Age to start shooting?

[baD mR fRosTy]

Question, because I don't have kids and have never pondered this subject before today; Can my 27 year old buddy, who has no PAL or Hunter's Safety certificate, go to the range with me and legally shoot my guns? Thanks

Hi, federal law permits it, yes, but this is one of those things that varies both by province, and by "range". Here in NS, is different from most other provinces...stricter unfortunately. Private ranges have their own rules, and they will vary, but most will allow someone to shoot under your direct supervision. At at least some ranges, a guest can only come twice, and then they must join. There is generally a fee for insurance...my indoor range has just upped it to $10 for guests.

DNR ranges are another story altogether, and are now off-limits to anyone who is not either 1) in possession of a WRC number (Wildlife Resources card), or 2) has not signed a waiver, in person, at a DNR office. The good news, is that your friend will only have to sign it once, and then can come with you any time after that. The bad news is, that the DNR range, at least the one I go to, was thrashed over the winter by idiots who shot up everything from the shell-casing trash buckets and the target frames, to the shooting benches themselves. I don't know if the DNR employees have made repairs yet - although I have offered to volunteer.

As you probably know, a WRC, or the signing of the waiver EACH time, is required for those making the booking. You then are the de facto "range officer" for any and all guests you bring. But the guests must either have a WRC card, or have signed the waiver at least once.

From the gov't site:

""1. I do not have a Wildlife Resources Card (WRC).

You cannot sign the Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims or making a booking online without a Wildlife Resources Card. Your options are:
1) Order your Wildlife Resources Card
2 Go into a DNR District Office during regular business hours, sign the Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims and make your booking in person. You will need to do this EACH TIME you make a booking. ""

PITA, but since you have a card, you CAN book and "sign" online.

Your friend, however, will have to go in person to a DNR office:


"" To add someone to your party:

1) You need their WRC number (or),
2) They must have signed their Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims sometime previously. ""

http://novascotia.ca/natr/srbs/HowTo.asp


We have some pretty strict laws here in NS, as has been discussed ad nauseum on here, lol...
The only good thing about it, is that I find it very nice to have the range to myself, or just my wife and I. But that's just IMHO.

 

[Jesse_L_B]

My son was 5 1/2, started with a single shot .22 now his favorite to shoot is my 597 VTR with a red dot. I will always remember the first time shooting with a scope, I set up clay birds at the 50m range and said for each one he broke I would give him a buck. After three shots he was up three dollars, after five bucks we just shot for fun.

 

[skimmer]

I was started with a .22 when I was about 6. I've loved shooting ever since, and the trips to the range are some of my favorite father-son memories.

I'd start the kid early so you can really impress your safety advise upon the young mind.