Bear defence...what would you do?

amber2010

amber2010

CGN Regular
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Location
Stouffville, Ontario
Well I just heard of another bear attack near Timmins. This interested me because I am going to the same area where this happened next week on a fishing trip. So I called and left a message with the local MNR to ask a few questios. I'm waiting for a reply. My question is if I can carry my 12 GA with me when I go into some remote lakes or streams. Bear bangers and bear spray maybe fine for others but I want to protect my family if they don't work. I don't want to be a news feature on the 6 pm news. I have a small game licence so I think I can hunt skunk or crows to be legal. However I see that after June 15th some areas of Northern Ontario may be closed to this type of hunting. If they say no then I will ask them what the penalties/fines and/or repurcussions it would have on me if I took by gun anyways and then get stopped by MNR. I would weigh the penalties or charges against that of my personal safety and my family. Then make a decision.
Anybody have any suggestions or comments?
 
amber2010 said:
Anybody have any suggestions or comments?
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Yes.

1 - This is not a Firearms Politics News Article.
2 - 'Firearms Politics News Articles" section is for, you guessed it, Firearms Politics News Articles.
3 - Bear Defense Thursdays are on thursdays.
 
amber2010 said:
Well I just heard of another bear attack near Timmins. This interested me because I am going to the same area where this happened next week on a fishing trip. So I called and left a message with the local MNR to ask a few questios. I'm waiting for a reply. My question is if I can carry my 12 GA with me when I go into some remote lakes or streams. Bear bangers and bear spray maybe fine for others but I want to protect my family if they don't work. I don't want to be a news feature on the 6 pm news. I have a small game licence so I think I can hunt skunk or crows to be legal. However I see that after June 15th some areas of Northern Ontario may be closed to this type of hunting. If they say no then I will ask them what the penalties/fines and/or repurcussions it would have on me if I took by gun anyways and then get stopped by MNR. I would weigh the penalties or charges against that of my personal safety and my family. Then make a decision.
Anybody have any suggestions or comments?
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Apologies for posting to wrong forum. How do I repost to correct forum? If the moderator can do it , then can you go ahead. Sorry guys.
 
I asked because I've seen the question asked before. Lots of beating around the bush but the way she put it is if there's a hunting season, you need to have the license - which is b.s. because not all people who like to go into the bush are hunters. Anyways, make of it what you will - this is what I got out of them.

Cheers.

Niggles
Hello, I'm wondering what the laws are pertaining to hiking and bringing a firearm for protection.

Should one come across a hostile bear or the like it makes sense that one should be permitted to have the tools to protect oneself. However, I wouldn't want to break any laws so I'm asking before proceeding.

I can't find any information regarding this anywhere.

Basically; is protection of life a lawful reason to carry a firearm in the bush.

Please advise.

Thank you.
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MNR

Hello,



Thank you for your inquiry.



There is no general prohibition in provincial law against carrying a high-powered firearm in Ontario but in an area with an open hunting season you must carry a hunting licence valid for the open season species. You may not possess any firearm in most provincial parks except when and where hunting is permitted and you may never possess a firearm in a Crown Game Preserve.



If you feel it is necessary to carry a firearm for protection, it must be sufficient to dispatch an animal quickly and humanely. A firearm suitable for dispatching a black bear is a high-powered rifle in at least a .270 calibre or a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with rifled slugs. Rim-fire .22 rifles and small bore shotguns are unsuitable for dispatching large animals.



Section 109 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (FWCA) states that possession of a firearm in an area usually inhabited by wildlife is proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that the person was hunting. Anyone carrying a firearm for any reason other than hunting is required to clearly show that they were not hunting.



Carrying a firearm is not the best solution if you are truly concerned about black bear attacks. You may consider acquiring commercial bear deterrent devices like “bear bangers” and other noise making equipment or repellent sprays. These items can be effective in the very remote chance that you encounter a curious bear while you are camping or hiking and are also much safer than firearms for both bears and people.



We suggest speaking with enforcement personnel at the MNR District office nearest your area of interest for further information. A list of MNR offices and their contact information can be found online at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/ContactUs/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_179002.html.
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Niggles

Hello,

Firstly, thank you for the timely response - I do appreciate it.

I would like to get more into detail about one paragraph;

"Section 109 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (FWCA) states that possession of a firearm in an area usually inhabited by wildlife is proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that the person was hunting. Anyone carrying a firearm for any reason other than hunting is required to clearly show that they were not hunting."

How is one to prove that they are carrying for protection with no intention of hunting, if the required assumption of the officer has to be that the individual is hunting? It seems as though one could be charged quite easily for no wrong doing with this mindset. The officer surely isn't going to simply take someone's word for it, otherwise poachers would get away with their activities.

Thanks again.
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MNR

Hello,



The easiest way to do this would be to keep the firearm unloaded and encased at all times until the point when you would require it to protect yourself from an immediate threat.



Keep in mind that direct conflict with wildlife in Ontario is rare, and incidences of injury caused by wildlife to individuals who live, work and play in remote areas is extremely low.



We would not advise that carrying a firearm is the best solution if you are truly concerned about wildlife attacks. Your best option is to take every measure to deter wildlife from approaching you. For your reference, we have attached a fact sheet with tips on how to avoid encounters with black bears while enjoying the outdoors. Although the fact sheet is directed at black bears, the information is valuable for dealing with any wildlife species.



Again, we suggest speaking with enforcement personnel at the MNR District office nearest your area of interest for further information. A list of MNR offices and their contact information can be found online at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/ContactUs/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_179002.html.



We hope you have found this information helpful.
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Niggles said:
I asked because I've seen the question asked before. Lots of beating around the bush but the way she put it is if there's a hunting season, you need to have the license - which is b.s. because not all people who like to go into the bush are hunters. Anyways, make of it what you will - this is what I got out of them.

Cheers.

Niggles


MNR



Niggles



MNR
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Thanks and I see what you mean. I guess I'll have to ask them about the penalties. Looks like it's similar to home/personal defence in Canada. Very confusing and certainly leans toward supporting the "attacker' whatever or whoever it is.
 
Barthom said:
While we're out of topic anyway....What is your Avatar? And why do so many here use it?
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It is refrence to a former moderator here who acted in the best interest of the community and got the short end of the stick. To be fair he handled the situation poorly and that is why he has been banned, but we won't forget him.
 
If you have a small game license you can carry your gun, check and see what is in season. I always carry mine and have come accross both the MNR and OPP. No problem fox is open year around. I carry my shotgun.
 
Just keep it unladed and cased then while the bear is dragging you or a family member in to the bush buy the head calmly remove from the case load and shoot. Don't you love bureaucrats.
 
I bring my 12ga everywhere I go in the backcountry on canoe trips. I'm a woman, and a "senior citizen", and I travel alone (with my dog ). I have very seldom run into anybody from MNR, or CO's or OPP, or actually anybody out there, over more than 50 years of doin' this stuff. On the very rare occasions when I have run into one of 'em, not one EVER questioned why i had my gun with me, ever. Just to be on the safe side, i have always carried every possible applicable licence with me - small game, bear, deer, turkey whatever was in season, but never have been asked about those.



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