Group: Members
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Member No.: 15901
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Provincially I believe you have to be within 300m of shore or a patch of reeds above water. Then you have to take in all the township rules, and maybe hunt camp signs if they are in your area. You have asked a tough question. In my area east shore is within the 300m or within 300m of the signs. South shore most of the way going west where ever you want, then the far west no closer than 200m to shore. So you can see it a tough question.
Group: Members
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According to innisfil township discharge of firearms only applies to land. And the lake is not part of the municipal bylaws. Only provincial and federal laws applies.
Group: Newbies
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Member No.: 15652
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I spoke with the ministry just the other week and they said they do not enforce any rules on how close to the shoreline, and to check with the township regarding by laws. I called georgina township bylaw and they said that as soon as your standing in water they have zero authority of people discharging a firearm. This wasnt in writing by any means so you might want to check with your local bylaw aswell. They mentioned it was all on their website.
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QUOTE (sabmgb @ Oct 03, 2019 - 02:03 pm)
Provincially I believe you have to be within 300m of shore or a patch of reeds above water. Then you have to take in all the township rules, and maybe hunt camp signs if they are in your area. You have asked a tough question. In my area east shore is within the 300m or within 300m of the signs. South shore most of the way going west where ever you want, then the far west no closer than 200m to shore. So you can see it a tough question.
I think you might be talking Lake St. Clair here. Its one of the only places with the 300m rule.
The rest of the province goes by the township firearms discharge by laws.
Group: Newbies
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Member No.: 17625
Joined: October 10, 2019
Gentleman, I’m new to the forum but thought I’d jump right in!
I’ve called Georgina, York Region Police, MNR, and OPP
There are NO bylaws or regulations regarding shore distance (Georgina) and hunting on waterways. There’s no said distance just the good ol’ common sense rule (don’t shoot towards shore or your buddies). Once you touch water your fair game as long as you follow the boating regs for hunting (no moving motion, motor up). If you’re close to shore you can probably expect a visit from YRP marine unit, but as long as your legal, you’re good!
I just moved up to Roches point, looking for some guys to hunt with up here most of my buddies are in the west now, so if anyone needs an extra gun (and decoys) give me a shout. my dog died earlier this year when I got diagnosed with cancer, she passed from it as well out The blue but I can still retrieve! Got a small duck boat good for 2 guys and dog (made for marsh hunting but can handle cooks bay).
Group: Members
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Set a new personal best for Lake Simcoe (Cooks Bay) today.
40+ years of hunting out there and we topped our record of 2 (several times).
Had 3 York Regional cruisers roll up and give us the once over (2 Constables/1 Sargent).
This is not the first time and certainly won't be the last time we will be visited.
We were approximately 50' from shore just outside the park at the bottom of Cook's when they responded to the "shots fired" call.
My buddy waded ashore and had a civil conversation with the officers. They spoke to him in a polite manner and they really had no clue (or were just playing dumb) as to the actual laws pertaining to this situation.
The law as it stands is if your feet are in the WATER and you are hunting in a SAFE manner, you are perfectly legal. There is NO set distance you must be from shore. Common sense dictates that the further you can be from shore, the better it is from a being hassled standpoint. Moving down the shoreline away from docks/cottages is an easy cure. Sometimes though, the birds just want to land somewhere where you have to get close to shore.
They commented on how nice our pontoon boat blind looked, asked if we had safety gear and wished us a good day. They then stood and watched as we downed a goose and 3 ducks.
Must have been a slow day in York Region today.
MNR does not bother with these types of calls, as all they seem to be interested in is your safety gear, licenses and what you shot.
Be polite to the Police and you shouldn't have any problem.
Home/Cottage owners along this side of the lake think it belongs solely to them. Just remind them that it is a violation and they're interfering with your LAWFUL hunt.
Hunting distance from shore
