Bounties and Livestock Claims

Georgian Bluffs supports local agricultural needs by offering bounties for the control of certain nuisance wildlife species. These programs help mitigate issues caused by coyotes and beavers, particularly when they impact livestock. Below, you'll find guidelines on eligibility and how to apply for compensation.

 

Program Overview

The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program is designed to compensate producers whose livestock, poultry, or honey bees are killed or damaged by wildlife. It is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial initiative supporting innovation, competitiveness, and risk management in the agri-food sector. Eligible losses include:

  • Livestock or poultry killed by wildlife predation
  • Damage to bee colonies, beehives, or beehive-related equipment

 

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for compensation, owners must:

  • Demonstrate reasonable care in preventing predation, including proper housing and fencing 
  • Notify their municipality within 48 hours of discovering the damage, or OMAFRA if in an unincorporated area 
  • Preserve the injury or kill site and carcass until investigated, unless disposal is required by Ontario Regulation 106/09 
  • Provide primary evidence such as carcasses or signs of predation, and secondary evidence if primary evidence is limited 
  • Submit receipts for veterinary care or other treatments if applicable
    After ten applications in a calendar year, owners must submit a Reasonable Care Plan to remain eligible for compensation 

 

Application Process

  1. Notify: Owner reports the incident to the municipality within 48 hours 
  2. Investigation: A municipal or bee investigator conducts a thorough investigation within 72 hours, documenting evidence with photos and notes 
  3. Submit Application: The completed application, along with supporting evidence, must be submitted to OMAFRA within 7 business days of the investigation 
  4. Assessment: OMAFRA reviews the application for completeness and eligibility, assigning compensation within 30 business days 
  5. Appeal: Owners have 20 business days to appeal the decision if needed 
  6. Payment: Approved compensation is paid by the municipality, reimbursed by OMAFRA 
    Applications should include three to six photos per animal or damaged item, registration documents, and any other relevant evidence 

 

For more information please visit: Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program guidelines | ontario.ca

Livestock Damage Claims

If your livestock, poultry, or honeybees have been harmed by wildlife, you may be eligible for compensation through the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. This program, administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, provides financial support to farmers and livestock owners impacted by wildlife.

Changes to Beaver and Coyote or Wolf Control Compensation Programs

At the August 13, 2026 Council Meeting, Council at Grey County passed:

  1. By-law 5299-26 – A By-law to Provide for the Removal of Nuisance Beaver
  2. By-law 5300-26 – A By-law to Provide for the Control of Coyotes or Wolves

What does this mean for hunters and trappers?

There are several changes to the process:

  1. Approval is now required before hunting or trapping.
    Before hunting or trapping, approval must be obtained from Grey County. To request approval, submit a scanned copy of the form with Sections 1 and 2 completed to trapping@grey.ca. Forms can also be mailed or delivered in person to the Administration Office at 595 9th Ave. E., Owen Sound.

Please allow up to 10 business days for approval.

  1. New forms must be used.
    Previous versions of the forms will no longer be accepted. Claims that pre-date the new by-laws must be submitted for approval by September 4, 2026.
  2. Claims on public lands are no longer eligible for compensation.
    This includes municipal, county, provincial and federal lands.
  3. Coyote and wolf claims no longer require a livestock evaluator’s signature.
  4. Ears and tails must be presented to the municipality where the hunting or trapping took place.
    For example, if a problem is identified on a property in Chatsworth, the ears or tails must be presented to the designated official at the Chatsworth Municipal Office. The municipality will collect and dispose of the ears or tails and complete the authorization under Section 5 of the form.
  5. Compensation fees will increase January 1, 2027.
    • Beaver: $25 → $50
    • Coyote or Wolf: $50 → $100

What does this mean for Municipalities?

Municipalities will be responsible for the following:

  1. Sections 1 to 4 of the form must be completed before Municipal approval is provided.
  2. Section 5 must be signed by the municipality no later than the authorized expiry date listed in Section 4.
  3. Ears and tails must be collected and disposed of by the Municipality.
  4. Once Section 5 is completed, the form must be submitted to trapping@grey.ca.

More information

Resources

For more information on the regulations surrounding these bounties, please refer to the following by-laws:

These programs are designed to balance the needs of the Georgian Bluffs’ agricultural community with sustainable wildlife management practices.

Contact Us

Clerks Office
177964 Grey Road 18,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5

Email Clerks Office
Phone: 519-376-2729 ext. 922
Fax: 519-372-1620