Can you "ghost load?"

The UNLESS makes the statement before it non applicable, if you can't fit more than three rounds in the chamber and magazine combined.
You're more then welcome to contact Randy Forsyth 306.975.4087 CWS (SK) Wildlife Enforcement directly and debate it with him (I know I have).
 
Last edited:
You're more then welcome to contact Randy Forsyth
CWS (SK) Wildlife Enforcement directly and debate it with him (I know I have).

It sounds like he isn't interested in enforcing the law as written, but prefers to make up his own versions instead. I have been checked by F&W officers in both Alberta and Saskatchewan, while hunting waterfowl, and every officer checked our guns the exact same way, by inserting a dowel into the magazine to verify that the magazine would hold only two rounds, as stated in the regulations below:

unless the capacity of the gun has been reduced to three shells in the magazine and chamber combined, by means of the cutting off or the altering or plugging of the magazine with a one-piece metal, plastic or wood filler that cannot be removed unless the gun is disassembled; or

As for the statement below:

with a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells

That statement would make almost every single pump action or semi auto shotgun illegal to use for hunting migratory birds, UNLESS the magazine was plugged to hold only two rounds. Perhaps that is why the regulation uses that wording that it does.
 
Last edited:
It sounds like he isn't interested in enforcing the law as written, but prefers to make up his own versions instead. I have been checked by F&W officers in both Alberta and Saskatchewan, while hunting waterfowl, and every officer checked our guns the exact same way, by inserting a dowel into the magazine to verify that the magazine would hold only two rounds, as stated in the regulations below:
I agree with you and was debating with Randy the same point that both Fed and SK regs say essentially the same thing, a shotgun can only be capable of 2 in the mag and 1 in the pipe - nothing about 1 on the carrier.
 
I agree with you and was debating with Randy the same point that both Fed and SK regs say essentially the same thing, a shotgun can only be capable of 2 in the mag and 1 in the pipe - nothing about 1 on the carrier.

The wording is very clear, and to the point, if they want it to mean something else, then they need to change the wording.
 
Reading the federal regulations one statement stands out:



Although you can get four rounds to function in some actions, only two rounds are actually in the magazine , and only one round is actually in the chamber, for a total of three rounds in these two locations combined. Therefore, would any laws actually be broken if the fourth round was not in either location?

Yes no 4th round period not in your hand or on a holder on the stock of the gun either.. I have done enough guiding over the years to see many dudes charged for not having the plug in their guns to limit to three shells total. Doesn't matter what province they are located. Americans were real bad for arriving with no plugs. In the later years the guy I helped out even sold them and had every gun checked prior to heading to the blind. They also don't like any plug that you can take the mag cap off and it falls out and will want it changed from my experiences
Would not be the 1st time they hid in a hedge roll and counted how many rounds were fired in a rally, 3 boys best fire only 9 rounds or you have serious problems.
We can twist the words all we want and say not clear, but it doesn't matter. Anyone that has hunted waterfowl knows it is three max touching the gun regardless where and one best not try to play games with wording or will be charged. That is a given.
If one doesn'r believe this ask that “Fallin’ Skies” duck hunter Jeff Foiles what the 4th shell did for him. That is how his problem all started. take care
 
Last edited:
no 4th round period not in your hand or on a holder on the stock of the gun either..

Could you please point out where either the federal or provincial regulations state this, or anything even remotely close for that matter?

They also don't like any plug that you can take the mag cap off and it falls out and will want it changed from my experiences

I have hunted with Remington 870s, that meet that description, and not once has an officer seemed the slightest bit concerned about it.

Would not be the 1st time they hid in a hedge roll and counted how many rounds were fired in a rally, 3 boys best fire only 9 rounds or you have serious problems.

In order for that to hold up, they would have to be 100% sure that none of the hunters slid a fourth round into the gun as he was firing. It's quite easy to do, and unless you were very close by, you wouldn't be able to know for sure that it didn't happen.

We can twist the words all we want and say not clear, but it doesn't matter.

I wasn't twisting any words, I was taking them exactly as they are written. The wording is actually very clear.

Anyone that has hunted waterfowl knows it is three max touching the gun regardless where and one best not try to play games with wording or will be charged. That is a given.

It doesn't matter what someone thinks that he knows, all that matters is the regulations as written, and I see no regulation at all that stipulates that only three rounds can be touching the gun. Once again, I challenge you to produce a regulation that stipulates this.
 
...It doesn't matter what someone thinks that he knows, all that matters is the regulations as written, and I see no regulation at all that stipulates that only three rounds can be touching the gun. Once again, I challenge you to produce a regulation that stipulates this.

I understand your point and actually agree with you about the wording...it is a loop hole as it is curently written. However, I also know that the way the law works...if you do get caught with that 4th round ghost loaded in the gun...even if you are technically right you will be held guilty and lose your firearms and your right to hunt until you pay a lawyer some big $$$ to prove your innocence. And then they'll just re-word the written law! Despite the way that law is written right now, we all know that what they mean is no more than a total 3 shot capacity in the shotgun.

