ON Outdoors card and PAL Testing?

[whiplash]

Am not sure if this is the correct location for this post, but here it is. Is there anyone from the Ottawa area on the forum that is a PAL and Hunter Education program instructor (for hunting outdoors card)? I have had an FAC/PAL for 20 years now and have always just wrote the test and passed, without taking a course. I recently moved to ON from MB and would like to do the same for the ON Outdoors card, in order to get a hunting license here. I have inquired to two instructors on the http://www.ohep.net/ site and have received no reply. I figure it is because they will not be making $$ off of me for giving me the course, they figure it is not worth their time. I have two experience friends who would like to do the same - just write the test, after reading the study guide (one PAL test, and one hunting test). I don't even mind paying the instructor a little more than the actual test cost, but I find it utterly disrespectful to both the sports of hunting, as well as shooting in general, that these guys do not care enough about getting people involved to even respond to my e-mail/phone calls about getting the test written. Is there anyone who is registered to give the exams and his willing to do so?

 

[jgardhouse]

AFAIK, you cannot just challenge the hunters education program exam. I believe it is mandated to be a certain number of hours at a minimum, so you can't just do a "refresher".

You can however challenge the PAL/RPAL exams no problem.

 

[whiplash]

Hmm, that is not what I've been told by others. Not that I disbelieve you, but can you provide a link that states this?

 

[jgardhouse]

Hmm, that is not what I've been told by others. Not that I disbelieve you, but can you provide a link that states this?

Hmm, from the looks of it, if you had a license back in MB, you can challenge (I guess just to make sure you know the rules of BanTario)

To obtain hunting accreditation, a new Ontario resident, who can provide proof of resident hunting licence accreditation from any jurisdiction, may attempt the OHEC examination without taking the course. If unsuccessful, the course must be taken before attempting the exam again.

 

[blasted_saber]

Well thats silly. Non resident hunters dont have to take a course (with the exeption of turkey hunting)

 

[whiplash]

We've had to take the course elsewhere though, so it all equals out! We just get stuck writing a test in both provinces.

 

[glycerin]

I know what you mean about OHEP instructors being unhelpful and greedy. At one time MNR did the testing, call them with reference to poor instructor communication, and ask what the requirement is.

 

[whiplash]

Good advice glycerin - I will do that. Thanks.

 

[jgardhouse]

Talk to Don and Ken @ www.canadianfirearmscourses.com if your in the Toronto area. They should be able to sort you out, and if they can't, may be able to give you contact info for someone thats good.

 

[sunray]

If you have/had an MB hunting licence (you did a Hunter's Safety course to get that, did you not?), you should be able to pay the Outdoors Card Tax without doing an Ontario course. Call the MNR.
"The Outdoors Card Centre at 1-800-387-7011. This toll-free number works from all regions of Canada, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).?

 

[Onagoth]

I fear this is just the beginning of your problems in Bantario....hopefully not though

 

[whiplash]

Thanks for the advice folks. Hopefully it will result in me finding someone who returns phonecalls and is willing to give me just the exam based on the fact that I have hunting credentials from MB.

 

[Kenny_G2]

Info from another forum I frequent:

Dear MNR,

I am a Canadian citizen and I will be moving to Thunder Bay this summer. Currently, I am living in Leduc, Alberta (10 min south of Edmonton). I have completed the PAL course and have obtained my PAL license. In addition, I have passed, or have been provided reciprocity because I had already passed the hunter's education courses in British Columbia ( I have hunted in BC), Alberta (I have hunted in Alberta) and when I lived in MN for 6 years (I hunted in MN for 3 years as a resident when I was attending university). Therefore, because I have hunted in these two provinces and one state, would I still have to complete the Ontario Hunter's Education Course in order to get my Outdoors Card and hunt? or is there a reciprocity agreement between Ontario as well, being that I have already passed such a course elsewhere?

It would be most appreciated if you could answer my question as your schedule permits.

Sincerely,

Clu

MNR Answer:

If you can show proof of hunting (licence) from another jurisdiction (Alberta) where you were a resident or proof of having passed a hunter safety course from another jurisdiction, you would be allowed to challenge the Ontario Hunter Safety Course exam without having to take the course. If you passed the exam, you would be issued a H1 or H2 Outdoor card six months after the day you moved to Ontario. If you did not pass the exam on the first try, you would be required to take the course.

Reference: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act 1997, Ontario Regulation 665/98 (Hunting)

 

[whiplash]

That is great info, thanks. Now I just have to find an instructor who will return my phonecalls or e-mail in order to schedule an exam!