Hunting Regs Question

[casistoica]

Hi,
This is a question that seems to be in the gray area of the regs. From my understanding of the regs on the matter, I believe it would be lawful to carry a rifle for hunting moose and a shotgun for hunting grouse during the rifle moose season in Ontario but I'm curious what other people think or if anybody had this question answered by the ministry.
The regs state that only during the bow season it's illegal to carry a rifle or a shotgun.

Thanks!

 

[rhino519]

there is no gray area

 

[the spank]

You can carry both no problem.

 

[blasted_saber]

Legalities aside, carrying two long guns is a pain in the ass.

Take off the grouses head with a rifle bullet or use an FMJ.

 

[trebor2880]

You'd be surprized at the number of hunters in the deep back woods who use a .22 handgun. Their theory being, that you never encounter a Leo, or CO, more than a stones throw away from a motorized vehicle.
Of course that goes for most of todays sportsmen too, nowadays.

 

[big boar]

There are other options for grouse. Load some cast bullets for the cartridge of your choice down to a very light load. Look on the Cast bullet forum and find what other people use as a mild load. In a 45 cal rifle I've sized lead balls intended for 50 cal muzzle loaders down to .460" and seated them over 8-12gr shotgun powder. There is zero recoil, they're about as loud as a 22 and they shoot very well out to 25 yds. If you can locate a bullet caster you should be able to purchase some bullets to suit your rifle then load very mild loads just for grouse. You'll only need a few to sight in at 25 yds to see where they hit relative to your sights.

 

[Dances with Drahts]

An airgun would be another option, there are some good handguns available that shoot under 500 fps.

 

[rhino519]

An airgun would be another option, there are some good handguns available that shoot under 500 fps.

this^

or you get about 3-4 hrs of hunting time in the morning then again in the evening, for moose, middday break grab .22 (shutgun is a bit of overkill in some areas) and go chicken picking, around the camp, had a grouse fly into our camp two weeks ago, up north they really don’t care much for human presence, and that was while two of his brothers were being roster over a fire pit

 

[casistoica]

Idk in the rest of Canada but in Ontario it's illegal to carry a handgun for hunting.
I've found some info from the ministry as well and seems to be legal and I'm carrying them on my atv, I would never walk in the bush with 2 long guns
Thanks for all the input!

 

[Suther]

Idk in the rest of Canada but in Ontario it's illegal to carry a handgun for hunting.
I've found some info from the ministry as well and seems to be legal and I'm carrying them on my atv, I would never walk in the bush with 2 long guns
Thanks for all the input!

It is illegal to hunt with a handgun in BC, including pellet guns.

 

[blasted_saber]

It is illegal to hunt with a handgun in BC, including pellet guns.

Pellet handguns under 500 FPS are legal for use in Ontario. They arent considered firearms (in this regard) and thus are fine.

 

[Jaaska]

Pellet handguns under 500 FPS are legal for use in Ontario. They arent considered firearms (in this regard) and thus are fine.

This is true . Been carrying my Webly Tempest for decades .

 

[Dances with Drahts]

Pellet handguns under 500 FPS are legal for use in Ontario. They arent considered firearms (in this regard) and thus are fine.

that is why I specified the speed in my post. Gives the OP a lighter option, that is also quieter, cheaper and still fun and challenging.

 

[Janetvilleadam]

I’ve been checked by a CO while moose hunting with a rifle and shotgun on my atv. No issues. He just asked if I’d seen many birds. Then he checked to make sure they weren’t loaded.

 

[handofzeus]

I have a deer tag but wanted to go for grouse on alternating days. I found the regs really confusing as to whether you can carry a .22 during bows only season. Finally got an email from MNR today saying yes you can hunt grouse with a .22 during bow season but leave the deer tag at home.

 

[Butcherbill]

You'd be surprized at the number of hunters in the deep back woods who use a .22 handgun. Their theory being, that you never encounter a Leo, or CO, more than a stones throw away from a motorized vehicle.
Of course that goes for most of todays sportsmen too, nowadays.

Honestly this is how it should be, no reason why a fellow shouldn’t be allowed to carry a pistol in the bush.

 

[franktank]

I have a deer tag but wanted to go for grouse on alternating days. I found the regs really confusing as to whether you can carry a .22 during bows only season. Finally got an email from MNR today saying yes you can hunt grouse with a .22 during bow season but leave the deer tag at home.

You just brought back a thread buried 6 years from the dead.

 

[Trimmer 905]

I have a Crossman co2 .22 that I carry in a shoulder holster to keep the gas tube warm that pops the heads off Grouse quickly and quietly. It's ideal while hunting Moose and Deer and 100% legal.

 

[keith mokry]

Would a 22 rimfire be an option. I usually hunt with a pack on and carry my 22 badger in it since it folds in half

 

[Trimmer 905]

Would a 22 rimfire be an option. I usually hunt with a pack on and carry my 22 badger in it since it folds in half

No because a .22 rimfire is a firearm that's illegal to hunt Moose with in Ontario. That's the catch with this regulation. We may only possess those firearms which are legal to use for the species being hunted.