Points-based moose tag allocation process

Overview

In 2021, the moose tag draw will be replaced by a points-based tag allocation process to distribute moose tags among resident hunters.

The tag allocation process will begin in April 2021 and will consist of a primary allocation stage and a second chance allocation stage.

All hunters will apply as individuals. There are no group applications.

This new allocation process:

• addresses concerns about fairness
• distributes all tag types to resident hunters
• allows hunters to purchase only the products they need
• increases hunters' ability to predict when they are likely to be awarded a tag
• gives hunters more choices when applying
• lets hunters decide whether to apply using their points or to gain a point
• allows hunters awarded a tag the ability to decide whether to claim it
• provides most allocation results much earlier
• continues to provide Northern resident hunters with a small preference by receiving one additional (non-accumulating) point
• supports moose hunter recruitment and retention
• eliminates surplus tag distribution and provides a second chance allocation
• does not allow tag transfers (except in exceptional circumstances)

How the allocation process will work

Learn if you are eligible to apply and find step-by-step instructions on how to apply to hunt moose.

Primary allocation stage

Each tag type (WMU, moose type and season/firearm type) is allocated separately in a series of up to three steps.

1. Each tag type will be allocated to the hunters with the most points who selected that particular tag type as their first choice.
   • For example, all first-choice applicants for a given tag type will be ordered by their points. Tags will be awarded in descending order from highest to lowest points.
2. If tags remain available, the applicants with the most points that selected that tag type as their second choice will be awarded tags.
3. If tags are still available, this process will be repeated for applicants' third tag choice.

If you choose to claim a tag you've been awarded in the primary allocation, your points will reset to zero.

The points you need to be awarded each tag type, and whether any tags will remain after all first choices are awarded, is determined by how many hunters choose each tag type relative to the quota and their points, not by the ministry.

Ties will occur when there are more applicants with a given number of points than the number of tags that remain available. A random draw will be used to break ties.

Example of possible results of step 1 in the primary allocation stage

Points of applicants	Remaining tags available	Number of applicants	Number of applicants awarded a tag	Percentage of applicants awarded a tag
16	30	6	6	100%
15	24	8	8	100%
14	16	14	14	100%
13	2	25	2	8%
12	0	18	0	0
11	0	0	0	0
10	0	8	0	0
9	0	43	0	0
8	0	59	0	0
7	0	36	0	0
6	0	91	0	0
5	0	44	0	0
4	0	22	0	0
3	0	6	0	0
2	0	2	0	0
1	0	0	0	0
0	0	0	0	0

The table above provides an example of possible results of step 1 (first choices) in the primary allocation stage of the tag allocation process.

• The example shows first-choice applicants for a particular tag type with a quota of 30 tags.
• The highest points of any of the applicants that entered this tag type as their first choice was 16 points. There were six first-choice applicants with 16 points.
• The tags remaining were sufficient to award a tag to each of the first-choice applicants with the most points in descending order until reaching applicants with 13 points.
• A random draw would have been required to allocate the two remaining tags among the 25 applicants with 13 points.
• No tags remained available to be allocated to any first choice, primary allocation applicant with fewer than 13 points or to any second or third-choice applicants in the primary allocation.
• If any of the 30 awarded tags were not claimed, they could be applied for in the second chance allocation.

Second chance allocation stage

The tags that remain available for the second chance allocation are tags that were:

• not applied for in the primary allocation stage
• unclaimed in the primary allocation stage

You can apply to the second chance allocation even if you didn't apply to the primary allocation. You only need to pay the $15.00 application once.

Each tag type remaining will be allocated separately in up to three steps.

1. Each tag type that remains available will be awarded to the hunters with the most points that applied for that tag type as their first choice.
   • For example, all first-choice applicants for a given tag type will be ordered by their points. Tags will be awarded in descending order from highest to lowest points.
2. If tags remain available, they will be allocated randomly among hunters who applied for that tag type as their second choice.
3. If tags are still available, a random draw will be used to allocate tags among hunters who applied for that tag type as their third choice.

Only tags applied for with first choices are awarded based on points. If you choose to claim a tag you've been awarded from your first choice in the second chance allocation, you will have your points reset to zero.

Tags applied for with second and third choices are awarded randomly. The points of second and third-choice applicants will not be considered. If you choose to claim a tag you've been awarded from your second or third choice you will retain your points and you will gain a point.

