Your Link to Muskoka's Water!

Hunting & Angling 

Hunting and fishing have been around since the dawn of time. People hunt and fish for tradition, to experience nature, for survival, or for sport. For whatever reason, there are safety guidelines and regulations that must be followed. This will ensure that activities are controlled and can be used to help manage Ontario's wildlife. Revenue generated by licenses provides funding for important fish and wildlife programs.

Legislation

The federal government regulates various aspects of hunting and fishing across Canada through the Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations.

The provincial government also regulates fishing and hunting through the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Safety & Regulations

Outdoors Card

There are two types of Outdoors Card:

• fishing only
• fishing and hunting

Is an Outdoors Card a licence?

No it is not. An Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet sized identification card to which your Ontario fishing and hunting licence tags are affixed. The cost is $6 for the card and it is valid for three calendar years. You can buy your outdoors card online or call 1-800-387-7011 from anywhere in Canada and the application will be mailed to you.

Renew your Outdoors Card online

The Ministry of Natural Resources website allows you to renew your Outdoors Card online, change your address and report a lost card. It is important to keep your Outdoors Card and license tags up to date to avoid penalty.

Hunting License

There are many different types of hunting licenses.

• Resident, non-resident
• Moose Licenses, Tag And Game Seals
• Deer Licenses, Tag And Game Seals
• Black Bear Licenses, Certificates And Game Seals
• Small Game Licenses And Tags
• Wild Turkey License Tags And Game Seals
• Migratory Game Birds license

You are required to obtain a Hunting License Verification Certificate in order to apply for one of the many hunting license options. This requires that you take a course and pass a series of examinations. You also need a Firearms Acquisition Certificate from a Firearms Safety Course. Some places offer a 'one stop' program that allows you to get both of these certificates in one program, such as the Ontario Hunter Education Program.

Fishing License

There are many different types of fishing licenses.

• Resident, non-resident
• Conservation, sport
• One day, seven day, seasonal

Download the current Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. You can choose from the complete summary or only the section for your division, as shown on the map. The Regulations Summary is also available at your local Canadian Tire Store and other bait and tackle outlets.

Fishing

The fishing industry has a long history in Canada. Fishing brings money to the economy and is a great way to pass time for the very young to very old.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Fish Ontario website provides all the information any fishing enthusiast needs. From obtaining your first fishing license to fish facts to renewing your Outdoors Card online, this website covers it all, including the Fish ON-Line tool.

Learn more about fish and fish habitat with The Fish Habitat Primer.

Environmentally friendly bait and gear

It is important to be aware of and follow bait and gear restrictions when fishing.

For example, the use of live bait is not allowed in certain waterbodies (check the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary for your division), and anglers must not release live bait into waters other than the waterbody where the bait was originally captured. Doing so can lead to the establishment of exotic species. For more information on invasive species, visit Stop the Invasion!

Find out more about bait restrictions for both resident and non-resident anglers. Learn about baitfish and their identification with The Baitfish Primer.

Gear restrictions may include:

• Number of lines
• Types of hooks
• How to recycle old fishing lines

Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish

The Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish provides consumption advice and guidelines. This advice is based on health protection guidelines developed by Health Canada. The Ministry of the Environment, in co-operation with the Ministry of Natural Resources, publishes this guide every other year.

You can download the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish or you can pick up a free copy at government offices, liquor and beer stores or by e-mailing sportfish.moe@ontario.ca.

Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) began in 1928. Protecting and enhancing our natural resources has always been the primary goal of the OFAH.

Its first efforts resulted in:

• Studies of the state of fish and wildlife in Ontario
• Grassroots projects to enhance fish spawning beds and wildlife habitat
• Wildlife reintroduction programs
• Stop the Invasion! invasive species awareness program

Their website provides links and information regarding conservation and wildlife issues that concern anglers and hunters. Current programs include:

• DeerSave
• Habitat Restoration
• OFAH Tackle Share
• Women's programs
• Youth programs

Waterfowl

Hunting waterfowl has been a pastime enjoyed in Muskoka for many generations. It is an important recreational activity as it attracts tourists to the area and contributes to the economic growth of our communities. A good indicator of watershed health is the abundance and diversity of wildlife it can support.

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada is dedicated to conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people and are essential for maintaining watershed health.

Ducks Unlimited Canada was founded more than 60 years ago by sportsmen who recognized that conserving wetlands helps to ensure the future of waterfowl populations. Today, Ducks Unlimited Canada is strongly supported by both hunters and non-hunters who recognize the many benefits associated with the habitat conservation program.

Lead Free Fishing and Hunting

It is illegal to use or possess lead fishing sinkers or jigs in Canada's national parks and wildlife areas. For more information on gear restrictions in national parks, consult the Parks Canada website.

With few exceptions, hunting with non-toxic shot is required nationally for migratory game birds as stated in the Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations. When a hunter shoots his gun, thousands of pellets go into the air and only a small number actually make contact with the bird. The other pellets fall into the water, where they can build up in the bottom sediments and surface soils.

It is recommended to not use lead products because lead is a threat to lake system health and to waterfowl. Many waterfowl species mistaken lead sinkers, jigs and pellets for sand or gravel and ingest them. This results in lead poisoning, which continues through the food web without dissipation.

Boating 

Safety and Regulations

All boaters should be familiar with boating safety and regulations before heading out on to the lakes.

Transport Canada provides a full on-line version of The Safe Boating Guide.

This guide lists:

• Regulations on age and horsepower
• Boating and alcohol
• Equipment requirements for pleasure crafts
• Protecting the aquatic environment while boating

Transport Canada also provides a complete list of acts and regulations.

