Hunting in Ontario — Deer, Goose & Duck at Maitland Shores Resort

Maitland Shores Resort is located at 659 Port Maitland Road, Dunnville,  Ontario — right where the Grand River meets Lake Erie in Haldimand County. The surrounding land is among the most productive hunting terrain in southern Ontario, with strong populations of whitetail deer, Canada geese, and migratory ducks that move through the area every fall. Hunters staying at the resort have access to full-hookup RV sites, an on-site boat launch on the Grand River, ATV trail access across the 300-acre property, and a pet-friendly policy for hunting dogs. All hunting and activities around the property must comply with Ontario provincial regulations and federal migratory bird rules where applicable. Every guest who plans to hunt must carry a valid Outdoors Card and the appropriate species-specific licence before heading into the field. Contact us directly before your trip to confirm current hunting access and property rules.

Why Maitland Shores is Ontario’s Best Hunting Base Camp

Most hunting campgrounds in Ontario ask you to choose between productive habitat and comfortable accommodation. At Maitland Shores, you do not have to make that trade-off. The resort sits inside Haldimand County hunting country — the Grand River marshes, Lake Erie shoreline, and surrounding agricultural fields are right outside the gate, not a long drive away. Full-hookup RV sites with water, sewer, and 30/50 amp electric give hunters a genuinely comfortable base camp after long days in the field. The on-site marina provides boat launch access into the Grand River and Lake Erie — a real advantage for waterfowl hunters who need to reach marsh areas by water. ATV trails on the property allow hunters to cover ground efficiently and move gear without multiple foot trips. The resort is pet-friendly, which matters for waterfowl hunters running retrievers. Seasonal site guests

regularly use Maitland Shores as their anchor for the entire fall season — from the early Canada goose season in September through the main deer firearm season in November.

Goose Hunting in Ontario — Haldimand County

Canada goose hunting in Ontario is one of the most accessible and consistently productive hunting experiences the province offers — and Haldimand County, where Maitland Shores Resort is located, is one of the stronger regions in southern Ontario for it. The Lake Erie shoreline and Grand River estuary attract significant goose populations during the early season in September and the main fall migration through October and November. Agricultural fields surrounding Dunnville and Port Maitland support regular feeding activity, and the marshes along the Grand River provide roosting habitat that keeps birds in the area for extended periods during peak migration. Field hunting for geese in this area is typically done with full-body decoys and a call, set over harvested corn or soybean fields. Access to private agricultural land requires landowner permission secured well before the season opens. The Grand River marshes and nearby conservation areas also provide public access options for hunters willing to scout early.

Staying at Maitland Shores puts you within minutes of some of the most productive goose fields in Haldimand County, with secure gear storage at your campsite and ATV access for covering ground quickly.

Best Time to Hunt Geese Near Dunnville

The early Canada goose season in Ontario typically opens in early September, targeting resident birds before the main migration begins. Peak migration through Haldimand County runs through October and into November, with bird numbers building steadily as weather systems push movement south through the Great Lakes region. The Grand River corridor and Lake Erie shoreline see consistent goose movement throughout this entire window. Early morning hunts over decoys in harvested fields produce the most reliable results — birds are on their feet and moving to feed well before sunrise during the peak fall migration period.

 Ontario Goose Hunting Licence & Permits

To hunt Canada geese in Ontario, you need the following before heading into the field:

– A valid Ontario Outdoors Card

– A federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit (signed and dated)

– A Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp

Season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag limits are set annually by Environment and Climate Change Canada and published in the Ontario Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations. Always confirm current regulations before your trip — do not rely on the previous season’s rules

As dates and limits can change year to year.

Duck Hunting in Ontario — Lake Erie & Grand River Marshes

Duck hunting in Ontario along the Lake Erie shoreline and Grand River estuary is one of the more underrated waterfowl experiences in southern Ontario. The marsh habitat at Port Maitland and the Grand River mouth is genuinely productive — mallards, teal, wood ducks, and diving ducks move through the area during fall migration, using the Grand River as a natural travel corridor between Lake Erie and inland wetlands to the north.

The variety of species and habitat types at this location — open lake, river channel, flooded marsh, and agricultural edges — means different hunting setups all have their place depending on conditions and wind direction. Hunters who are flexible about where and when they set up on any given morning consistently do well in this area. Scouting before the season opens is worth the time — bird movement along the Lake Erie shoreline and Grand River is heavily influenced by weather systems pushing fall migration south through the region.

Duck Species at Port Maitland

Hunters in the Port Maitland and Dunnville area regularly encounter mallards, blue-winged and green-winged teal, wood ducks, and a variety of diving ducks, including scaup, ring-necked ducks, and buffleheads, during fall migration. Puddle duck numbers in the Grand River marshes are strongest during the early season, while diving ducks become more prevalent on Lake Erie as the season progresses and water temperatures drop. Wind direction plays a significant role in where birds sit on any given day — allowing hunters to adjust their setup based on overnight conditions.

Wind changes have a consistent edge in this area.

Boat Access for Duck Hunters

The on-site marina at Maitland Shores Resort provides direct boat launch access into the Grand River, giving duck hunters access to marsh areas that are difficult or impossible to reach on foot from shore. Launching from the resort marina allows hunters to get into position in the marsh quietly and efficiently before shooting hours begin, without the noise and time of a long walk-in. The Grand River channel near Port Maitland attracts migrating birds and provides natural funneling, making for consistent shooting when birds are on the move. Contact us before your

trip to confirm current marina availability during hunting season.