Example of possible results of step 1 in the second chance allocation stage

Points of applicants	Remaining tags available	Number of applicants	Number of applicants awarded a tag	Percentage of applicants awarded a tag
4	43	2	2	100%
3	41	5	5	100%
2	36	5	5	100%
1	31	13	13	100%
0	18	1	1	100%

The table above provides an example of possible results of step 1 (first choices) from the second chance allocation stage of the tag allocation process. In this example:

• There were 43 tags of a particular tag type remaining available after the primary allocation. This example is not related to the example provided in the table above for the primary allocation.
• The highest points of any of the applicants that entered this tag type as their first choice was 4 points. There were two first-choice applicants with four points.
• There were 17 tags remaining available to be allocated to second-choice applicants, shown in the final example below.

Example of possible results of step 2 in the second chance allocation stage

Points of applicants	Remaining tags available	Number of applicants	Number of applicants awarded a tag	Percentage of applicants awarded a tag
N/A	17	121	17	14%

The table above shows possible results of step 2 (second choices) for the second allocation where tags are awarded by random draw. This table shows:

• 17 tags remaining after all first-choice applicants were awarded a tag (in the table above)
• applicants' points are not applicable when awarding tags randomly among second- or third-choice applicants
• no tags remain available to be allocated to third-choice applicants

Possible results for a party of five hunters

The graphic below:

• describes how the second chance allocation stage works
• provides an example of possible results for a party of five hunters

(The example results in the graphic are not related to the sample tables above.)

Enlarge figure

Your draw history and points

Your points in 2021

Initially, points will be calculated based on a hunter's draw history from 1993 through 2020.

Hunters will start with one point for each year they applied for the moose draw since last receiving an adult tag, or since they began applying if they have never received an adult tag. This is the case whether the adult tag was received directly through the draw or by tag transfer.

Having made a tag transfer or having received a calf tag or a surplus tag will not have reset your points.

You will have gained a point in any year you applied to the WMU "99Z" because you did not want a tag and wanted to be in pool 1 the following year.

Consecutive applications are not required.

• For example, if the last time you were issued an adult tag through the draw or a tag transfer was in 2010, and you have applied 8 times since then you will have 8 points in 2021 regardless of whether you may have transferred an adult tag or been issued a calf tag or surplus tag since 2010.

Your draw history (draw entries and results) is available through your Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service account. Learn how to view your draw entries and results. If you don't already have one, learn how to create an online account.

Your moose points are available in through your online account or by calling the automated phone line at 1-800-288-1155. MNRF staff, ServiceOntario and licence issuers are not able to access your points for you. You can only view your points through your online account, or hear your points through the automated phone line.

Draw histories are based on carefully checked computerized records that are very accurate. If you would like us to review a particular year in your moose draw history, you can complete the request for review of moose draw history form and provide the required supporting documentation.

Your points beyond 2021

Under the points-based allocation process beginning in 2021, a hunter will accumulate a single point in any year they apply to one or both allocation stages, if they don't claim a tag awarded based on points.

If you claim a tag awarded based on points from the primary allocation or the first choice of the second chance allocation, your points will reset to zero.

You will retain your points and will gain a point if you claim a tag awarded to you on either your second or third tag choices in the second chance allocation.

You can apply for a point directly in either stage in order to accumulate a single point per year.

If you want to accumulate a point without being considered for a tag, you can select the WMU "99Z" with your first choice in either the primary or second chance allocation.

Changes to your points will not be made immediately. Points will reset the following year.

We will publish the minimum points that a hunter needed to be awarded each tag type in the previous year beginning in 2022.

Tag transfers

Under the new process moose tag transfers are no longer permitted.

In exceptional circumstances such as injury, illness or death of the tag holder or an immediate family member, or redeployment by the Canadian Armed Forces, a tag transfer may be considered with a written request and documentation.

If necessary, please contact the Natural Resource Information and Support Centre at NRISC@ontario.ca.

What to consider when you apply

You should plan ahead and consider how you and other members of your moose hunting party will apply in 2021 and beyond.

You need a moose licence to hunt moose, but the licence will not come with a calf tag.

