So I'm going to be spending a lot of time cruising remote parts of BC this year and I recall hearing something years ago about BC hunting regs interfering with carrying a non restricted rifle out of season and without a hunting license. Any truth to this? Never really spent much time in BC and don't feel like running into problems if I don't have to.
BC bush carry question
- Thread starter Freyr_255
- Start date
Perfectly legal to carry a shotgun for bear defense or whatever. Just make sure its legal where you go (specifically if you go to any parks, no guns in national parks and Im pretty sure it varies from one provincial park to the next).
Just make sure that if you are stopped by a CO, you can reasonably explain yourself. By this, I mean if you get stopped out in the bush, and you are lugging around a hunting rifle with a big scope on it, you'll have a much better chance of being accused of poaching. Alternatively, if you have a small pump shotgun, and a bunch of slugs then your excuse of predator defense is much more believable.
Also, I wouldn't carry any bird shot on me. Just one less thing to be questioned about. (If you feel you need some in case you get lost and need it for a survival situation, then make sure its buried in your bag and not easily accessible)
Literally going prospecting and will be carrying a Rossi 1892 in 454 in a sheath on my pack most of the time. I kinda figured it was a bit of stretch that things were that tight. Thanks for the info.
Cheers!
No firearms in Provincial Parks outside of a legal hunting season.
Check out the BC Hunting Regs for more info.
And just because I suggest hunting Regs doesn't mean one can not find out what, where and when it is legal to carry and discharge said firearm.
Rob
Check out the BC Hunting Regs for more info.
And just because I suggest hunting Regs doesn't mean one can not find out what, where and when it is legal to carry and discharge said firearm.
Rob
When in doubt call a CO and ask specific questions once you have perused the regs. Trigger locks are always a good idea when in restricted areas and have the gun properly stored with the ammo also properly stored. It shows compliance and indicates you are respectful of whatever regs are in place. I pack my old pump with plug removed and fully loaded when the situation warrants (picking huckleberries in grizzly country is one example). This is legal practice on most crown land that does not have an additional restriction of some kind. Good luck with your prospecting, make lots of noise and if practicable bring a dog.
I have never worried about a CO thinking I was poaching anything, regardless of what firearm or ammunition I was carrying.... The one time a cop asked me why I was "in possession of a firearm outside a hunting season" during a roadside checkstop for drinking my reply was, "because I f*cking can be." No further questions about it.
I have never had a CO ask the same. On the flip side, in 30 plus years of having a BC hunting licence, I have also never had it lapse for longer than a day or two either. It's perfectly legal to be in possession of a firearm on crown land, for no other reason than you wanted to take your favourite toy that day out for some sunshine and fresh air.
I have never had a CO ask the same. On the flip side, in 30 plus years of having a BC hunting licence, I have also never had it lapse for longer than a day or two either. It's perfectly legal to be in possession of a firearm on crown land, for no other reason than you wanted to take your favourite toy that day out for some sunshine and fresh air.
No.
Unless you want to take the word of someone from Ontario, who thinks we suffer their foolish rules out here.
Other than Parks or Preserves, you pretty much have the freedom to do anything that does not interfere with others.
Worth reading through the regs too, as there are critters out there that require no licence or seasons, though you will have to check to see if those apply for non residents.
Cheers
Trev
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Once upon a time, in BC, outside of a regular game season, one did require some kind of extra provincial firearms permit in the wilderness areas.
That all changed when some poor woman who was horse back riding in a mountainous area, and sadly she was killed in a bear attack.
IIRC, there was some financial difficulty for this woman, resulting in that she could not afford the permit???
something like that...........
That all changed when some poor woman who was horse back riding in a mountainous area, and sadly she was killed in a bear attack.
IIRC, there was some financial difficulty for this woman, resulting in that she could not afford the permit???
something like that...........
We also lost a rancher due to the fact he left the country for a bit and came back.
He didn't have his paperwork in order and dint pack a firearm.
Bear got him.
This was somewhere in the 100 Mile, Gang Ranch area.
When it comes right down to it, really sad.
He didn't have his paperwork in order and dint pack a firearm.
Bear got him.
This was somewhere in the 100 Mile, Gang Ranch area.
When it comes right down to it, really sad.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
You don't need to worry about what ammunition you're carrying either. Bit silly to have a shotgun without a few shells of birdshot for an emergency. BC's loaded with Grizzlies and severe country, it's pretty "real world" on the enforcement & regulations side.
Its some of the maritime provinces that have regulations against carrying a NR outside hunting season. He must have gotten one crazy gun hating province mixed up with another crazy gun hating province. Lol
Hmmm.... Last I had heard, you were still on the 'guilty until you prove yourself innocent' plan, as far as being considered to be poachers if you are out in the woods with a gun. Not as bad as the retarded regs out further east, but...bad enough.
But mostly it was a hack at one of the kiddies from out your way that insisted, over the direct experiences of a bunch of us BC Residents, that we were all wrong in our interpretation of our own rules here.
Cheers
Trev
With any non hunting activity you are always at the whim of the CO, regardless of province. I am sure that if stopped and questioned in Norfolk county why you had a firearm and no small game license and you said "bear defense". You'd be needing some legal advice.
Its all about the individual.
But I agree there are some worried willies .
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Not in BC, and I'm sure it's the same for the Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut. Out here it's just a work tool.
Just about Every one in northern BC packs a rifle or shotgun well in the bush wether it camping ,hiking extra
If you are worried about it carry a shotgun loded with a combo slugs and buckshot and have it in a scabbard it will be obvious CO that your not hunting and it is for protection
Just use your head if your packing a $3000 rifle with a Night force 4x15x56 scope it is not for protection
If you are worried about it carry a shotgun loded with a combo slugs and buckshot and have it in a scabbard it will be obvious CO that your not hunting and it is for protection
Just use your head if your packing a $3000 rifle with a Night force 4x15x56 scope it is not for protection