 Deer Hunting in Ontario — Haldimand County WMU 92

Maitland Shores Resort falls within Wildlife Management Unit 92 — a productive southern Ontario WMU with a solid whitetail deer population. The mix of river valley woodlots, harvested agricultural fields, and marsh edges around Dunnville and Port Maitland creates quality whitetail habitat that holds deer through the full hunting season. Deer in this region feed heavily in surrounding corn and soybean fields and use the Grand River corridor and adjacent woodlots as travel routes and bedding cover — a pattern that experienced hunters in the area know how to work to their advantage. Staying at the resort during deer season means early access to the property each morning without a long drive in the dark, a secure place to hang and cool harvested deer, and a comfortable, heated RV to return to after a full day in the field. For deer hunters in southern Ontario seeking a base that puts them in productive Haldimand County terrain, Maitland Shores is a practical and well-positioned choice.

Whitetail Habitat Around Dunnville

The interaction between the Grand River valley, agricultural fields, and the Lake Erie shoreline defines the whitetail deer habitat surrounding Dunnville and Port Maitland. Deer bed in the river valley woodlots and marsh-edge cover during daylight, moving out to feed in adjacent fields during the morning and evening movement windows.

Funnel points where woodlot edges meet field corners, and pinch points along the Grand River corridor, are the most productive setup locations for bow hunters and firearm hunters alike. The terrain in WMU 92 rewards

hunters who take the time to scout pre-season and identify these natural movement corridors before they set up.

Ontario Deer Hunting Licence & Season Dates

Deer hunters in Ontario need a valid Outdoors Card and the appropriate deer licence for their chosen method — archery, crossbow, or firearm. Antlerless deer tags in WMU 92 are allocated through the provincial Wildlife Allocation Management System (WAMS) draw, with applications opening each spring. The archery season in southern Ontario typically opens in October, with the main firearm season running through November.Hunter orange is mandatory during firearm seasons. All season dates and tag allocations should be confirmed in the current Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary before your trip.

Ontario Hunting Regulations — What Every Hunter Must Know

All hunting on and around Maitland Shores Resort must comply with Ontario provincial hunting regulations and federal migratory bird rules where applicable. Key requirements that apply to all hunters at the resort:

– Valid Ontario Outdoors Card required for all hunters

– Species-specific licence required — deer, migratory birds, or small game

– Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and CWS Stamp for all   waterfowl hunters

– Hunter orange is mandatory during firearm deer seasons

– Written permission is required before hunting on private property

– All Ontario off-road vehicle regulations apply to ATV use on trails

Guests who intend to hunt on or near the resort must contact us before their trip to confirm access, review the on-site hunting policy, and verify current season status. Non-resident hunters must also check for any additional licence requirements that apply to out-of-province visitors hunting in Ontario. The MNRF Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary is published annually and is the authoritative source — always use the current edition, not the previous year’s copy.

Frequently Asked Questions — Hunting at Maitland Shores

What hunting is available at Maitland Shores?

We offer hunting access for whitetail deer, Canada geese, and ducks on and around the Maitland Shores property in Haldimand County, Dunnville, Ontario. Contact us before your trip to confirm current property access details and season status. Turkey and black bear hunting are not available at the resort.

Do I need a licence to hunt here?

Yes. A valid Ontario Outdoors Card and the appropriate species-specific licence are mandatory for all hunters. For waterfowl, a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and CWS Stamp are also required. We confirm valid licensing before granting guests access to property hunting.

Can I bring my ATV for hunting?

Yes. ATV and dirt bike trails are available on the property and are practical for hunters moving decoys, gear, or harvested game efficiently. All riders must comply with Ontario off-road vehicle regulations and

Follow posted trail rules on the resort property at all times.

 Is there boat access for waterfowl hunting?

Yes. The on-site marina on the Grand River offers direct boat access to the river and Lake Erie. This is particularly useful for duck hunters who need to access marsh areas that are not reachable on foot. Contact

Ask us to confirm Marina’s availability during your planned hunting dates.

Can I bring my hunting dog?

Yes — Maitland Shores Resort is fully pet-friendly, and hunting dogs are welcome on the property. Dogs must be kept under control in common areas, and owners are responsible for following our standard pet policy during their stay.

When does the hunting season run?

The resort is open April 15 through October 31, which covers the early Canada goose season in September, early archery deer season in October, and the opening weeks of the fall waterfowl migration. Guests interested in the main firearm deer season in November, please get in touch with us about extended access options and winter storage arrangements.

Plan Your Ontario Hunting Trip at Maitland Shores

Whether you are booking a weekend waterfowl hunt or locking in a seasonal site to anchor your entire fall hunting schedule, we are easy to reach by phone or email. Contact us before your trip to discuss current hunting access, available site types, and what to expect on the property during your planned dates.

  (647) 212-1234

  info@rvparkontario.com

 Maitland Shores Resort

659 Port Maitland Rd, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W6, Canada

Conclusion

Maitland Shores Resort gives hunters in Ontario a rare combination  productive deer, goose, and duck habitat right outside the gate, a private boat launch for reaching marsh areas by water, ATV trail access across 300 acres, and a comfortable, full-hookup RV site to come back to at the end of the day. Whether you are planning a weekend goose hunt near Dunnville or a full fall season based out of Haldimand County, the resort is built for the kind of outdoor trip where the hunting actually comes first. Get your site booked and your gear ready the season does not wait.