Hello all,
I try to read as much as I can before asking questions online so I'm not wasting anyone's time, but I have a few questions that I haven't been able to clear up for myself; both in terms of getting my gun licence and about hunting in Ontario in general. A little background on my situation:
First off, I'm a 23-year-old guy and I completed my Non-Restricted, and Restricted PAL courses as part of a Police Foundations program back in 2011. I've since decided on a career change, but even at the time I didn't bother mailing the forms in to actually get my licence, because I knew that they would go over it all again in training should I be accepted to the force. Also, I had no real interest in firearms or hunting at the time, so I didn't bother with it.
Well now I've developed a real interest in both hunting and guns, and I'm pissed at myself for not mailing those things in. I'm curious if anyone knows, do these forms expire, or can I still mail the slips in (which I have in my possession) from back in 2011? I have two copies of each (restricted and non-restricted).
Also, despite the awesome thread about shortening your PAL application, it still takes months to get; chances are even if I were to mail it in tomorrow - and the proof of completion was still valid - it would take months for me to actually get licensed. What are my options for now in terms of hunting? I've enjoyed the outdoors and have been a fisherman my whole life - but I completed a complete turn-around in regards to hunting at some point last year and I'm incredibly enthusiastic about this new pastime now. I guess I grew up a little and reconciled my love of animals with the appeal of hunting and acquiring my own meat. I know that's nothing new. I would like to start with deer and turkey hunting.
Anyways, my questions:
1. Do you guys think my forms will still be acceptable and worth mailing in?
2. If I complete a hunting course, can I hunt with a crossbow without a PAL/rPAL in the meantime? Like I said, I really want to get started getting some practical experience. Can I go peg some turkeys or deer with a crossbow?
3. I know it's a long ways away, but I didn't see much on the newbie/mentor thread about taking someone hunting; usually it's about shooting ranges (which I would LOVE to try as well in the meantime, if anybody is going from Toronto - as I don't drive - I'd love to try to shoot. If anyone could take me shooting I'll gladly pay for gas and food and anything else).
4. I'm sure a lot of my questions will be answered upon completing the one-day hunting course, but I just don't understand hunting in the most practical sense. I feel like me getting licensed, buying a shotgun and going to look for deer in a camouflaged hoodie is a recipe for disaster. I'd really need to go with someone the first few times. It's also terrifying to think that there might be other people hunting in that same area; I'd be afraid of hitting someone. I also doubt I'd be able to find any animals on my own; it's all quite daunting. I don't mean to imply I'm stupid, just that I know my own limits - and this is all really new to me. If anybody has some resources about the practical basics of going out, finding a deer or turkey, and shooting it in Ontario, I'd love to read it. I figure I have the opportunity to do a lot of reading until I get licensed. I want to be safe, and actually bring some meat home!
5. Last question: Upon killing a deer, where the hell do I butcher it? I live in an apartment building, in Toronto. Am I expected to carve it up in the field or do most people take it to a butcher and pay to have it dealt with? Same thing with turkeys. I have no idea what I'd do after killing the animal.
Hopefully these aren't particularly stupid questions. And sorry I'm so long-winded.
Cheers,
Lpet