Darlington Provincial Park Waterfowl Hunt
unique opportunity to harvest waterfowl species IN McLaughlin Bay
Experience Waterfowl Hunting at Darlington Provincial Park
Although this waterfowl hunt has been operating for many years, it has room to grow! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to harvest waterfowl species that utilize McLaughlin Bay in Darlington Provincial Park during their migration across Lake Ontario. Anyone interested in hunting waterfowl are encouraged to come to Darlington Provincial Park and participate.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) administers the Controlled Waterfowl Hunt at Darlington Provincial Park as authorized in an existing and longstanding agreement between Parks Ontario and the OFAH. The Hunt is administered under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
The OFAH authorizes hunters to enter the Darlington Waterfowl Unit (DWU) for the purpose of hunting Ducks, Rails, Gallinules, Snipe, Coots and Geese during the open season as set out in the Federal Migratory Birds Regulations.
Retriever dogs are welcomed to ensure quick retrieval of wounded birds for the conservation of waterfowl species and to minimize public complaints. There are four blinds available with a maximum of two hunters per blind, there are no reservations of blinds, they are available on a first come first serve basis.
Hunt location
Address:
1600 Darlington Park Rd.
Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K3
Hunt Supervisor: 705-748-6324 x 269
Waterfowl Unit Technician Phone: 705-760-3057
Call or Text 5:00am – 4:00pm for any inquiries about the Waterfowl Hunt operations.
WMU: 72B – located in the southern hunting district.
Note: Access to the waterfowl blinds is by boat only
details Of the Hunt
Dates
Saturday, September 28th, 2024 – Saturday, December 7th, 2024 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning hunts only – hunters must end their hunt and return to the hunt office at noon)
Hunting is closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays to reduce hunting pressure and allow the birds to rest.
Cost
$20.00 per OFAH Member hunter ($25.00 per non-OFAH Member hunter) — CASH ONLY (Please bring exact amount)
Not an OFAH Member? No problem! Join online today.
Parking
Hunters driving into the park will be required to purchase and present a valid Darlington Provincial Park vehicle pass (daily or seasonal) available for purchase online at Create Reservation (ontarioparks.com).
You can book your day permit online up to 5 days in advance.
How the Hunt Operates
- This hunt uses a first come first serve system for blind allocation. In picnic area #4 at Darlington Provincial Park, five parking spots are labelled with numbers corresponding to the blind numbers.
- Hunters are to park in the numbered spot that corresponds to the blind they would like to hunt in. The office trailer and boat launch are also in this parking lot.
- Hunters may enter the park no earlier than 4am to find a parking spot.
- The Waterfowl Technician arrives on site to begin registration at 4:30 am.
- Hunters are to remain in the parking spot until registration begins at 4:30am.
- Each hunter requires a vehicle to park in the designated parking area.
- Each hunter must check in with the Waterfowl Technician at the office trailer to register and pay for their hunt prior to departing to their assigned blind.
- Each hunter requires a boat to access the blinds. No boat – no hunt.
- Hunt begins 30mins before sunrise until noon.
- Each person must return to the Waterfowl Technician after completing their hunt and present their harvest from that morning for important data collection (the species, sex, age, and number of waterfowl harvested, etc.). The information from these reports and standard migratory bird band reporting from Darlington Provincial Park waterfowl hunters, contributes to long-term monitoring and assessment programs.
For more than 20 years, the Hunt has provided waterfowl hunting experiences in a central location, adjacent to the Greater Toronto Area. This hunt promotes the preservation of public hunting, come out to show your support!
To participate in the waterfowl hunt, you MUST possess:
- Valid Ontario Outdoors Card
- Small game license for Ontario
- Migratory Game Birds Hunting Permit
Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) - Valid Pleasure Craft Operators Card (if operating a motorboat)
- Parking Permit
- OFAH Membership Card (must show to receive discounted price)
OFAH is for all Ontarians
Connecting the Hunting Community
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is committed to providing inclusive and educational hunting programs that foster a strong, united community of conservation-minded hunters.
More Public Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities
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Long Point Provincial Park
The Long Point Waterfowl Management Unit, along with the OFAH, facilitate a controlled waterfowl hunt in the Long Point Provincial Park marsh.
Rondeau Provincial Park
Rondeau Bay Waterfowlers Association (RBWA) is a not-for-profit organization working in co-operation with Ontario Parks, the OFAH and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