Now if you, or someone else, wants to take the chance and challenge the wording by ghost loading a 4th rounds in your guns then by all means do so! The day you get caught and the years you spend fighting the system, I'll be out hunting getting triples, reloading and waiting for the next bunch to come in and then start all over!!! ;)
 
I understand your point and actually agree with you about the wording...it is a loop hole as it is curently written. However, I also know that the way the law works...if you do get caught with that 4th round ghost loaded in the gun...even if you are technically right you will be held guilty and lose your firearms and your right to hunt until you pay a lawyer some big $$$ to prove your innocence. And then they'll just re-word the written law! Despite the way that law is written right now, we all know that what they mean is no more than a total 3 shot capacity in the shotgun.

Now if you, or someone else, wants to take the chance and challenge the wording by ghost loading a 4th rounds in your guns then by all means do so! The day you get caught and the years you spend fighting the system, I'll be out hunting getting triples, reloading and waiting for the next bunch to come in and then start all over!!!

I don't load more than three rounds in any of my shotguns, in fact, I usually hunt with one of my many O/U shotguns. My point is that the way the regulations are worded, they do as you say, create a loophole. As to how a judge would rule if you ended up charged, and in court, well that would depend on the judge. The wording is so precise, that at least in Alberta, there is a good chance that the judge would rule in your favor. Here in Alberta, we used to have a rule that in some WMUs a bull elk must have at least five points at least three inches long coming off of one main beam. A hunter was charged because the main beam did not project at least three inches past the fifth point. The judge ruled in the hunters favor because according to the wording, the elk was in fact legal, even though the prosecutor argued that the intent of the law was that each point including that main beam had to be at least three inches long. The wording of the regulation was changed as a result, but the hunter did not lose his hunting privileges, or pay any fine. He also did not hire a high priced layer, or have his hunting gear seized.

As for those supposed regulations about it not being legal to have more than three rounds touching the gun, or not being able to have a fourth round in your hand, I challenge anyone to find any regulation to that effect.
 
I don't load more than three rounds in any of my shotguns, in fact, I usually hunt with one of my many O/U shotguns. My point is that the way the regulations are worded, they do as you say, create a loophole. As to how a judge would rule if you ended up charged, and in court, well that would depend on the judge. The wording is so precise, that at least in Alberta, there is a good chance that the judge would rule in your favor. Here in Alberta, we used to have a rule that in some WMUs a bull elk must have at least five points at least three inches long coming off of one main beam. A hunter was charged because the main beam did not project at least three inches past the fifth point. The judge ruled in the hunters favor because according to the wording, the elk was in fact legal, even though the prosecutor argued that the intent of the law was that each point including that main beam had to be at least three inches long. The wording of the regulation was changed as a result, but the hunter did not lose his hunting privileges, or pay any fine. He also did not hire a high priced layer, or have his hunting gear seized.

As for those supposed regulations about it not being legal to have more than three rounds touching the gun, or not being able to have a fourth round in your hand, I challenge anyone to find any regulation to that effect.

Oh yes everything is different in Alberta. This is not elk and all laws have loop holes. One thing for sure Federal Migratory Bird Regulations are not different in any province
Give your interpertation and try and start floating a 4th round and give that old Alberta judge you talk about a challenge ;);).Me I know if you Put in a 4th shell and get caught or be ready with one in your hand and get caught you will be posting your account info to let us know where to send the money we collect to help with your legal bills.
Challenge them not me, I didnot write the regs but do understand exactly what they mean . I have been in many a blind where individuals have been charged for capacity issues and never heard of one having the charges dropped. HAVE YOU???I am sharing what I have been told by many DNR officers and seen in over 45 years of hunting waterfowl and guiding for 1/2 those years. Go check on the waterfowl forms all kinds of this talk years ago about the 4th round you think you found something new???. In the end they all say the same illegal period. Let us know how you make out with the judge. VLT79 has it right

Call and ask if you think you are right . I did just for you

Cannot use a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is properly plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun with common hand tools, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells total.
What about mag cap removal only to remove plug. No mag cap removal is not classed as a disassembly and warnings will be issued for non permanent plugs followed by charges if not replaced with permanent ones

Find that in the regs but guess what if this dude pays your blind a visit
 
Last edited:
youtube-logo2.jpg
Yes DILIGAF, I too was going to ask, but felt a quick couple seconds would save me countless threads there about nothing.
Not to mention all these you tube heroes doing videos in their bedrooms in mom and dads house ...so coolio . NOT !
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
Oh yes everything is different in Alberta. This is not elk and all laws have loop holes. One thing for sure Federal Migratory Bird Regulations are not different in any province
Give your interpertation and try and start floating a 4th round and give that old Alberta judge you talk about a challenge ;);).Me I know if you Put in a 4th shell and get caught or be ready with one in your hand and get caught you will be posting your account info to let us know where to send the money we collect to help with your legal bills.
Challenge them not me, I didnot write the regs but do understand exactly what they mean . I have been in many a blind where individuals have been charged for capacity issues and never heard of one having the charges dropped. HAVE YOU???I am sharing what I have been told by many DNR officers and seen in over 45 years of hunting waterfowl and guiding for 1/2 those years. Go check on the waterfowl forms all kinds of this talk years ago about the 4th round you think you found something new???. In the end they all say the same illegal period. Let us know how you make out with the judge. VLT79 has it right

