Illegal Exportation of Wildlife in Ontario:

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Last Updated: September 13 2026

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Question: I got a ticket for illegal exportation of wildlife in Ontario, what should I do next before my court date?

Answer: If you received an illegal exportation of wildlife ticket or summons, act quickly by reading the exact offence wording and section on your documents, confirming whether an export permit or royalty was actually required for your specific species, person (resident or non-resident), and export purpose, and preserving all related hunting/trapping licences, tags, receipts, invoices, shipping and travel records, taxidermy or tanning and pelt records, and any communications about sale or propagation.   Do not pay the ticket right away, because paying is often treated as pleading guilty and can lead to a conviction.   Ontario’s charge is typically based on Ontario wildlife export rules under Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, and the permit and exemption details in Ontario Regulation 666/98, and the proof and defences turn on the paper trail and the legal category of what was moved out of Ontario.   DefendCharges.ca™ can help you review the paperwork, identify missing elements in the charge, and map your next steps with a paralegal-led approach across Ontario; call (647) 559-3377 today.

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Illegal Exportation of Wildlife in Ontario

Received a ticket or summons for Illegal Exportation of Wildlife in Ontario?  You have been charged with a provincial offence under Ontario wildlife law.  The charge may concern transporting wildlife or a pelt out of Ontario without a required export permit, exporting wildlife for sale or propagation without being legally entitled to sell or propagate it in Ontario, or another export requirement connected with the wildlife being transported.

Note: Please contact DefendCharges.ca™ by phone at: (647) 559-3377 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

Do not panic.  Being charged does not automatically mean you will be convicted.  Ontario does not require an export permit for every animal or wildlife part leaving the province.  The species, whether you are an Ontario resident or non-resident, what was transported, how the carcass was divided or treated, the purpose of the export, and any permit or regulatory exemption can all be important.

This page explains what an Illegal Exportation of Wildlife charge means, when an export permit is required, the rules for furbearing mammals, pelts and certain big game, exports for sale or propagation, current fines and possible consequences, what must be proven, evidence, legal issues and defences, and what may happen next.  These offences are part of Wildlife Possession & Transportation Charges.

I Received an Illegal Exportation of Wildlife Ticket or Summons.  What Should I Do?

A summons is a court document requiring you to attend court or respond as directed.  Read every document carefully and do not miss the response deadline or required court date.

Start with the exact offence wording and section number.  Your documents may refer to unlawfully exporting wildlife, unlawfully exporting wildlife for sale, unlawfully exporting wildlife for propagation, transporting a furbearing mammal or pelt out of Ontario without a permit, a non-resident transporting specified game wildlife without a permit, transporting a part of a carcass without the required permit, or failing to pay a required royalty.

Keep the export permit or permit components, hunting and trapping documents, licences, tags, receipts, invoices, shipping or travel records, taxidermy or tanning records, pelt records, payment or sale records if relevant, and anything else connected with the wildlife and its movement out of Ontario.  Do not delete, alter, discard, or modify potentially important evidence.

Should I Pay the Ticket?

Paying the ticket will generally be treated as pleading guilty and will result in a conviction, meaning a finding of guilt.  Before paying, identify the exact offence and determine whether an export permit was actually required for the wildlife and person involved, whether a regulatory exemption applied, or whether the charge instead concerns export for sale or propagation.

What Is an Illegal Exportation of Wildlife Charge?

Illegal Exportation of Wildlife is a plain English title covering several offences involving wildlife transported out of Ontario.  In this context, exportation means transporting wildlife out of Ontario to another province, territory, or country.

Subsection 55(1) of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 prohibits transporting out of Ontario game wildlife or specially protected wildlife for which a licence or permit is required by regulation unless the required licence or permit has first been obtained.  Subsection 55(2) makes that rule applicable to pelts of farmed animals that are furbearing mammals.

Game wildlife and specially protected wildlife are legal categories under Ontario wildlife law.  Whether wildlife falls within those categories depends on its species and legal classification.  A pelt is the untanned skin of a furbearing mammal.

