Gun Hunting in Kingston
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
Return to the Rural Residents home page.
DOWNLOAD
Review the bylaw governing the discharge of firearms in the Rural Area of Kingston.
Note: Please see the message at right to
understand current gun hunting rules.
MAP
A map of Kingston's urban and rural areas.
RELATED LINK
Review the Ministry of Natural Resources rules for hunting in Ontario.
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City Council recently passed a motion to allow for Sunday gun hunting. However, gun-hunting on Sundays in the rural area of Kingston will not be legal until the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) — the arm of the Ontario government which regulates hunting — issues notices indicating that Sunday Hunting is allowed. The MNR is expected to issue such notices in time for fall hunting season.
Please review the Firearms Discharge Bylaw (at right), the questions below, and the MNRs guidelines to ensure you fully understand the rules governing gun hunting, which is only ever allowable in the city's rural area (see map at right).
Questions:
How do I know I am in an area where hunting is allowed?
I have a friend who owns a Kingston farm. Can I hunt on his land?
What can I do to prevent hunting in my area?
My son has a pellet gun and enjoys target shooting, is there any restriction on pellet guns?
Answers:
How do I know I am in an area where hunting is allowed?
A: Hunters may hunt in the rural area of Kingston when:
- they are the owners of the land on which they are hunting — or have the written permission of the land's owner; and
- are outside the urban boundary of the City; and
- are not hunting within a conservation area, or on parkland; and
- are beyond the designated setbacks outlined in the City's Discharge of Firearms By-Law.
The City of Kingston has recently revised the By-Law regulating the discharge of firearms. It provides specific information regarding the definition of a firearm and where it is lawful to hunt in rural Kingston. The City of Kingston recommends that you familiarize yourself with the Discharge of Firearms By-Law as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources Hunting regulations, before hunting.
A: With approval of Council in 2010, and the official notification that Kingston is listed with the Ministry of Natural Resources allowing Sunday hunting, it is lawful to hunt on Sundays in areas outside of the City's urban boundary. Please note however, Sunday hunting is not allowed in some neighbouring municipalities so you must familiarize yourself with the area where you plan to hunt.
I have a friend who owns a Kingston farm. Can I hunt on his land?
A: The City's Discharge of Firearms By-Law clearly identifies where it is lawful to hunt, including how far away a hunter must be from homes, schools, built up areas, conservation areas, etc. The Ministry of Natural Resources hunting regulations stipulate that anyone hunting on private property, whois not the owner of the property, must have written consent from the landowner and must carry that consent with them. The MNR provides a "Landowner Consent Form" on its website.
A: Both the Ministry of Natural Resources' (MNR) hunting regulations and the City's Discharge of Firearms By-Law (p. 5 and 6) provide specific guidelines for hunters venturing near trails, park land and built-up areas. Hunters should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the City's Discharge of Firearms By-law and the MNR's regulations.
A: Many walking paths and a small portion of the K&P Trail are located within the urban boundary of the City of Kingston. The discharge of firearms is prohibited in the urban area. It is illegal to hunt in the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and on all park land. Trails surrounded by private property can be in an area where hunting may take place, but the rules governing hunting and the City By-Law are intended to keep citizens safe all days and in all areas.
A: The Ministry of Natural Resources hunting regulations have deemed it unlawful to hunt from a boat. The City By-Law stipulates that a hunter must not discharge a firearm within 100 meters of a residence. Hunters who are more than 100 meters away from a residence in the rural area of Kingston and who own the land or who have written permission from the landowner, are entitled to hunt. Ammunition from shotguns has a relatively short travel capability and the establishment of the 100 meter setback is specifically provided to keep residents safe.
A: In the past, enforcement officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources had the capability to respond in a timely manner. However, if you consider activities by an individual to be a danger to the public and wish to take action, call 911.
What can I do to prevent hunting in my area?
A: When a hunter is the owner of the land on which he or she is hunting (orhas written permission of a landowner), is outside the urban boundary of the City, is not hunting within a conservation area, or on parkland and is beyond the designated setbacks outlined in the By-Law, he or she is entitled to hunt. We recommend you not approach hunters.
My son has a pellet gun and enjoys target shooting, is there any restriction on pellet guns?
A: The Discharge of Firearms By-Law defines "firearm" as any type of gun or other firearm, air gun, spring gun, pellet gun, tranquillizer gun, paint ball gun, cross-bow and long-bow.
Use of a pellet gun is subject to the City's Discharge of Firearms By-Law.
A: The Ministry of Natural Resources has done extensive research on the habits of many species that co-habit with humans. They offer a number of suggestions regarding the habits of wildlife which may be helpful in reducing encounters. Exemptions allowing for farmers to protect their crops and livestock is articulated in the City's Discharge of Firearms By-Law.
The City's Discharge of Firearms Bylaw 2009-170 is available on this website. [DOWNLOAD BYLAW 2009-170]
You can learn more about Ontario's Hunting Regulations on the Ministry of Natural Resources' webiste.