You will only be able to hunt moose by:

• being awarded and claiming a tag through the allocation process
• purchasing a licence and party hunting with a hunter that claimed a tag
• purchasing a licence and being the registered guest of a tourist outfitter from which you or a party member has obtained a tag

Getting a moose tag from a tourist outfitter will not affect your points. You cannot be issued more than one moose tag per year. Learn more about hunting moose with a tourist outfitter.

Hunting parties

Hunting parties may get their preferred tag type most frequently by taking turns having the hunter with the most points apply for, be awarded and claim the tag whenever possible. Other party members would then build their points until they have the most points in the party and it becomes their turn to apply for the preferred tag type. This is illustrated in the graphic below.

If a party only wants one of their most preferred tag type, only the hunter with the most points should apply for it. If a party wants two of the same tag type, the two hunters with the most points should apply for that tag type. Other party members may consider applying for less preferred tag types or for a point.

Two or more hunters could be tied for the most points within a party. If this happens, both hunters can apply for their party's preferred tag choice, which will increase chances of being awarded at least one of those tags in cases where a random draw is required to break a tie.

Parties that would like to hold at least one tag so that they can go moose hunting may choose to have one or more members with fewer points apply for a lower demand tag, such as a calf tag or cow/calf bow tag, as their first choice in the primary allocation. This strategy may be best in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) where the number of applicants for lower demand tags in the second and third random draw choices of the second chance allocation stage is likely to be high relative to the remaining number of tags.

Your first, second and third tag choices in either allocation stage

Your second choice will only be considered if tags are available after all applicants that selected that tag type as their first choice have been awarded tags.

Your third choice will only be considered if:

• tags remain available after all applicants that selected that tag type as their first choice have been awarded tags
• those that selected it as their second choice have been awarded tags

You should never apply for the exact same tag type in more than one choice within a stage. For example, you should not choose a bull gun tag in the same WMU as your first and second choice within a stage. If you were not awarded a tag on your earlier choice, there will be no tags of that type available for your later choice.

If you are awarded a tag in an earlier choice, such as your first choice, then your second and third choices are not considered in that allocation stage.

You should only enter a choice for a tag awarded based on points for a tag that you are willing to claim and forfeit your points. This applies to the primary allocation stage and the first choice of the second chance allocation stage.

Applying directly for a point

If you apply directly for a point in the primary allocation because you did not want to apply for a tag, you will be allowed to change your mind and enter the second chance allocation to apply for a tag.

High demand and low demand tags

Most tags are likely to be awarded in the primary allocation stage, especially for higher demand tag types such as bull gun, cow/calf gun, or bull bow, in the more accessible WMUs outside of far Northern Ontario.

Higher demand tags that were awarded, but not claimed, will be available in the second chance allocation. These are likely to be awarded to first choice applications in step 1 of the second chance allocation.

Your second and third tag choices in the second chance allocation are best made for lower demand tag types that may remain available after all first-choice applications are awarded tags.

You can be awarded a tag with zero points. This is most likely for lower demand tag types as a first choice in the primary allocation or in the second chance allocation.

Points

The minimum points awarded each tag type will likely be variable in the first few years of the tag allocation process because:

• hunters will be using their accumulated points and developing application strategies
• tag quotas may change in response to the implementation of calf tag quotas and new bow quotas

Hunters should expect that in 2021, the minimum points needed to be awarded tags will be highest in the WMUs with the lowest draw success rates in recent years. Some hunters will apply in 2021 having accumulated more than 25 points since 1993.

Tag types with 100% Pool 1, Choice 1 draw success in recent years are the tag types most likely to be available beyond the first choice of the primary allocation in 2021.

The points you need to be awarded each tag type, and whether any tags will remain after all first choices are awarded is determined by how many hunters choose each tag type relative to the quota and their points, not by the ministry.

Beginning in 2022, we will publish the minimum points of a hunter awarded each tag type in the previous year.

Possible application strategy for a party of hunters

The graphic below:

• describes how a party of hunters may choose to apply to the primary allocation stage strategically over two years
• indicates the same minimum points was required to be awarded this tag type in both years. Required minimum points will not be set by the ministry and may change between years with changes to tag quotas and the points of applicants

(The example results in the graphic are not related to the sample tables above.)

Enlarge figure

Related links

• Apply to hunt moose
• Moose tag quotas
• Learn about the moose management review
• Hunting moose with a tourist outfitter
• Moose in Ontario