Ontario Hunter Education Practice Test 2026
Practise for the exam at the end of the Ontario Hunter Education Course, which most residents must pass before buying hunting licences. Practice test 1 covers Ontario's own rules, such as the Outdoors Card, hunter orange and legal hours. The other sets cover safety, ethics, wildlife and survival topics taught across Canada.
Quick answer
It is run by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario Hunter Education Program). Practise here for free with 124 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
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Question 1 of 24
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Answer: D. The Ontario Hunter Education Course, including its exam
Most residents must pass the Ontario Hunter Education Course and its exam before buying hunting licences and tags.
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Question 2 of 24
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Answer: C. In person with a certified instructor, or online at your own pace
The course can be taken in person from a certified instructor (with an exam with the instructor) or online, including the exam.
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Question 3 of 24
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Answer: B. The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC)
Hunter education lets you hunt with a bow once you buy licences. Hunting with a gun also requires the CFSC.
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Question 4 of 24
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Answer: B. An Outdoors Card
Resident and non-resident hunters need a valid Outdoors Card to buy hunting licences.
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Question 5 of 24
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Answer: D. 3 calendar years
Outdoors Cards are valid for 3 calendar years, and you must carry the card while hunting.
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Question 6 of 24
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Answer: B. At a participating ServiceOntario location with hunting licence services
Take your proof of completion to a participating ServiceOntario location. Then you can buy licences and apply for big game draws.
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Question 7 of 24
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Answer: D. Residents aged 12 to 14
The program is for Ontario residents aged 12 to 14 who have passed hunter education and the CFSC and have parental consent.
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Question 8 of 24
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Answer: C. A licensed mentor 18 or older with an Outdoors Card and a valid licence
Apprentices must hunt under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed mentor aged 18 or older.
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Question 9 of 24
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Answer: A. Consent from a parent or guardian
Residents under 16 need parental or guardian consent to obtain an Outdoors Card.
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Question 10 of 24
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Answer: B. At least 16
Non-residents hunting in Ontario for the first time must be at least 16 and show accreditation from their home jurisdiction.
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Question 11 of 24
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Answer: C. Bow and crossbow hunters
Anyone hunting with a gun, including air and pellet guns, must carry proof of firearms accreditation. Bow and crossbow hunters are exempt.
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Question 12 of 24
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Answer: A. At least 400 square inches (2,580 square cm), visible from all sides
The garment must have at least 400 square inches (2,580 square cm) of solid orange above the waist, visible from all sides, plus an orange head cover.
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Question 13 of 24
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Answer: D. No. It must be solid orange with no open mesh or camouflage
The garment must be solid hunter orange. Only the head cover may have open mesh or a non-orange peak or brim.
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Question 14 of 24
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Answer: D. During a gun season for deer, elk or moose
Hunter orange is required for all licensed hunters, including bow, turkey, bear and trapping hunters, during a gun season for deer, elk or moose.
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Question 15 of 24
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Answer: B. Migratory game bird hunters (except woodcock hunters)
Migratory game bird hunting (except woodcock) and double-crested cormorant hunting are exempt. Hunters in ground blinds must still wear orange.
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Question 16 of 24
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Answer: C. From half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
Hunting is allowed from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, except for night raccoon hunting and spring wild turkey hours.
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Question 17 of 24
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Answer: A. Unloaded and encased
At night, firearms must be unloaded and encased. "Encased" means fully enclosed on all six sides.
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Question 18 of 24
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Answer: A. In a canoe or boat that is paddled and has no motor
Loaded firearms are illegal in or on motorboats, vehicles and aircraft. A paddled boat with no motor is the exception.
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Question 19 of 24
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Answer: C. It is prohibited across Ontario
Shooting from or across the travelled portion of a public road right of way is prohibited across the province.
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Question 20 of 24
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Answer: B. No more than 3
Shotguns must be plugged so they hold no more than three shells in total.
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Question 21 of 24
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Answer: D. No longer than 10 metres
A leashed tracking dog may be used during the open season on a leash up to 10 metres, and the hunter who wounded the animal must be present.
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Question 22 of 24
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Answer: C. A conservation officer
Firearm injuries that require treatment by a physician must be reported to a conservation officer.
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Question 23 of 24
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Answer: D. A red circle about 10 cm across
Notice can be given by signs, fences, cultivated land or markings such as a red circle 10 cm in diameter.
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Question 24 of 24
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Answer: D. North of the French and Mattawa rivers
Sunday gun hunting is allowed north of the French and Mattawa rivers. South of them, it depends on the municipality.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Most residents must pass the Ontario Hunter Education Course, including an exam, to buy hunting licences and tags.
- You can take the course in person with a certified instructor or online at your own pace.
- To hunt with a gun you also need the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. Many instructors offer both courses together.
- After passing, register your hunter accreditation at a participating ServiceOntario location. You also need an Outdoors Card, valid for 3 calendar years.
- The Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program is for residents aged 12 to 14, supervised by a licensed mentor aged 18 or older.
- During a gun season for deer, elk or moose, hunters must wear at least 400 square inches (2,580 square cm) of solid hunter orange above the waist and an orange head cover.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Ontario?
Yes, most residents must pass the Ontario Hunter Education Course and its exam before buying hunting licences and tags. Some new residents and non-residents with recognized credentials are exempt.
Can I take the Ontario hunter education course online?
Yes. You can take it online at your own pace, or in person with a certified instructor. Both options end with an exam.
Do I need a PAL to hunt with a gun in Ontario?
You must have completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and carry a valid PAL, a minor's licence or the course student report. With only a student report, a valid PAL holder must directly supervise you.
How old do you have to be to hunt in Ontario?
Residents aged 12 to 14 can hunt as apprentices with a licensed mentor after passing hunter education and the CFSC. Non-residents hunting in Ontario for the first time must be at least 16.
What happens after I pass?
Take your proof of completion to a participating ServiceOntario location to register your hunter accreditation. Then you can buy an Outdoors Card, licences and tags.