who wounded the animal must be present.
Private land, protected areas and dogs · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Private land, protected areas and dogs, Summary — Dogs
42. C — Deer, moose, elk and caribou
CWD is a highly contagious and deadly disease of cervids: white-tailed deer, moose, elk and caribou.
Wildlife management and wildlife health · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Wildlife management and wildlife health, Summary — White-tailed deer, CWD
43. D — In person with an instructor, or online
The ministry offers the course in person with a certified instructor or as a self-paced online course.
Hunter accreditation, Outdoors Card and licences · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Hunter accreditation, Outdoors Card and licences, ontario.ca — Hunter education
44. C — Using an electronic call
Live decoys and electronic calls are illegal for wild turkey. You may call for another hunter after filling your tags, but without possessing a firearm.
Deer, moose, bear, turkey and wolf rules · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Deer, moose, bear, turkey and wolf rules, Summary — Wild turkey
45. B — When it is enclosed on all six sides
To be considered encased, a firearm must be enclosed on all six sides, such as in a closed case.
Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Hunter orange, hunting hours and loaded firearms, Summary — General regulations, Firearms
46. D — Everywhere in Ontario
You must not discharge a firearm from or across the travelled portion of a right of way for public vehicular traffic anywhere in Ontario.
Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Roads, vehicles, boats and aircraft, Summary — Firearms restrictions related to roads and trails
47. D — Surrender it at ServiceOntario or an issuer and pay a fee
Tags can only be printed once. Replacements are issued at a participating ServiceOntario or licence issuer for a $10.50 fee, and damaged tags must be surrendered.
Tags, party hunting and hunter reports · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Tags, party hunting and hunter reports, Summary — Tags
48. D — Each hunter's safe zone of fire
Agree on safe zones of fire before the hunt and always know where your partners are as positions change. A shot outside your zone could hit someone.
Firearm safety in the field · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Firearm safety in the field, CFSC Handbook — Shooting with a group
49. A — Using a rifle
It is illegal to hunt ring-necked pheasants with a rifle. Shotguns, dogs and licensed game bird preserves are allowed under the rules.
Legal firearms, bows and ammunition · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Legal firearms, bows and ammunition, Summary — Small game
50. A — An RCMP or police officer
Conservation officers include ministry officers, RCMP and police officers, First Nations constables, federal migratory bird game officers and national park wardens.
Hunter ethics and enforcement · Based on: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary 2026 and ontario.ca (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Hunter ethics and enforcement, Summary — General regulations, Conservation officers

Original practice questions by Canada Exam Prep, written from the official handbook. Not official test questions. Free to print for personal study.

FAQ

Ontario hunter education exam questions (printable PDF): common questions

Is there an official Ontario hunter education exam PDF?

No. The exam is not published, so any answer-key PDF online is unofficial. This sheet is original practice written from the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary and other government sources.

What score on this sheet means I am ready?

The ministry does not publish the pass mark. Use 40 out of 50 as a minimum target and aim for 45 or more before your exam.

How do I save this page as a PDF?

Press the print button and choose Save as PDF as the printer. Menus and ads are left out, and the answer key starts on its own page.

Ontario Hunter Education Exam – Printable Questions and Answers