Generally non-restricted on crown land is not an issue just keep in mind the RCMP make up rules as they go.
I really have not heard of this case or ruling.. and frankly dont believe it at all, as most of this town would be in jail...lol Almost every truck has a rifle in it, and yes not many with trigger locks (OMG!).. Could this be some exaggerated news story?? Or at the least
more to the story that is being missed...
As pointed out there are Federal firearms laws and then there are game/hunting regs and then there are bylaws.
Each are different, vary in penalty and severity with federal firearms law being felony criminal sentences when convicted.
You didn't mention the issue of the condition of carry...loaded or not??
Speaks to its state of readiness and intent.
This area will get weird depending on the Cop/CO and locale/activity/season etc.
Carrying a non restricted firearm during daylight hrs in anything is legal....case/pack/suitcase/duffle etc. No issue there with federal firearms law.
You may get into the technicality of "hunting" regardless if it is cased/packed etc as well as whether loaded/unloaded if/when confronted by a conservation officer if they discover the firearm for whatever reason. This will vary wildly based on the CO, the time of year/locale/activity etc.
The locale and activity will play a far greater issue.
Doing so in the true wilderness vs closer to cities and urban areas for example. Obviously in urban areas or provincial parks etc it will get very weird fast.
Activity will also mitigate....Doing so while working vs recreating.....acting like an ass or malicious behaviour and outright criminal activity....vs respectful, safe, non malicious activity.
Your activity alone will likely determine if the weapon is even detected or discovered at all. There is no reason to be questioned much less searched if your activity is isn't suspicious...in fact there is no legal grounds to do either if you are not.
You did not specify the purpose(s) of having the shotgun?
Hunting/plinking/defense/transport/storage ???
Again....an empty non restricted shotgun can be "cased" and carried in anything...pack/duffle/case/etc...how you carry that case is irrelevant.
Your intent/actions "AT THE TIME" will be the determining factor(s) if/when you encounter the law.
R v Felawka. The reason why most of the town isnt in jail because violating the ruling of felawka is virtually undetectable, and I doubt one officer in 10,000 is aware of it, and wouldnt lay a charge on account of it if they did, unless you were being douchy about it.
Frankly its a terrible ruling, and would probably be set aside if a similar case went befire the court today.
So true, it will cost you lots of money and time to try to prove they were wrong with charges.
Would it be against the law if you were to carry a short shotgun in a backpack on Crown Land or private property?
Thanks...
Any body have more information about carrying gun in BC during hiking?!
Did you call your local DNR/CFO?
What is dnr/cfo meaning? Is there any straight and sinple information in the any official websites?
What about backpacking with a kel-tec sub 2000? or a 9mm folding carabine? i know i would probably be better off asking DNR but just thought i would throw that out there.
The real reason that most people have not heard of R vs Felkawa is because it involves an idiot who half wrapped a rifle in his jacket and got on a bus in the city, then made jokes about going on a shooting spree, and when questioned about it responded that he was trying to conceal the firearm. And people that want to carry a shotgun in a backpack or duffel bag for ease of transportation or to protect the gun don't do all of the above, and probably will never have to explain anything to anyone because the police don't really care if you are hiking around and transporting your shotgun in your backpack!
Yet on CGN the case is brought up whenever someone brings up the topic of putting a gun in a some sort of vessel that's not clearly a purpose built gun case.
I wouldn't worry about it in FSJ, there has been some pretty high profile bear attacks in the area. No rcmp are gonna bother you. Out east? Probably should be a bit more mindful. A lot less freedom out there.