Bowfishing in Ontario

[Peter Ne'ermind]

Do any of you know where in Ontario it's legal to fish with a bow? Most municipalities classify a bow as a firearm, and therefore the Firearm Discharge bylaw applies. I've been researching several towns and haven't found one yet that would allow it. I live in Milton, but can drive within a reasonable distance to find some good fishing spots.

I've been in touch with local law enforcement and bylaw enforcement in various municipalities, but they are unsure, which doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence.

Any bow fishermen out there with any knowledge that can help out?

Thanks!

 

[Peter Ne'ermind]

I just got a call from the Town of Milton bylaw and spoke with Malcolm. He advised me that bowfishing is legal in the town of Milton anywhere north of the 401, as long as you are not inside an actual town. This applies to the borders within Milton. I'd suggest contacting Halton Regional police just to let them know you'll be there firing a bow just in case.

Edit: accuracy.

 

[myspacedave]

I thought bow/spear fishing was illegal in Ontario. Guess I was wrong!

 

[Dave Bailey]

It's all covered in the regulations. Page 11, "NON-ANGLING METHODS OF CATCHING FISH": https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/4959/2016-fishing-summary-english-accessible-revised.pdf

 

[Peter Ne'ermind]

The fishing regulations can contradict municipal bylaws. For example, discharging a firearm is illegal in most municipalities, and a bow is classified as a firearm in most cases. So, even if bow fishing is legal under fishing regulation law, actually firing your bow may be illegal. So you have to check both the fishing regulations as well as local laws.

Pain in the ass, really, but bow fishing is so much fun it's worth it.

 

[fisherman2280]

I have seen a guy fishing with a bow for carp in the grand river. If it was legal I do not know.

 

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contact MNR instead of by-law. a friend of mine bow fishes for carp on scugog in his yard