small game (muzzleloader) caliber restrictions in ontario?
- Thread starter Rickyy101
- Start date
- Location
- Golden Lake
There are no restrictions at all as far as muzzle-loading rifles are concerned. Even the regulation in parts of southern Ontario re: .275 cal doesn't apply to muzzle-loaders and, of course, you can use a muzzle-loading rifle in an otherwise "shotguns only" area.
In my experience the majority of muzzle-loading rifles used are .50 cal., followed by .54 cal. then .45 cal.
The smoothbore with shot may have a few restrictions:
I believe you would still have to use steel or other non-toxic shot for waterfowl.
For big game hunting with buckshot there may be a restriction on buckshot size. On page 22 of the 2010 Regs it says you can't use a shotgun smaller than 20 ga or any shotgun loaded with buckshot smaller than SG (No. 1 buck).
For turkeys you can't use a shotgun bigger than 10 ga. or smaller than 20 ga. and shot size must be 4,5 or 6.
I'm not positive about the muzzle-loading smoothbore restrictions - the regulations on P22 refer to "shotguns" and "muzzle-loaders" as separate entities. I imagine it would take a lawyer to determine if the regs mean that a muzzle-loading smoothbore is actually a "shotgun".
In my experience the majority of muzzle-loading rifles used are .50 cal., followed by .54 cal. then .45 cal.
The smoothbore with shot may have a few restrictions:
I believe you would still have to use steel or other non-toxic shot for waterfowl.
For big game hunting with buckshot there may be a restriction on buckshot size. On page 22 of the 2010 Regs it says you can't use a shotgun smaller than 20 ga or any shotgun loaded with buckshot smaller than SG (No. 1 buck).
For turkeys you can't use a shotgun bigger than 10 ga. or smaller than 20 ga. and shot size must be 4,5 or 6.
I'm not positive about the muzzle-loading smoothbore restrictions - the regulations on P22 refer to "shotguns" and "muzzle-loaders" as separate entities. I imagine it would take a lawyer to determine if the regs mean that a muzzle-loading smoothbore is actually a "shotgun".
Great response, thanks!
So I assume I would be able to use something like this http://loyalistarms.freeservers.com/enfield3band1853firstmodel.html with squirrel and rabbit?
and bigger stuff, of course!I'm curious, what is the logic behind not allowing lead shot for waterfowl but allowing it for other animals?
Lead is toxic to waterfowl when they pick it up in their crop from feeding in the marsh. Over the years a lot of marshes were practically paved with lead shot. Lead for hunting upland birds is still allowed as it hasn't been a problem IMHO.
George
- Location
- Golden Lake
That Three Band Enfield is gorgeous. Not a bad price either. I had an original briefly, years ago. Kind of over-kill for bunnies but would be great for deer.
Muzzle loading smoothbores are considered shotguns and can be loaded with shot or a single ball. They can be used in shotgun only seasons. Can be used for small game can also be used for turkey but as stated above you must follow the turkey restrictions 4-5-6s 10-20 ga
