Seasonal Hunting Opportunities with the UTRCA听
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) provides seasonal hunting opportunities to members of the public on several UTRCA properties for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and small game. Interested members of the public can apply to hunt with archery equipment or firearms, depending on the property, species targeted, and open seasons, consistent with provincial hunting regulations.
Staff use an online lottery to randomly select successful applicants for most of the properties. A lottery is not needed for Ellice and Gads Hill Swamps due to their large size and ability to accommodate higher numbers of hunters. Individuals interested in hunting these two properties can simply apply online and receive a permit by mail.
All successful applicants must pay an $85 fee and provide documentation of a valid hunting license, Possession Acquisition License (if applicable), vehicle license plate information, and proof of insurance.
Throughout the hunting season, UTRCA staff regularly checks on these properties to ensure users are in compliance with all applicable regulations and displaying valid permits on vehicles and tree stands. UTRCA Provincial Offences Act Officers are involved in organized patrols during the December controlled hunt week, which is the most popular hunting season. Officers ensure compliance from permitted hunters on UTRCA properties open to hunting, and patrol all UTRCA properties in the watershed to ensure non-permitted hunters are not trespassing. Officers often make contact with local private groups adjacent to UTRCA properties to provide assistance with mapping, property lines, and access for retrieval of game.
Officers use a variety of tools to assist them with enforcement including GPS equipment, trail cameras, and drones. Drones were added to the enforcement program in 2024, providing an efficient and effective method to check properties for non-permitted activity. These exciting technological advancements have allowed for safer hunting opportunities for users as well as staff patrolling the properties.
The UTRCA hunting program has provided recreational opportunities to watershed residents for many years. Seven properties are currently open for archery hunting and seven properties are open for the controlled gun hunt and muzzle load hunt, in addition to Ellice Swamp and Gads Hill Swamp. More information regarding hunting opportunities and properties can be found on the听 UTRCA website here.