Haudenosaunee deer harvest begins November 2
The Haudenosaunee Wildlife and Habitat Committee (HWHC) and Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) have a Specific Agreement in place for the 2025–2027 seasons based on the existing Protocol to address the Treaty Rights of the Haudenosaunee on HCA-owned lands.
Deer harvesting will take place concurrently in two designated areas of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, identified on the accompanying maps as Schedule A and Schedule B. Schedule A covers the Headwaters Trail area between Paddy Greene Road and Martin Road. Schedule B covers an area west of Weir’s Lane and south of the railway, near Governors Road. The area designated in Schedule B has no public access or trail system.
Harvesting will only occur on HCA-owned lands within these designated areas on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between November 2 and December 3, 2026.
The number of deer to be harvested is limited to 60 across both areas combined. Hamilton Police Services, the City of Hamilton municipal law enforcement and Ministry of Natural Resources Enforcement staff have been consulted concerning public safety and advised of the harvest and corresponding area closures. Appropriate trail signage and notification to adjacent residents about the harvest and area closure will be provided.
Background
Deer harvesting has been a long-standing tradition of the Haudenosaunee, dating back thousands of years and serving an essential role in their way of life. The Nanfan Treaty, or the Treaty at Albany of 1701, gives the Haudenosaunee the right to harvest and fish in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
In 2011, the Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs recognized and fully supported this Treaty and encouraged HCA’s continued collaboration with the Haudenosaunee. HCA acknowledges the importance and validity of the Nanfan Treaty and respects the cultural role of deer harvesting in the Haudenosaunee’s way of life.
That year, HCA’s Board of Directors authorized an agreement with the Haudenosaunee Wildlife and Habitat Authority (HWHA) establishing a protocol for deer harvesting on HCA-owned lands. The agreement remains in effect, allowing the HWHA to harvest a set number of deer in selected parts of the DVCA.
