FishHuntON to Offer Mobile Access, Digital Licences and Easier Reporting for Anglers and Hunters
TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving to modernize fishing and hunting services with the introduction of a new digital licensing platform designed to make it easier for residents to purchase, manage and renew licences and tags.
The new system, called FishHuntON, is scheduled to launch in early 2027 and will provide anglers and hunters across the province with expanded digital options, including a mobile application that allows users to access licensing services from their smartphones. The initiative is part of the province’s broader effort to improve service delivery while maintaining existing in-person and online access channels.
The Ministry of Natural Resources said the platform will serve approximately 1.5 million anglers and hunters who currently rely on Ontario’s licensing system each year.
“Whether you’re a lifelong angler or casting a line for the very first time, our government is making it easier and more convenient to enjoy all that Ontario’s world-class fishing has to offer,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our new FishHuntON platform will make accessing licences and tags easier than ever, so people can spend more time doing what they love and exploring the great outdoors.”
New Mobile App to Expand Digital Services
A key feature of FishHuntON will be a free mobile application that allows users to purchase and renew fishing and hunting products directly from their devices. The app will also provide digital storage for licences and tags, enabling users to access documents even when cellular service is unavailable.
The province said the new platform will introduce several additional digital capabilities, including the ability to submit proof of Ontario hunter accreditation electronically and a simplified process for filing mandatory hunter reports.
The government emphasized that the new platform will operate alongside existing service options. Residents will continue to be able to purchase Ontario Outdoors Cards, licences, tags and big game draw applications online, through private issuers and at participating ServiceOntario locations.
Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, said the new system reflects the province’s commitment to modernizing public services.
“Our government is delivering more modern services for those across our province,” said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “FishHuntON will streamline access to Outdoors Cards, licences and tags while expanding convenient digital options, making it easier for anglers and hunters to access the services they need.”
Supporting a Significant Outdoor Economy
The announcement comes as Ontario continues to highlight the economic contribution of outdoor recreation activities. According to the province, anglers and hunters contribute an estimated $3.37 billion annually to Ontario’s resource-based economy.
The current fishing and hunting licensing system supports roughly 1.5 million Outdoors Card holders each year. These users complete approximately 1.3 million transactions annually, resulting in the purchase of about 2.1 million individual fish and wildlife products.
Licensing sales generated approximately $65 million during the 2024–25 period. The province said this revenue supports Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Program, helping fund conservation initiatives, scientific research, fish culture and stocking programs, enforcement activities and public education efforts.
Conservation and Compliance Features Included
In addition to improving customer service, the FishHuntON platform will incorporate tools designed to strengthen conservation and enforcement efforts.
The new system will feature a digital compliance tool that conservation officers can use to help protect fish and wildlife populations from unlawful fishing and hunting activities. Officials say the technology will support more efficient monitoring and enforcement while helping preserve Ontario’s natural resources.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the modernization effort, particularly the province’s decision to maintain multiple service channels while expanding digital access.
“The OFAH is pleased to see the government take an Ontario-first approach to modernizing the fishing and hunting licensing system. By improving digital service options and maintaining a variety of ways to purchase licences and tags, this new system will provide better overall support. We are pleased to have been involved in this process and will continue to provide input to ensure the needs of Ontario’s anglers and hunters continues to be met.”
- Matt DeMille, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Preparing for the 2027 Launch
The Ontario government said anglers and hunters can access updates and resources related to the rollout of FishHuntON through the province’s dedicated information portal ahead of the platform’s launch in early 2027.
Officials say the transition is intended to provide greater convenience for users while ensuring that traditional service channels remain available, creating a more flexible licensing system for Ontario’s outdoor recreation community.