I'd suggest that you look the part and keep your gun low profile . Yes , you may have the right to carry the gun and the right to dress anyway you please but sometimes discretion is the better part of valor . Make sure you're hunting/shooting where it is legal to do so as anyone who lives close by probably knows that and won't call the law .
I carry a Glock on my hip for 7 months of the year in the bush and although it's rare for me to run into anyone else , it does happen . When i spot a berry picker , camper or canoeist i slide my fanny pack to cover the gun . Nothing seen , nothing said . Maybe sling your gun so that you can turn slightly so they can't get a good look at the gun .
I've had C.O.'s and OPP on ride alongs check me out and with permits in order , no problem , even though most of them have no idea an ATC can be issued to a civilian .
Look the part . If you're going hunting with a black rifle dressed like a Blackwater contractor , expect to be put through the wringer . Save that gear for the range . Wear blaze orange like everyother hunter and most hunting jackets have large pockets that will accomidate mags . Leave the tactical vests , plate carriers and mag pouches at home .
My camp and tent gun is a 14" 870 with a side saddle , pistolgrip stock and Surefire forend . That arouses more suspiscion that the Glock as every game warden and cop knows that any barrel under 18.5" is illegal . They are truely befuddled when i produce my registration slip that states , non-restricted .
When i'm out i look like the occupation typed on my ATC . If you look and dress like a hunter that should take care of any suspiscion that you are engaged in some ,'other', activity so now the only question will be the gun and your documentation satisfy's that .
As with my handgun , you will be asked for documentation , but that's usually no big deal , it's thier job .
I had one bad experience , once , and i wasn't doing anything wrong but i had cops at my door for a few minutes . I go discreet and low profile and give no one anything to worry about .
You have the right to carry and hunt with that rifle and maybe the right , depending upon your provincial hunting regs , to dress and gear up like an extra from Shadow Company but combined , that is gonna raise some eyebrows and set some alarm bells off in Ontario .
If approached by a LEO or CO i must assume a non-threatening position , hands away from my handgun , and identify that i'm legally carrying a registered restricted weapon on my right hip . If documentation is requested i advize that the paperwork is in my upper , left vest pocket and ask if he wishes me to retrieve it now . I move on his command . If he wishes to see my handgun i must tell him that it is loaded and will require unloading before i hand it over . On his command i unholster , drop the mag and pull the slide to empty the chamber and lock it back . These are requirements of my ATC . With 99% of CO's and LEO's probably believing that you are carrying a restricted or prohibited firearm it may be a good idea for you to follow the same procedure if confronted . In any case , be accomidating and follow instructions , even stupid ones . I know of fellows who have been told to hand over fully loaded weapons , which we know is unsafe , but do it as it's better than getting shot if you start arguing the point and the LEO is of the belief that you are stalling or refusing to hand over the gun .
A few years ago i took my shotgun , triggerlocked and in a locked case , to the local CO supervisor , showed it to him and showed him my non-restricted registration slip . I requested that before something dumb happens and we go to court maybe he could instruct his CO's that 14 inch barrelled pump shotguns are legal and i was getting a bit tired of threats by his officers to sieze it . No problems after that but when the OPP do a ride along with the CO's , those guys don't have a clue .
