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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I know about the pheasant hunting season at Conestogo Lake?

Q: Can I bring a friend or child with me to hunt?

A: No. The GRCA will not allow anyone on their property who has not signed off with proof of insurance. Your membership in the CPC is a defacto “permit” to enter Area 3 and your membership in the OFAH satisfies GRCA’s requirement for insurance, but this does not extend to any guests.

Q: Can I buy a day permit for my buddy like we did in the past? 

A: No - not this year. This is something currently under discussion, however, and our approach in future years will be informed by what we learn this year.  

Q: How are we going to manage 80 members hunting in the area at the same time?

A: The number of members in the hunting area needs to be kept at a reasonable level, for safety reasons as well as to ensure a quality hunt. We decided to adopt a tried-and-true method used in other hunt areas around the province. There are 20 clearly marked parking spots in the parking lot at the end of Selinger Road. Only the occupants of a vehicle parked in a designated spot may enter the property. If you pull in and the lot is full, you will have to wait until a spot opens. 

Hunters out in the field are asked to be considerate of fellow club members. Once you have shot your limit (2 birds), you are expected to bring your dog under control, leave the field as soon as practicable and vacate the parking lot. This will make room for fellow members to come in and enjoy a hunt. 

Q: Will there be a place to clean birds or dump garbage in the hunt area?

A: No. The GRCA wants nothing to do with this, and frankly, neither do we. All members are expected to pack out all of their own garbage (hulls, too, if possible), clean up after your dog in the parking lot area  and refrain from cleaning birds in the lot. Discarding of bird remains in the immediate area of the vehicles is messy and attracts wildlife and members’ dogs. Please remember – our club success will depend on maintaining good relations with the GRCA – everyone has an important role to play!

Q: When and how many/how frequently will birds be released?

A: Depending on weather and volunteer power, there will be 100-120 pheasants released each week: one on Sunday and one on Thursday afternoon (the area will be closed during this period), the same as in 2023. There will be no birds released during the November 4-10 deer hunt week because hunters participating in the controlled deer hunt will be in the area and the GRCA wanted to minimize potential conflicts.

Q: Can I hunt waterfowl, grouse, rabbits and woodcock in Area 3 with my CPC membership?

A: No. Technically, your CPC membership is for pheasants only, and Area 3 is for hunting pheasants exclusively (except for the deer hunt week)

Q: Does my CPC membership allow me to hunt on other Conestogo Lake GRCA hunting lands?

A: No. If you wish to hunt other areas, you are required to buy a permit from the GRCA.

Q: Who is handling “enforcement” of our rules on the GRCA property?

A: As members vested in the success of our fledgling club, we all need to ensure that our club rules are followed. Please remember this is a “pilot project” for 3 years and there is no guarantee that the hunt will continue beyond that time. It took a lot of work to get to this stage and we can’t let bad behaviour, or safety issues destroy what it took to get here. 

Separate from our members being vigilant, there will also be an enforcement presence from both the MNRF and the GRCA staff