Urban deer have become a nuisance in the City of Kenora. You can help manage the deer population.
Do not feed the deer
If you feed the deer, they will see your yard as a food source. If the deer rely on that food around our homes, they may not leave. This increases the risk of vehicle collisions and attracting predators.
Making food available for wild animals, including deer, will result in a fine under the No Feeding of Wild Animals By-law.
- Food attractants could be any fruit, grain, mineral, plant, salt, vegetable or pellets, and may also include pet food and food products.
- Keep bird feeders a minimum of 2.4 metres (8 feet) off the ground.
- Try planting flowers that are bitter or pungent, and thorny or fuzzy to keep the deer out of your yard.
- Consider fencing in your yard or garden to keep the deer out.
Bow hunt program
Hunting area
You may bow hunt in the City of Kenora south of Highway 17A by-pass, on Crown land, or private properties that are 2.02 hectares (5 acres) or larger.
- No hunting on City owned land
- Hunting on private land requires permission from the property owner
Bow hunting season
The bow hunt program is open from September 1 until December 15. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry defines the hunting season.
Hunting rules
You must follow hunting rules and regulations of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
You must have:
- a current hunting licence
- a valid deer tag
Do not discharge archery equipment:
• within 75 metres of where people live or a roadway
• in the direction of people or pets
Field dressing and disposal
You are responsible for proper field dressing and disposals of deer remains.
You can bring deer carcass to the Transfer Station for disposal. Tipping fees apply.
Bow hunt packages
Download your own copy of the bow hunt package which includes:
Or pick up a copy at City Hall, 1 Main Street South, Kenora.
Additional deer tags
From time to time, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry makes additional deer tags available for the City of Kenora bow hunt season. The tags are restricted to lands south of Highway 17A by-pass.
How to apply for additional deer tags
Encountering a deer
You can prevent unpleasant encounters with deer. Take precautions in the spring when female deer or does are protective of their fawns, and when male deer or bucks are aggressive in fall mating season.
You may have an unpleasant or frightening experience while walking your dog. Both does and bucks see your dog as a potential predator and may try to stomp or gore them if provoked. If you come across the path of deer, you should:
- Ensure your pet is under tight control and leashed
- Give the deer lots of space to move
- Choose another path to walk around or away
- Stay away from areas where deer are known to be
If you feel in danger of an aggressive wild animal, call 911 or the OPP immediately.
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