Call and ask if you think you are right . I did just for you

Cannot use a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is properly plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun with common hand tools, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells total.
What about mag cap removal only to remove plug. No mag cap removal is not classed as a disassembly and warnings will be issued for non permanent plugs followed by charges if not replaced with permanent ones

Find that in the regs but guess what if this dude pays your blind a visit
As posted previously, I challenge you to show me a regulation stating that it is illegal to have more than three rounds touching the gun, or to have a fourth round in your hand.
 
As posted previously, I challenge you to show me a regulation stating that it is illegal to have more than three rounds touching the gun, or to have a fourth round in your hand.

Oh so now it is just touching the gun and the one in the hand we are making some progress. THE 4TH FLOATER what happened to that so is that not legal NOW. Man you change your mind more than my wife. Give up the foolishness and call your DNR Or stick in a 4th floater if you like breaking the law. Have a good one and let me know how you make out when checked with a 4th in your gun or what the officer deems to be a 4th round ,on your gun, in your hand whatever. He hears 4 shots in a rally from you and you are toast. I just know what they do here and I have seen.
I'm done wasting time call the DNR and they will set you straight once and for all either by phone or in the blind some day when they find a 4th in your gun or they have heard you fire 4 rounds with no hesitation. Remember this post when you are walking home with no gun decoys or truck crying but that is not what it said in the regs, they are not clear. Clear to 99% of waterfowl hunters

Here. I had a group in one time from Ontario and one guy had his shooting glove rigged with an elastic loop to hold a 4th shell. I thought nothing of it since I had lots of shells in the loops on the front of my hunting jacket.
What I didnot know until maybe the second or third rally he was some slick with that glove combined with his browning gold auto load feature was getting off a 4th shot every rally. I was not sure so got him to stop. Two years later he was back and got charged with another guide. I asked the DNR at the time and now sharing what I was told. Is it written in the regs like that nope but .... you fire 4 consequent rounds in a waterfowl blind and they hear it or see it they won't care if the 4th was in your ass.
It won't be the TAKE EM BOYS I love to hollar
Come on fall :)

My apology to the OP for going off track . The original question however was fully covered in the initial 1st three pages before we all went hunting with ghost loads. take care
 
Last edited:
Side note and I don't know about Ontario but here it is also illegal to shoot any form of clay targets on private or crown land.


Ontario...

No it is not...MAYBE on crown land but I highly doubt it...but as long as you set it up safety there is no difference then target shooting, throwing pop can into the air to shoot or shooting winged game when you are shooting clays. Most clays nowadays are eco-friendly as well. It is 100% NOT ILLEGAL do to it on private land. That part makes no sense...if its legal to shoot there...its legal to shoot in any (safe) method with any non-restricted gun. its like saying you can hunt and shoot all you want in the bush...but are not allowed to take shots in the prone.
 
Ontario...

No it is not...MAYBE on crown land but I highly doubt it...but as long as you set it up safety there is no difference then target shooting, throwing pop can into the air to shoot or shooting winged game when you are shooting clays. Most clays nowadays are eco-friendly as well. It is 100% NOT ILLEGAL do to it on private land. That part makes no sense...if its legal to shoot there...its legal to shoot in any (safe) method with any non-restricted gun. its like saying you can hunt and shoot all you want in the bush...but are not allowed to take shots in the prone.

Thanks. Didnot think it would be but was not sure. Just another one of our wonderful NS requirements.
 
Oh so now it is just touching the gun

You are the one that posted that it was illegal.

Anyone that has hunted waterfowl knows it is three max touching the gun regardless where

no 4th round period not in your hand or on a holder on the stock of the gun either..

you fire 4 consequent rounds in a waterfowl blind and they hear it or see it they won't care if the 4th was in your ass.

And you have yet to show us any regulation that states that any of this is illegal.

It sounds like you have dealt with some officers that are trying to enforce supposed regulations that don't exist, but that doesn't make those so called regulations legal.

Thanks. Didnot think it would be but was not sure. Just another one of our wonderful NS requirements.

This kind of nonsense makes me appreciate living in Alberta.
 
Last edited:
This kind of nonsense makes me appreciate living in Alberta.

Gotta be careful with that one too as many counties have regulations that make it illegal to discharge a firearm within a certain distance of a dwelling or any other builiding for that matter...private property or not the law applies to all. I don't think it is one that is ever enforced once you get out beyond town or city limits though.
 
This kind of nonsense makes me appreciate living in Alberta.

Finally something we agree on. We have enough to deal with down here and don't need any poachers giving honest waterfowl hunters a black eye from discharging four rounds in a rally because the regs are not clear to them. OH yes and forget the try to enforce, you will be charged and it will stick in court
 
Back
Top Bottom