I heard on here the rumour that shotguns have a length limitation (above and beyond the federal limit) for hunting game in BC. Is this so? I couldn't find it in the region specific regs. or the Wildlife Act.
BC: min. barrel length?
- Thread starter Milsparro
- Start date
Pretty sure it's false.
Regulations are here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations/
The only limitations are number of rounds and type of shots, IIRC.
Regulations are here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations/
The only limitations are number of rounds and type of shots, IIRC.
Found it. In the synopsis: "Handgun – is a firearm that is designed,
altered or intended to be aimed and fired by
the action of one hand or that has a barrel less
than 305 mm (12 in.) in length." "No person shall hunt wildlife with a handgun."
However, handgun is not even mentioned in the Wildlife Act, except in the definition of firearm: "'firearm' includes a rifle, shotgun, handgun or spring gun and any device that propels a projectile by means of an explosion, compressed gas or spring but does not include a bow;"
Since the synopsis is not the law itself, where is this handgun thing coming from?
altered or intended to be aimed and fired by
the action of one hand or that has a barrel less
than 305 mm (12 in.) in length." "No person shall hunt wildlife with a handgun."
However, handgun is not even mentioned in the Wildlife Act, except in the definition of firearm: "'firearm' includes a rifle, shotgun, handgun or spring gun and any device that propels a projectile by means of an explosion, compressed gas or spring but does not include a bow;"
Since the synopsis is not the law itself, where is this handgun thing coming from?
The above definition of firearms is the only mention of handgun at all, occuring in two other documents, the Forest Recreation Regulation and the Park, Conservancy and Recreation Area Regulation. I really don't see what hat this synopsis is pulling this regulation from.
I have one of those non-restricted 8 1/2" barrel pump shotguns, under the 12 inch limit that the "Synopsis" defines as a handgun. It is convenient to carry in the bush, doesn't get caught on stuff, the weight isn't an issue as much as the length. If I were going hunting exclusively, I'd take my 535, but if all else was good and legal and one of those foolbirds decided to hop out in front of me I'd still like to take it home for the pot. I honestly can't find the law in BC that says handgun hunting is illegal. It is only in the "Synopsis" publication, as far as my search revealed.
- Location
- Ft. Mac. Alberta
To be defined and classed as a handgun, your fire arm would be restricted, otherwise it's a non - restricted shotgun and legal for hunting!
Cat
Also, even in the synopsis it adds the qualifier "intended to be aimed and fired by the action of one hand". Your shotgun clearly doesn't fall into this group.
The trouble with these kinds of laws and regulations is that they are written in language, which is ambiguous and subject to interpretation. Words are notoriously poor vehicles with which to convey complex concepts.
Hunting with handguns is definitely illegal anywhere in Canada. If I had the time to find it for you, I would. But, trust me, it's absolutely prohibited. Only a licensed trapper can use a handgun in the bush and only for humanely dispatching injured animals or protection of human life against bears and other predators.
The trouble with these kinds of laws and regulations is that they are written in language, which is ambiguous and subject to interpretation. Words are notoriously poor vehicles with which to convey complex concepts.
Hunting with handguns is definitely illegal anywhere in Canada. If I had the time to find it for you, I would. But, trust me, it's absolutely prohibited. Only a licensed trapper can use a handgun in the bush and only for humanely dispatching injured animals or protection of human life against bears and other predators.
The Wildlife Act provides authority for the Lieutenant Governor in Council to establish regulations pursuant to the Act. These regulations are referred to as Orders In Council. Most hunting regulations and seasons are established in this manner. You would probably find the handgun prohibition among these OIC's of which there are many.
Thanks, that I didn't know! However, the search function here http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/, which appears to be the record of OIC's, doesn't get any hits on handgun, handguns, barrel, etc.