This includes:

• Canada Shipping Act
• Small Vessel Regulations
• Boating Restrictions and Regulations
• Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations
• Collision Regulations
• Pleasure Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations

Many Area Municipalities in Muskoka have passed noise bylaws that require boat owners to use a muffling device on boat exhaust systems. These bylaws are the result of an amendment to the Canada Shipping Act - Small Vessel Regulations section. The Regulations amend the Small Vessel Regulations and includes a definition of "muffler" and specific exceptions to the regulation. Contact your local Area Municipality for more information on any local bylaw.

There are new requirements under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, that state that all power driven boats are to be equipped with a working muffler that is in good condition. Visit https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2010-91/FullText.html for more information about these changes.

Pleasure Craft Operator Card

ALL operators of powered watercraft, regardless of boater's age or length of boat, require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

How do You get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

You can obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card from any accredited course provider.

You may also obtain the card online by completing a Canadian Coast Guard Accredited Exam through the BoaterExam website.

This BoaterExam website provides a free on-line study guide that covers 100% of the exam material. Registration and writing the final exam requires a registration fee.

Transport Canada has made some essential changes to the Canadian boating exam process which went into effect on April 15, 2011. These new boating license laws are meant to further improve Canadian boater safety and will have implications for both experienced and new boating enthusiasts. Learn more at http://www.boaterexam.com/blog/2011/03/changes-to-boating-license-laws-in-canada.aspx.

Clean Marine Program

One of Environment Canada's Pollution Prevention projects includes the Clean Marine Program. Their goal is to achieve environmental stewardship through the many partners associated with the Clean Marine Program. This partnership works towards preventing and reducing water, air and land pollution from recreational boating activities in Ontario and across Canada through voluntary environmental stewardship and pollution prevention initiatives. The Ontario Marine Operators Association (Boating Ontario) is the lead organization for the Clean Marine Program. Support the Clean Marine Program by choosing an Eco-Rated Marina as your home port.

To learn more about this Pollution Prevention Project, visit the Clean Marine Program website and their affiliated partners who make this program work on a day-to-day basis.

Clean Boater Program

The Clean Boater Program is an environmental initiative aimed at educating the boating public in "Environmental Best Management Practices". Joining the Clean Boater Program entitles you to:

• A Clean Boater Handbook
• A Clean Boater Membership Identification Card
• An Environmental Boat Inspection
• A Clean Boater Decal
• Interactive Clean Boater Newsletters and Website
• Discounts on Environmental Products & Services
• Discounts on Marine Expert Marine Insurance

Join the Clean Boater Program and lead the way in the preserving Muskoka's lakes and rivers for future generations.

Enviro Friendly Products & Services

As a consumer of marine-related products, you should be aware that the choices you make at the store have a large impact on the overall health of your watershed. As a consumer and boating enthusiast, you should always make an effort to protect the boating environment by purchasing only products certified with the EcoLogo.

Terra Choice Environmental Services operates the EcoLogo program for Environment Canada. The EcoLogo Program is Environment Canada's ecolabelling program that displays the designated EcoLogo when the product meets a set of environmental criteria.

By using products that display the EcoLogo, boaters can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, wastes and other environmental impacts associated with recreational boating.

Resources

• The Enviro Boater Guide - A Guide to Environment-Friendly Boating is published by the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron in cooperation with the Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Environment Canada. This manual is designed to provide tips and suggestions for environment-friendly boating in order to maintain our waterways.
• Environment Canada's has a number of factsheets on pollution prevention and enviro-friendly marine activities such as boat cleaning, engine maintenance and repair, hull repair, green space buffer zones, and fueling.
• Learn more about boating and the environment on the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations website.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity of Ontario's waters. More than 160 non-indigenous species have become established in the Great Lakes Basin. Invasive species found in Muskoka include Zebra mussels, Spiny water flea, and Purple loosetrife. Discover more about aquatic invasive species.

Trent-Severn Waterway

The Trent-Severn Waterway is a 386 kilometre waterway located in central Ontario that forms the southern boundary of the District of Muskoka. It has a rich cultural history and is managed by Parks Canada. It has:

• 36 conventional locks
• 2 sets of flight locks
• 2 of the world's highest hydraulic lift locks
• A marine railway

Public Launches in Muskoka

Many of Muskoka's lakes can be accessed through public boat launches and docks. Download a list of public access points here.

Beaches & Swimming

Public Beach Monitoring

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit monitors public beaches for bacteria levels and posts warning signs when bacteria levels exceed provincial standards.

Examples of infections which can be acquired from swimming in water with high bacteria counts include conjunctivitis (eye infection), ear infections, nose infections and throat infections. Although more serious infections are possible, they are very rare.

When there is evidence that a beach has a high bacteria count and may be dangerous to the health of the users, a sign is posted advising the public that the water may be unsafe for swimming.

Public Beaches by Area Municipality
Bracebridge	Huntsville	Gravenhurst
Georgian Bay	Muskoka Lakes	Lake of Bays

Recreation 

Muskoka has a number of recreational opportunities and activities related to our water. This section provides information on the more common activities.

• Boating - All boaters should be familiar with important safety and regulation information before heading out on to the lakes.
• Beaches & Swimming - Where are the public beaches in Muskoka and how are they monitored?
• Hunting & Angling - Fish and hunt safely with these resources.
• Naturalist Activities - Nature lovers can link to local naturalist clubs and information on naturalist activities available in Muskoka.