Hunting season kicks off with safety tips and reminders from police

A deer is pictured in a field - File Image. (CTV News)

Police issued a reminder for hunters and residents with hunting season now underway.

Police urge hunters to ensure they know local regulations, including licensing requirements, designated hunting areas, and safety protocols.

Ducks and geese can be hunted from September 28 to January 12, while the small game season, like rabbits and partridge, opened earlier this week and closes at the end of the year.

Bow hunting deer season launches on October 1 and runs until December 31, except from November 4 to 8 and again from December 2 to 6 for shotgun season.

"As with all hunting seasons, legal shooting time is half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset, daily. In addition, there is no Sunday gun hunting permitted in Bradford or Innisfil," the South Simcoe Police Service noted.

"For the various designated county forests in the area, hunting is only permitted in designated forests for active members of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Association. No target shooting is permitted in the designated county forests, only hunting," the police service added.

Hunters are reminded to wear high-visibility clothing, mark their presence, and be aware of their surroundings.