Your Avon Trail board takes your safety very seriously. The board believes that, although remote, the danger to hikers is greatest during deer hunting periods, specifically during gun season.

Hunting season impacts Avon Trail users. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, hunting occurs during these time windows:

  • October 1 through December 31 – Bow hunting for deer in Perth and Oxford counties as well as Wilmot and Woolwich townships
  • November 3 through December 8 – At various times, rifle hunting for deer in Perth, Oxford counties, and Wilmot and Woolwich townships

Click here to view a detailed list of trails that are affected and on what specific dates.

For iPhones and Android phones, an app (iHunter) can be installed. With this app, you can search in Ontario and view an interactive map. Using your fingers, you can expand your view of an area and see Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). For Stratford, you see 86A. Clicking on this tiny rectangle opens a display that shows details of hunting times.

This might be handy to examine to know what to expect in a particular section of the Avon Trail.

Hikers, be alert and cautious when in woodlots on the Avon Trail during these times.

Tom Kimber – News