Subsection 55(3) creates separate offences for transporting game wildlife or specially protected wildlife out of Ontario for the purpose of sale or propagation unless the person is entitled under the Act to sell or propagate that wildlife in Ontario.  Propagation means breeding wildlife.

The exact offence therefore depends on what was transported, who transported it, whether a permit was required, the purpose of the export, and any exemption or other legal authority that applied.  Other wildlife possession and transportation offences are organized within Wildlife Possession & Transportation Charges.

When Is an Export Permit Required?

Ontario Regulation 666/98 identifies the principal wildlife for which an export permit is required under subsection 55(1).  Current section 30 requires an export permit for:

• A furbearing mammal that is not a farmed animal;
• The pelt of that furbearing mammal;
• The pelt of a farmed animal that is a furbearing mammal; and
• For a non-resident, a black bear, white-tailed deer, American elk, or moose killed in Ontario.

Furbearing mammal is a legal wildlife classification under the Act.  The rule does not apply identically to every hunter or species: the listed black bear, deer, elk and moose requirement expressly applies to non-residents, while the furbearing-mammal and pelt requirements are not limited that way.

If a covered carcass has been divided into parts, an export permit for the carcass or a portion or component of that permit is generally required before a part is transported out of Ontario.  That requirement does not apply to a carcass part that has been tanned or treated by a taxidermist.

A non-resident who holds an Ontario licence to hunt game wildlife must also not transport out of Ontario more game wildlife than the number permitted to be killed or possessed.

Are There Export-Permit Exemptions?

Yes.  Ontario Regulation 666/98 contains specific exemptions from the export-permit requirement.  Section 31 exempts certain lawfully bought or sold hides, cast antlers, pelts, or other parts of furbearing mammals that have been tanned, plucked, treated, or manufactured into commercial products.

It also exempts qualifying artwork or jewellery made from game wildlife where the commercial value is primarily in the artwork or jewellery rather than the wildlife itself.  That artwork exemption does not include a taxidermy specimen or mount.

What If the Wildlife Is Being Exported for Sale or Propagation?

Export for sale or propagation is separately regulated under subsection 55(3).  Even where the dispute is not simply about an export permit, a person must not transport game wildlife or specially protected wildlife out of Ontario for sale or propagation unless the person is legally entitled under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 to sell or propagate that wildlife in Ontario.

The purpose of the export can therefore be an important element.  Advertisements, invoices, payment arrangements, breeding records, communications, and the destination may be relevant.

Do Royalties Apply to Furbearing Mammals or Pelts?

They can.  Ontario Regulation 666/98 requires a royalty to be paid to the Minister before a furbearing mammal or pelt is transported outside Ontario, subject to the regulatory exceptions.

A royalty is an amount payable to the Ontario government under the regulation for specified furbearing mammals or pelts.  Regulatory exceptions include certain low-value species and furbearing mammals or pelts that were imported into Ontario.  Failure to pay a required royalty is a separate offence from exporting without a required permit.

What Law Applies?

The principal export provision is section 55 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.  Ontario Regulation 666/98, Possession, Buying and Selling of Wildlife, contains the current export-permit requirements, carcass-part rules, exemptions, non-resident limits, and royalty provisions.

What Must Be Proven?

The prosecutor, meaning the lawyer or representative presenting the government's case, must prove every required part of the particular charge beyond a reasonable doubt.  Beyond a reasonable doubt is the high legal standard that must be met before the court can find you guilty.

For a subsection 55(1) export charge, the issues may include:

• Your identity as the person who transported the wildlife out of Ontario;
• The wildlife or pelt involved and its legal classification;
• That it was transported out of Ontario; and
• That the applicable regulation required a licence or export permit for that wildlife and person.

For a subsection 55(3) charge, the prosecution may need to establish that you transported game wildlife or specially protected wildlife out of Ontario and that the transportation was for the purpose of sale or propagation identified in the charge.

A regulation-based charge may require additional proof, such as non-resident status, Ontario origin of the animal, the condition of a carcass part, the amount transported, or a royalty obligation.  If you rely on a licence, permit, authorization, exception, exemption, or qualification as operating in your favour, Ontario's Provincial Offences Act generally places the burden of establishing it on you.

What Are the Current Set Fines?

The current set fine depends on the offence stated on your ticket.  A set fine is the preset fine used when a particular provincial offence is dealt with by ticket.

Current Ontario set fines for the principal export offences covered by this page include:

• $200 for unlawfully exporting wildlife under subsection 55(1);
• $300 for unlawfully exporting wildlife for sale under subsection 55(3);
• $300 for unlawfully exporting wildlife for propagation under subsection 55(3);
• $200 for the current section 30 permit offences involving furbearing mammals, pelts, specified non-resident big-game exports, or covered carcass parts;
• $200 for a non-resident unlawfully transporting more game wildlife out of Ontario than permitted; and
• $200 for transporting a furbearing mammal or pelt out of Ontario without paying a required royalty.

The set fine is not necessarily the total amount payable.  A victim fine surcharge is an additional amount Ontario adds to a fine after conviction, and applicable court costs may also be added.

For an ordinary subsection 55(1) offence, the general statutory maximum for an individual is a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, unless the offence was committed for commercial purposes.  A subsection 55(3) offence is expressly subject to the enhanced maximum of a fine of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.  The enhanced maximum also applies to other FWCA offences committed for commercial purposes.  These are statutory maximums and are not the automatic or usual result of a ticket.

Can This Charge Affect a Licence or Authorization?

A licence cancellation or prohibition is not automatic merely because you have been charged.  A charge is not a conviction.

After conviction, however, the court may prohibit a person for a specified period from holding or obtaining a licence or authorization related to the offence and from engaging in the related regulated activity.  An affected licence or authorization already held must be cancelled if such an order is made.

Could Wildlife or Other Property Be Seized?

Yes, where the statutory requirements for seizure are met.  A seizure means wildlife or other property has been taken into official custody.

Depending on the investigation, relevant property may include the wildlife or pelt, export permits, licences, tags, shipping or travel records, invoices, sale or propagation records, electronic communications, and other evidence connected with the export.

Forfeiture means permanent loss of ownership.  Seizure does not itself establish guilt or automatically mean property will be permanently lost, but wildlife and other seized property may be subject to forfeiture where the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 authorizes it.

What Evidence May Be Used?

Illegal exportation cases often depend on the wildlife, who transported it, the destination, permit status, the person's residency where relevant, and the purpose of the transportation.  Relevant evidence may include:

• The wildlife, carcass, pelt, hide, antlers, mount, or other item involved;
• Species and origin evidence;
• Export permits, permit components, licences, tags, and other wildlife documents;
• Shipping, border, travel, receipt, invoice, or vehicle records;
• Taxidermy, tanning, treatment, sale, propagation, payment, or royalty records where relevant;
• Conservation Officer notes, photographs, recordings, and observations;
• Witness evidence; and
• Statements or electronic communications attributed to you or other people involved.

Disclosure is the relevant information and evidence in the prosecutor's possession or control that you are entitled to receive, subject to the law.  Disclosure should be obtained and reviewed before important decisions are made about a disputed charge.

What Possible Defences or Legal Issues May Apply?

The defence depends on the exact export offence, species, person, permit requirements, purpose of the transport, applicable exemptions, and available evidence.  Not every defence or legal issue applies to every charge.

No Export Permit Was Required or Legal Authority Applied

A subsection 55(1) charge applies only where the regulation requires a licence or permit for the wildlife and person involved.  A valid export permit, a required permit component for a divided carcass, or a regulatory exemption for a qualifying treated item, commercial product, artwork, jewellery, or taxidermy-treated carcass part may therefore be important.

The Evidence Does Not Establish Transportation Out of Ontario

Possession or ownership of wildlife does not automatically prove that you were the person who transported it out of Ontario.  The prosecution must establish the transportation required by the offence.

The Sale or Propagation Requirements Are Not Established

For a subsection 55(3) charge, the prosecution must prove that the transportation was for the sale or propagation purpose identified in the charge.  If you rely on a licence, authorization, or other legal entitlement to sell or propagate the wildlife in Ontario, the applicable burden for establishing that authority must also be considered.

Due Diligence

Due diligence means taking all reasonable care in the circumstances to prevent the offence.  The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 expressly recognizes this defence where its requirements are established.  Evidence that you checked export requirements, obtained permits, verified residency or species requirements, or took other reasonable compliance steps may be relevant.

Honest and Reasonable Mistake of Fact

An honest and reasonable mistake of fact means honestly and reasonably believing facts that, if true, would make the conduct innocent.  The Act expressly recognizes this defence.  A factual mistake might concern the species, treatment of a wildlife item, validity of a permit, residency status relevant to the requirement, or another material fact.  This is different from simply not knowing Ontario's export rules.

Evidence or Statement Issues

Permits, species evidence, travel or shipping records, sale or propagation records, officer observations, electronic communications, witness evidence, and statements should be reviewed carefully.  Their accuracy, completeness, context, reliability, and lawful use can affect whether the charge is proven.

What Happens Next?

Your ticket or summons should identify the next procedural step and any response deadline or court date.  Do not miss that deadline while obtaining legal advice, requesting disclosure, or deciding how to respond.

After disclosure is obtained, the charge can be compared with the wildlife, permit requirements, residency where relevant, destination, purpose of export, applicable exemptions, Conservation Officer evidence, and any defence supported by the circumstances.

The prosecutor may withdraw the charge, meaning the charge is no longer being pursued, or the matter may be resolved by a guilty plea or another agreement, or proceed to trial.  The appropriate response depends on the evidence, legal issues, possible consequences, and circumstances of your case.

How Can DefendCharges.ca™ Help?

DefendCharges.ca™ can review the wording on your ticket, summons, seizure notice, or other documents and compare it with the wildlife, records, permits or authorizations, destination, and transportation involved.  This can help identify the exact charge, the legal requirements that apply, and the factual issues that may be important to your case.

If the matter proceeds through court, DefendCharges.ca™ can explain the court process, review the available evidence and legal issues, discuss possible penalties or other consequences, and help you understand your options for responding to the charge.

Have Questions About Hunting Charges?

Whether you have been charged with one hunting or wildlife offence or several, understanding your legal options is important.  DefendCharges.ca™ can review your case, explain the charges you are facing, and help you understand your legal options and the best course of action.  Contact us today to discuss your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Illegal Exportation of Wildlife is a plain English title covering several Ontario offences involving wildlife transported out of the province;
• Subsection 55(1) applies where Ontario regulations require a licence or export permit for the wildlife being transported;
• Current export-permit rules particularly affect furbearing mammals and pelts and, for non-residents, Ontario-killed black bear, white-tailed deer, American elk, and moose;
• Subsection 55(3) separately regulates export for sale or propagation and carries a higher statutory maximum penalty;
• Current set fines are generally $200 for the principal permit, non-resident-limit, carcass-part, and royalty offences, and $300 for export for sale or propagation;
• The wildlife, permit status, residency where relevant, purpose of export, applicable exemption, and transportation evidence can be central to the charge; and
• The exact offence wording and disclosure should be reviewed before deciding how to respond.

Conclusion

An Illegal Exportation of Wildlife charge should be reviewed using the exact offence wording, wildlife or pelt, species classification, who transported it, destination, permit requirements, residency where relevant, purpose of export, and any applicable exemption.  Ontario does not require the same export permit for every wildlife item or every person leaving the province.

Before paying the ticket or entering a plea, review the charge, disclosure, export permits, licences and tags, travel or shipping records, sale or propagation evidence, possible exemptions or defences, and potential consequences.  Legal representation can help determine which Ontario export rule applies and whether the evidence proves the offence.