In-Depth Guide to Ontario's Points-Based Moose Tag Allocation Process

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Since 2021, Ontario has used a points-based allocation process to distribute moose tags to resident hunters, replacing the older tag draw system. This system was implemented to address concerns about fairness, increase predictability regarding tag awards, and give hunters more choice in their applications.
Understanding how your accumulated points are used—and how they can reset—is the key to a strategic application.

The Two Stages of Allocation

The points-based process is structured around two distinct application periods, each with its own allocation rules: the Primary Allocation Stage and the Second Chance Allocation Stage. A single $15.00 application fee covers entry into both stages, which can be paid via the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.

1. Primary Allocation Stage (April 1 – April 30)

This is where all hunters use their accumulated points to compete for the initial tag quotas published by the Ministry. For detailed definitions of tag types and rules, refer to the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.
How Tags Are Awarded (Points Only):
The primary allocation stage allocates each specific tag type (defined by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), moose type, and season/firearm type) separately in up to three steps:

  1. First Choice: Tags are awarded to first-choice applicants starting with the hunter who has the most points, in descending order, until the quota is filled.
  2. Second Choice: If tags remain available after all first-choice applicants are processed, the process repeats for applicants who selected that tag type as their second choice, using their points.
  3. Third Choice: If tags are still available, the process repeats again for third-choice applicants, using their points.

Note: If there are more applicants with the same number of points than tags remaining, a random draw is used to break the tie. If you are awarded a tag in an earlier choice (e.g., your first choice), your subsequent choices are not considered.

2. Second Chance Allocation Stage (June 15 – July 7)

This stage distributes tags that were either unclaimed in the primary allocation or were not applied for at all. The allocation mechanics are significantly different here:
How Tags Are Awarded (Points and Random Draw):

  1. First Choice: Tags are awarded to first-choice applicants based on points, descending from the highest point total, similar to the primary stage.
  2. Second Choice: If tags remain, they are allocated randomly among hunters who selected that tag type as their second choice (points are not considered).
  3. Third Choice: If tags are still available, they are allocated randomly among hunters who selected that tag type as their third choice (points are not considered).

Managing Your Points: Resetting and Accumulation

A core element of the points-based system is how points are earned, retained, or reset. A hunter accumulates a single point in any year they apply to one or both allocation stages, provided they do not claim a tag awarded based on points.

| Action Taken | Effect on Points (Reset or Gain) | | :---- | :---- | | Claiming a tag awarded in the Primary Allocation Stage | Points reset to zero. | | Claiming a tag awarded from your First Choice in the Second Chance Allocation Stage | Points reset to zero. | | Claiming a tag awarded from your Second or Third Choice in the Second Chance Allocation Stage | Points are retained and you will gain a point the following year. | | Applying by selecting WMU “99Z” (hunt code "999") as your first choice | You retain your points and gain a single point for the year, without being considered for a tag. |

Important: Points reset the following year, not immediately. Additionally, obtaining a moose tag from a tourist outfitter will not affect your points.

Northern Preference

Northern Ontario resident hunters receive a non-accumulating preference point (1 additional point) when applying for tags in a northern WMU (WMUs 1–42).

Strategic Application

The Ministry does not set the number of points required to be awarded a tag; the Minimum Points Required (MPR) is determined solely by the quota and the points of all hunters who apply for that specific tag type.
The Ministry publishes the previous year’s MPR data to help hunters apply strategically:

  1. MPR is not a Guarantee: Even if you have the MPR from the previous year, there is no guarantee you will be awarded a tag, as the MPR can change based on hunter behavior and quotas.
  2. MoosePoints.ca Dives Deeper: The site uses linear regression and models the draw process using the current year's quotas to predict the minimum points needed to guarantee a tag for each WMU. Minimum Guaranteed Points (MGP) is only available from MoosePoints.ca.
  3. Avoiding the Reset: The primary allocation, and your first choice in the second chance stage, will require you to use all of your points to claim a tag, resulting in a reset to zero.
  4. Strategic Second/Third Choices: Most hunters' second and third choices are unsuccessful because the majority of tags are awarded to first-choice applicants with the highest points. Your second choice will only be considered if tags remain available after all first-choice applicants for that specific tag type have been awarded tags.
  5. Targeting Low-Demand Tags: To make a second or third choice effective, you should target tag types that were likely to be available in the previous year (those that had an MPR of 0).
  6. Second Chance Strategy: If you apply for a tag in the second chance stage that is awarded by random draw (i.e., your second or third choice), you can claim that tag and still retain and gain a point, as these tags are not awarded based on points.

Don't leave your application to chance. We’ve consolidated every critical data point—including moose populations, hunter success rates, and advanced MPR predictions—into one easy-to-use platform. Visit MoosePoints.ca to analyze your options and find the perfect WMU for your hunt.