There is a provincial election underway. We remain ready to answer your questions about services and other routine government business, so please get in touch if we can help you find anything.

The January 31 deadline for the Kids’ Fish Art Contest is fast approaching, but there is still time to make waves and submit original artwork before the deadline 🎣🎨      Ontario students in grades 4 to 12 are invited to showcase their talent by creating artwork of either bluegill or brook trout 🐟      Please note that due to postal service disruptions, we have extended the submission deadline. Artwork must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2025 to be eligible.  Learn more about the contest and how to enter at @onresources

Are you interested in trying ice fishing but unsure where to begin? Once you’ve got your licence, we recommend these essential items to get started🎣 •ice auger: to drill the hole in the ice •ice scoop: to keep your hole free of slush and clear for fishing •ice fishing rod: shorter than traditional rods, allowing for better detection of subtle bites •hooks, lures and/or bait •ice safety gear: i.e. ice cleats, floater suit, ice picks •warm clothes: i.e. gloves, insulated boots, winter coat •a chair to help you relax comfortably Help a new angler by leaving your tips in the comments 👇 Before heading out, make sure you are up to date on fishing regulations: 📙 To learn more about ice fishing, visit

Conviction release update for January 24, 2025. 🚨 The Ontario government is safeguarding public lands by ensuring people do not unlawfully construct roads on Crown land without a work permit. A male individual from Goulais River was found guilty of unlawfully constructing a road on Crown land without a work permit. He was fined $3,000 and ordered to rehabilitate the site to its natural state. If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR Tips Line at 1 (877) 847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.

If you're like us, you're taking photos of your catches and settling into an exciting winter of ice fishing. ❄️ Let us know in the comments what’s on your bucket list to catch this ice season! 🐟 Photo and catch inspiration courtesy of

With around 90,000 moose in Ontario, we couldn’t possibly count each one! That’s why the ministry surveys a different set of wildlife management units (WMUs) across Ontario for moose. Rotating among WMUs allows us to estimate trends in moose populations over time. 📊 Survey completion is weather permitting. You may see moose aerial inventory crews near 👇 •Northern Ontario: Kenora, Fort Frances, Dryden, Geraldton, Hearst, Nipigon, Manitouwadge, Wawa, Kirkland Lake, Sudbury, North Bay •Southern Ontario: Parry Sound, Bracebridge, Bancroft, Pembroke You can learn more at @ONresources #ScienceON #MooseAerialInventory

Conviction release update for January 17, 2025. 🚨 The Ontario government is safeguarding the public against unsafe and illegal deer hunting practices. A male individual from Kingsville was found guilty of hunting deer without a licence, hunting at night, possessing an un-encased crossbow at night, trespassing in possession of a crossbow and trespassing for the purpose of deer hunting. He received a total of $1,300 in fines and his crossbow was forfeited to the Crown. If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR Tips Line at 1 (877) 847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.

Thank you to Ontario resident hunters for submitting your hunter reports! This is a reminder of your last chance to enter the Cam-Am contest and win a 2024 Cam-Am Outlander PRO Hunting Edition ATV! 🏍 Ontario resident hunters over the age of 18 who have submitted a mandatory 2024 hunter report to the ministry by the required deadline are eligible to enter the contest. Hunters may submit one sweepstakes entry for every 2024 hunter report submitted. Note that the contest entry deadline is January 19, 2025. 🤞 To enter the contest visit: Disclaimer: The Ministry of Natural Resources is not responsible for the accessibility of non-MNR web properties that may be linked here. This contest is sponsored by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BPR) and its affiliates. The contest, including entry, prizes and all other matters, is subject to the terms and consideration set out in the contest rules as published on the contest website. BRP and Can-Am trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Did you know it is free to register an ice fishing hut? 🎣❄️ Not all Fisheries Management Zones (FMZs) require ice huts to be registered, however if you plan to have an ice hut in FMZs 9 to 12 or 14 to 20, remember these rules. 👇 •The registration number must be displayed on the outside of your ice hut(s) in font that is at least 6.3 cm (2.5 in) tall. You can use the same number for all your ice huts! •Register your ice hut at You’ll receive a confirmation email with your license summary and ice hut registration number. Be sure to print and save it! •You don’t need to register an ice hut that is a tent made of cloth or synthetic fabric and has a base area of 7 square metres or less. Need help? Call the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011. For more information on ice hut registration, rules and removal dates visit

Are you excited to get out ice fishing? Before you grab your gear and head out, check the ice conditions for safety and remember these cool tips to stay safe: • remember: Ice thickness can vary, so use a spud bar to check regularly • look for clear, blue ice, as it is the strongest and avoid any areas that look honeycombed • heavy snow can slow down the freezing process – stay informed by checking local weather reports and talking to local ice hut operators or fellow anglers about ice conditions • always share your location with someone close to you and let them know when you plan to return There’s nothing quite like the peacefulness of a frozen lake, so bundle up, grab your friends, and maximize your fishing season by getting out on the ice safely! ❄️ Renew or buy your fishing licence at by selecting the 2025 product catalogue on the Licence Sales & Draws page. For more ice safety tips, visit

RT @ONresources: Excited for ice fishing? Some of your favourite spots might be ready. Bundle up in a hut with a friend for a cool way to s…

Head’s up deer, wolf and coyote hunters: it’s time to “buck-le” down and get those hunter reports in before the deadline! 🦌 👉 Be sure to submit your hunter report by January 14. Reports can be submitted either at or by phone at 1-800-288-1155. Hunters who fail to submit their mandatory hunter report(s) are subject to a surcharge that will automatically be applied to their next draw application, licence or tag purchase for that species. Learn more and view hunter reporting deadlines at

For many of us, January means a fresh start and a renewed effort to bring better habits into our day-to-day lives. In keeping with the early 2025 optimism and ambition, here are a few boxes to check off now, so you can spend the rest of the year ready to get outside and enjoy the great Ontario outdoors: • check if your Outdoors Card needs to be renewed. ✔️  • purchase your fishing licence for 2025. 🎣 Fishing licences are available for 1 or 3 calendar years, so be prepared for when that first invite to get out there comes in from a friend. ✔️  • make a list of waterbodies you’d like to visit this year and start planning some trips. ✔️ When it comes to outdoor adventuring, what do you do to prepare for the year ahead? Let us know what you find helpful in the comments! Renew your Outdoors Card and/or fishing licence at

Conviction release update for January 3, 2025. 🚨 The Ontario government is safeguarding moose populations from illegal hunting practices. A male individual from Sault Ste. Marie was found guilty of hunting moose without a licence and hunting with a firearm without possessing the required documentation. The individual was fined a total of $5,500. If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR Tips Line at 1 (877) 847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.

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Attention anglers 🎣 The 2025 fishing regulations are officially in effect as of January 1, 2025! Before you hit the water, make sure you're up to date on the rules for your specific zone and waterbody. Access the 2025 Fishing Regulations Summary digitally here: @ONresources

We’re excited to announce a summer job opportunity for a Fish & Wildlife Assistant to join our Fish Culture Provincial Coordination Unit! If you’re passionate about aquaculture and fisheries management, this is the perfect chance for you to gain some experience and make a real impact! In this role, you’ll spend lots of time traveling to various fish culture stations and assisting with daily operations. You’ll also get to flex your research skills by compiling stocking data and preparing reports. Plus, you will gain exposure to production planning, broodstock management and capital development. We’re looking for someone who knows their fish, fits in well with various working groups, has strong attention to detail and organizational skills. If you’re ready to get your hands wet, we want to hear from you! Get all the details on this role and how to apply now: