Outdoors Card Guide in Ontario:

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Last Updated: September 21 2026

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Question:Do I need an Ontario Outdoors Card to buy a hunting licence, and can my Licence Summary replace the physical card if it has not arrived?

Answer:Yes, in Ontario you generally need a valid Outdoors Card before you can be issued a hunting licence, but the Outdoors Card is not the hunting licence itself and it does not replace any required tag or other authority for your specific hunt.   Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario’s definition of an Outdoors Card includes a card identified on your Licence Summary, so a Licence Summary can function as the legally recognized Outdoors Card when the physical plastic card has not yet arrived.   If you are unsure how this applies to your account or what you must carry or show to a Conservation Officer, paralegal support from DefendCharges.ca™ at (647) 559-3377 can help you confirm the exact documents for your situation in Ontario.

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Outdoors Card Guide

An Outdoors Card is part of Ontario's fish and wildlife licensing system and identifies the card holder within that system.  A valid Outdoors Card is generally required before an Ontario hunting licence can be issued, but the Outdoors Card is not itself a substitute for the hunting licence, tag, permit, or other authority required for a particular hunt.

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

Ontario's current Hunting Regulation also recognizes an Outdoors Card identified on a person's Licence Summary.  This is important because the legal definition changed on July 1, 2026 and should not be read as though the physical plastic card is always the only legally recognized form of the Outdoors Card.

This resource explains what an Ontario Outdoors Card is, how it works with a Licence Summary and hunting licences, the current carrying and production requirements, expiry and account rules, the July 1, 2026 changes, and where to find official Ontario government Outdoors Card information.

What Is an Ontario Outdoors Card?

An Outdoors Card identifies a person within Ontario's fish and wildlife licensing system.

Ontario issues a physical wallet-sized Outdoors Card containing information such as the holder's name, Outdoors Card number, and expiry date.  Ontario's current regulation also defines an Outdoors Card to include a card that is identified on the person's Licence Summary.

Ontario Regulation 665/98, Hunting, provides that a person cannot be issued a licence to hunt unless the person holds an Outdoors Card issued under the Regulation, subject to the particular exceptions and apprenticeship provisions established by law.

The Outdoors Card therefore forms an important part of Ontario's licensing system, but it does not by itself authorize a person to hunt every species.

Is an Outdoors Card the Same as a Hunting Licence?

No.  An Outdoors Card and a hunting licence perform different functions.

• Outdoors Card: Identifies the person in Ontario's fish and wildlife licensing system;
• Hunting licence: Provides the applicable licence authority to hunt the wildlife or participate in the hunting activity covered by that licence;
• Licence Summary: Identifies current hunting, fishing, Outdoors Card, and other applicable licence information associated with the person's account; and
• Tag: A component of a hunting licence used for wildlife where Ontario requires tag authority.

A valid Outdoors Card does not replace a required hunting licence or tag.  Similarly, holding a hunting licence does not remove the Outdoors Card requirements that apply to the hunter.

What Is a Licence Summary?

A Licence Summary is an Ontario Ministry document that identifies licence and Outdoors Card information associated with a person's licensing account.

Under the current Hunting Regulation, a Licence Summary can identify:

• Hunting licences;
• Falconry licences;
• Sport fishing licences; and
• An Outdoors Card.

An updated Licence Summary is issued when applicable new licence products or an Outdoors Card are issued.

The Licence Summary can be carried in paper format or in the official digital PDF format supplied through Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.

Can You Carry a Licence Summary on Your Phone?

Yes.  Ontario permits a Licence Summary to be carried digitally on a mobile device.

The digital document must be the PDF supplied through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.  A photograph or screenshot of the Licence Summary is not accepted as the required digital version.

A person relying on a digital Licence Summary is responsible for ensuring that the device:

• Has sufficient battery power;
• Can display the PDF when required; and
• Is adequately protected so the document can be shown when and where requested.

What Changed on July 1, 2026?

Ontario changed the legal definition of an Outdoors Card on July 1, 2026.

Ontario Regulation 121/26 amended Ontario Regulation 665/98 so that the definition of Outdoors Card now includes a card that is identified on the Licence Summary.

Before July 1, 2026, the Hunting Regulation contained a separate provision allowing a person who had been issued an Outdoors Card but had not yet received the physical card to hunt while carrying an updated Licence Summary showing that the card had been issued.

That separate provision was revoked on July 1, 2026 when the broader Outdoors Card definition came into force.

The current regulation should therefore be used when determining what constitutes an Outdoors Card after July 1, 2026.  For an earlier date, the version of the Regulation that was in force at that time may need to be checked.

Does a Licence Summary Identify Your Outdoors Card?

Yes.  Under the current regulation, a Licence Summary can identify the Outdoors Card associated with the licensing account.

The 2026 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary includes an Outdoors Card number and expiry information on its sample Licence Summary.  The Ministry also issues an updated Licence Summary when an Outdoors Card is issued.

This does not mean that a Licence Summary replaces every other hunting document.  Hunting licences, tags, validation certificates, federal permits, or other documents can still be separately required depending on the hunt.

What Must You Carry While Hunting?

Ontario Regulation 665/98 requires a person hunting wildlife to carry their Outdoors Card while hunting, subject to any exception provided by the Regulation.

Ontario's current hunting information also requires hunters to carry the other documentation applicable to their hunt.  Depending on the activity, this can include:

• The Outdoors Card;
• The applicable hunting licence;
• A current Licence Summary where required;
• Any applicable hunting tag;
• Any required validation certificate or authorization; and
• Applicable federal firearms documentation when hunting with a gun.

The Outdoors Card should therefore be treated as one part of the hunting documentation system rather than as a replacement for every other required document.

Do You Have to Show an Outdoors Card to a Conservation Officer?

Yes.  Section 3(3) of Ontario Regulation 665/98 requires a person who holds an Outdoors Card to produce and show it when requested by a Conservation Officer.

A Conservation Officer is an enforcement officer responsible for enforcing Ontario fish and wildlife laws.

The requirement to carry an Outdoors Card while hunting and the requirement to produce and show it when requested are separate regulatory requirements.

What if the Physical Outdoors Card Has Not Arrived?

The current legal framework should be distinguished from the rule that existed before July 1, 2026.

Ontario's current hunting licence information states that a new physical Outdoors Card is automatically mailed after the card is purchased and that delivery normally takes approximately 20 days.

Ontario also states that a person can hunt while waiting for the physical card by carrying a Licence Summary that identifies the valid Outdoors Card.

This current government guidance is consistent with the July 1, 2026 amendment that expanded the legal definition of Outdoors Card to include a card identified on the Licence Summary.

What if an Outdoors Card Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?

A lost, stolen, or damaged physical Outdoors Card can be replaced.

Ontario directs card holders to obtain a duplicate through:

• The Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service;
• A participating ServiceOntario location; or
• An authorized licence issuer.

An administration fee can apply to replacement services.

The person's current Licence Summary and licensing account can also identify the valid Outdoors Card associated with the account.

How Long Is an Outdoors Card Valid?

Under Ontario Regulation 665/98, an Outdoors Card is valid from the day it is issued until the expiry date specified for the card.

Ontario's current licensing guidance describes Outdoors Cards as generally valid for three calendar years, with the expiry date shown on the card.

Where a qualifying three-year Small Game Licence or fishing licence is purchased at the same time as the Outdoors Card, that licence can be printed on the back of the physical card and expire with the card.

Can an Outdoors Card Expire While a Hunting Season Is Open?

The expiry date of the Outdoors Card and the dates of a hunting season are separate matters.

An Outdoors Card remains valid only until its stated expiry date.  The existence of an open hunting season does not extend an expired Outdoors Card.

Similarly, renewing an Outdoors Card does not create a hunting licence, tag, or open season that does not otherwise exist.

Do You Have to Update Your Outdoors Card Information?

Yes.  The holder of an Outdoors Card must notify the Minister of specified changes within 10 days.

Section 6 of Ontario Regulation 665/98 requires notification of a change in:

• Name;
• Address;
• Contact information; or
• Residency.

Residency is particularly important because Ontario uses different licence products, fees, and requirements for residents and non-residents.

A card holder who ceases to qualify as a resident must not use the Outdoors Card to obtain a licence for which that person is no longer eligible because of the residency change.

Can You Have More Than One Outdoors Card?

A person must not apply for or possess more than one Outdoors Card where the cards have different Outdoors Card numbers.

Ontario Regulation 665/98 does permit a person to possess more than one physical Outdoors Card if the cards bear the same Outdoors Card number.

This can occur where an older physical card and a replacement card contain the same account number.  The important distinction is therefore the Outdoors Card number rather than simply the number of physical cards.

Can You Use Someone Else's Outdoors Card?

An Outdoors Card is issued to a particular individual and is not ordinarily transferable to another person.

Ontario's Hunting Regulation applies specified licence provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 to Outdoors Cards as though the Outdoors Card were a licence.

Ontario's Hunting Regulations Summary also states that it is illegal to transfer an Outdoors Card or to use or possess an Outdoors Card issued to another person unless legal authority permits otherwise.

Can an Outdoors Card Become Invalid?

Yes.  An Outdoors Card can lose legal validity in circumstances established by Ontario law.

For example, provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 concerning licences apply to Outdoors Cards through Ontario Regulation 665/98.  These include rules dealing with licences obtained through false or misleading representations or issued contrary to law.

An Outdoors Card can also be affected by a court ordered licence cancellation or suspension.  Where the Ministry requests return of the Outdoors Card following an applicable court order, the card holder must return it immediately.

Who Can Be Issued an Outdoors Card?

Ontario Regulation 665/98 allows the Minister to issue an Outdoors Card to residents and non-residents who meet the applicable age and other requirements.

A person who is at least 16 years old may be issued an Outdoors Card whether resident or non-resident.

Ontario residents who are at least 12 but under 16 can also be issued an Outdoors Card where they satisfy the hunter accreditation requirements and the consent requirements established by the Regulation.

Separate apprenticeship rules govern when younger Ontario residents may hunt as apprentice hunters.

Do Apprentice Hunters Need an Outdoors Card?

Yes.  Ontario's Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program uses an Outdoors Card as part of the apprentice hunter system.

For the current 2026 program, eligible Ontario resident apprentice hunters are generally 12 to 14 years old and must comply with the applicable supervision and hunter education requirements.

View Ontario Hunter Education and apprenticeship information.

Does an Outdoors Card Include a Hunting Licence?

Not automatically.  The Outdoors Card identifies the holder in the licensing system, while hunting licence authority must still be obtained for the applicable hunting activity.

However, certain qualifying licence products can be printed directly on the back of the physical Outdoors Card.  Ontario currently allows eligible one-year or three-year Small Game Licences purchased with an Outdoors Card to be displayed this way.

All valid hunting licence products are also identified on the Licence Summary.

Does an Outdoors Card Replace a Hunting Tag?

No.  A hunting tag is a separate component of a hunting licence where Ontario requires one.

Tags are required for hunting activities involving wildlife such as:

• White-tailed deer;
• Moose;
• Elk;
• Black bear;
• Wild turkey; and
• Wolf or coyote in specified Wildlife Management Units.

A valid Outdoors Card does not replace the applicable tag.

Can Hunting Tags Be Carried Digitally in 2026?

No.  Hunting tags remain paper documents for the 2026 hunting year.

Ontario's 2026 Hunting Regulations Summary requires applicable hunting tags to be carried in printed form.  A digital image or photograph of a 2026 hunting tag does not replace the paper tag.

This is different from a Licence Summary, which may be carried as the official digital PDF.

What Changes in 2027?

Ontario is introducing a new fishing and hunting licensing system called FishHuntON in 2027.

The new system will include a free FishHuntON mobile application and additional digital options for hunters and anglers.

Ontario has announced that hunters will be able to choose between paper tags and digital tags beginning in 2027.

Digital tags will:

• Be available through the FishHuntON mobile application;
• Work without cellular connectivity;
• Be carried on the hunter's own mobile device; and
• Require the hunter to keep the device charged and available while hunting.

These future digital-tag rules do not change the current 2026 requirement to use paper hunting tags.

View Ontario's FishHuntON licensing modernization information.

Where Can You Get or Renew an Outdoors Card?

Ontario provides several ways to buy or renew an Outdoors Card.

Current options include:

• Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service;
• Participating ServiceOntario locations;
• Authorized licence issuers; and
• Other methods identified by Ontario's licensing service.

Get or renew an Outdoors Card and Licence Summary on Ontario.ca.

Where Can You Manage Your Outdoors Card Online?

Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service is the current online system for managing Outdoors Cards and hunting licence products during 2026.

Access Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.

