What are Canada's Trail Camera Hunting Laws?

Wireless cellular trail cams are becoming increasingly popular, with options like the REVEAL camera from Tactacam allowing hunters and wildlife watchers to closely track animals no matter where they may be.

Despite their convenience, anyone using a cellular trail cam in Canada should understand the regulations that govern the use of wireless trail cameras, which can vary by province, territory, and the specific purpose that the cameras are being used for. Depending on the location, these laws can be related to everything from hunting to privacy concerns. Let’s look at Canadian trail cam laws in more detail.

• Wildlife Act and Protection: At the federal level, there are no specific laws regulating trail cameras. However, wildlife protection laws such as the Species at Risk Act (SARA) may indirectly affect where and how trail cameras can be used, especially in protected or sensitive wildlife areas.
• National Parks: Trail cameras are typically prohibited in national parks without specific permission. This includes wireless trail cameras, as they may disrupt the natural environment or interfere with park management. For example, Parks Canada prohibits the use of remote motion-activated trail cameras in national parks “to prevent disturbance to wildlife at sensitive locations and protect the privacy of visitors.”

Provincial and territorial laws are where the primary regulations on trail cameras in Canada are found. These regulations can vary significantly depending on the province and the type of use (wildlife monitoring, hunting, etc.).

• Wireless Trail Cams: It is illegal to use wireless trail cams for hunting in British Columbia in Region 1–mainly Vancouver Island and a small portion of the mainland west coast–from August 1 to Dec. 10.
• Trail Camera Definition: BC law defines “wireless camera” as “a camera that obtains an image by means of a remote or infrared sensor and that is capable of sending an image remotely to an electronic device.“
• Trail Cam Rules on Private Property: The use of wireless trail cameras on private land is generally allowed, but users should note that capturing images of people without their knowledge on private property could be considered to be an invasion of privacy. Camera owners should always get permission from the property owner before placing a trail cam on their land.

There are no specific laws related to the use of trail cameras in the Yukon Territory.

There are no specific laws related to the use of trail cameras in the Northwest Territories.

There are no specific laws related to the use of trail cameras in Nunavut.

• Trail cameras are not addressed in the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations.
• Anyone seeking to place a trail camera in a provincial park must have a permit; permits are only awarded to those engaged in scientific research.

• Wildlife Monitoring: Wireless trail cameras are legal in Saskatchewan for wildlife observation, but the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment regulates the use of cameras in sensitive environments or wildlife management areas.
• Hunting Regulations: The use of wireless trail cameras for hunting purposes is typically allowed, but they may be regulated during the hunting season, particularly for remote scouting.

• Wildlife Monitoring: Wireless trail cameras are commonly used for wildlife monitoring in Manitoba, but certain areas may require specific permissions or permits, especially in protected lands or parks.
• Hunting Regulations: Similar to other provinces, Manitoba allows the use of trail cameras for scouting game during hunting seasons, but wireless trail cameras may be restricted, particularly if they transmit real-time information. Otherwise, they are not mentioned in the province’s hunting guide.

• Wildlife Monitoring: In Ontario, using wireless trail cameras for wildlife monitoring is generally allowed. Make sure that you check for any restrictions in areas such as conservation lands and provincial parks. Check in with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for more. Cameras are not addressed in the province’s hunting regulations.
• Common Sense Practices: As with anywhere, cameras should not be placed in ways that could harm wildlife or disrupt their natural behavior or movement.

• Wildlife Monitoring: The use of wireless trail cameras is generally allowed for wildlife monitoring, but there may be local restrictions, especially in wildlife reserves or parks. Wildlife conservation regulations can restrict the placement of cameras in certain areas.
• Hunting Regulations: Wireless cameras are not addressed in the province’s hunting rules. They are elsewhere, however. In this document, however, the provincial authorities note several hunting-related prohibitions, including hunting using smartphones connected to a “camera-based surveillance system operating at the hunting site … when the hunter is present at the site, watching for game, and possessing a weapon.” The use of night vision and thermal imaging devices are also prohibited when hunting. Separate rules govern the use of surveillance cameras in public places.

• These Maritime provinces have similar regulations to those of other provinces, allowing trail cameras for wildlife monitoring but with certain restrictions during hunting seasons.
• Specific parks and protected areas may have stricter rules on camera placement, particularly in national parks or conservation areas. As always, check with specific land managers about local rules before placing your trail cam.
• In Nova Scotia, trail cam users are encouraged to participate in annual deer and bear monitoring surveys.

While every province and territory has its own set of laws and regulations, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Permits may be required: For certain protected or sensitive areas, a permit may be required to use wireless trail cameras.
• Private property consent: Ensure that you have permission from property owners if placing cameras on private land.
• Regulations vary by province: Each province has its own regulations, so it's crucial to check the specific rules in your area before using trail cameras, especially wireless models.
• Wildlife and hunting areas: Use of wireless cameras for hunting may be regulated during certain times of the year to prevent unfair advantages.

Before using wireless trail cameras, it’s always best to consult the relevant provincial or territorial wildlife agency for the most current rules and regulations specific to your area.