The service can be used for activities such as purchasing or renewing an Outdoors Card, purchasing hunting licences, viewing account information, and obtaining an updated Licence Summary.

Where Can You Read Ontario's Official Outdoors Card Information?

Ontario maintains a dedicated government resource explaining Outdoors Cards and Licence Summaries.

Read Ontario's official Outdoors Card and Licence Summary information.

The page explains who needs an Outdoors Card, how to obtain one, Licence Summaries, hunting accreditation, tags, and other licensing information.

Where Can You Read Ontario's Hunting Licence Information?

The Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary contains a separate Hunting Licence Information section.

View Ontario Hunting Licence Information.

This resource provides current information about Outdoors Cards, Licence Summaries, hunting products, residency, accreditation, carrying requirements, tags, and licensing services.

Where Can You Read the Hunting Regulation?

Ontario Regulation 665/98, Hunting, contains the legally binding rules governing Outdoors Cards and many other Ontario hunting licence requirements.

Read Ontario Regulation 665/98 - Hunting on Ontario e-Laws.

Sections 2 through 9 contain the principal Outdoors Card provisions, while other sections address Licence Summaries, hunting licences, tags, apprentices, and related licensing requirements.

Where Can You Read the July 1, 2026 Amendment?

Ontario Regulation 121/26 made several changes to Ontario's hunting licensing rules, including the current definition of Outdoors Card.

Read Ontario Regulation 121/26 on Ontario e-Laws.

The Regulation was filed on April 30, 2026, with the relevant Outdoors Card and Licence Summary amendments taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Why Can Outdoors Card Information Matter in a Legal Issue?

Outdoors Card information can matter whenever a legal question depends on a person's licensing status or hunting documentation at a particular time.

Relevant information can include the Outdoors Card number, expiry date, Licence Summary, date the card was issued or renewed, residency information, and the version of Ontario's licensing rules that applied at the time.

Where the issue concerns a date before July 1, 2026, the earlier version of the Outdoors Card rules may need to be used because the legal definition changed on that date.

How Can DefendCharges.ca™ Help?

DefendCharges.ca™ can help explain how Ontario's Outdoors Card, Licence Summary, hunting licence, tag, and related licensing requirements apply to a particular legal issue.  This can include identifying the applicable provision of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 or Ontario Regulation 665/98 and determining which version of the rules applies.

Where a hunting ticket, summons, investigation, seizure, or court proceeding involves an Outdoors Card or other licensing document, DefendCharges.ca™ can review the applicable law and licensing records, explain the legal issues and potential consequences, and help the person understand their options.

Key Takeaways

• An Outdoors Card identifies a person in Ontario's fish and wildlife licensing system;
• An Outdoors Card does not by itself replace the hunting licence, tag, permit, or other authority required for a particular hunt;
• A person hunting wildlife must carry their Outdoors Card while hunting, subject to any applicable regulatory exception;
• An Outdoors Card must be produced and shown when requested by a Conservation Officer;
• Since July 1, 2026, Ontario's legal definition of an Outdoors Card includes a card identified on the Licence Summary;
• The former separate rule for hunters waiting for a physical Outdoors Card was revoked on July 1, 2026;
• A Licence Summary can be carried in paper form or as the official PDF supplied through Ontario's licensing service;
• A photograph or screenshot of the Licence Summary is not the required digital version;
• An Outdoors Card is valid until the expiry date shown for it and Ontario generally describes cards as valid for three calendar years;
• Changes to name, address, contact information, or residency must be reported within 10 days;
• A person must not apply for or possess Outdoors Cards with different card numbers;
• 2026 hunting tags must still be carried in paper format;
• Ontario plans to provide a paper-or-digital tag choice through FishHuntON beginning in 2027; and
• Official Ontario government resources and Ontario e-Laws should be used when confirming current Outdoors Card requirements.

Conclusion

An Outdoors Card is a central identification component of Ontario's fish and wildlife licensing system, but it is only one part of the authority and documentation required for hunting.  The current law recognizes an Outdoors Card identified on a Licence Summary as well as the physical card, while separate requirements govern hunting licences, tags, carrying documents, production to Conservation Officers, expiry, account information, and other licensing matters.  Ontario's official Outdoors Card resource and current Hunting Regulation provide the appropriate starting points for confirming the rules.