Discharge Firearm Other than Range

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Razorcavalry

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Hey I just got my Pal this January, it took me 6 months to get it, long story, anyway here is my question : can you discharge a firearm other than a range (I mean non-restricted firearm) without a hunting license? like forest? ;)
Ps: I keep forgetting ask the guys in gunshop so I come to the forum :bangHead:
 
Yes you can for the most part. There are a few Provinces that require a hunting license (Newfoundland for one I think) but I believe Ontario is not one of them. Here in BC I go out shooting in the bush all the time
 
I’m in BC as well and will comment on how it is here (but I’m sure this applies across the country)…

It is in your absolute best interest to familiarize yourself with the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for your province BEFORE you attempt shooting on "Crown Land." The synopsis will tell you very clearly where you can and can not shoot, legally.

Don’t be stupid like a lot of the other people here, pick up the regulations synopsis and keep it with you when in the bush. Memorize it.
 
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It's a good idea to have a GPS (with tracking enabled) on you too in case you have to prove where you were while shooting.
Prov Parks usually don't even allow guns in trunk less so shooting there too.
 
You can shoot NR on Crown or private land without a licence. You should not get into trouble if you can demonstrate that you are out target shooting and not hunting. I would give the local MNR and police office a heads up (if you are shooting at a sand or gravel pit, I don't think it's necessary). Also, make sure you have nothing that can be associated with hunting on you or in your car. A copy of the regs or better yet, a letter or even an E-mail from the local MNR office confirming that you can shoot would be great.

It is legal to shoot without having a licence in Ontario, but, like in every other walk of life, CO's and police do have their share of zealots and adzeholes.You could run into one that knows nothing about the fine points of the hunting regs or who believes that people should not be out shooting, so it's best to be prepared. The absolute best thing to do would be to have a licence. It would prevent any potential problems, but if you run into an adzehole, he or she will find a way to aggravate you regardless.
 
I'm from ontario like you and so I shoot mostly on crown land until I can get into a gun club. However when I go shooting I carry almost a binder of papers with me proving that it's 100% legal where I'm shooting just in cause I run into any of the fuzz because I know it will happen one day if they can get access to where I am lol.. Just be safe and make sure you know where your rounds are going. And have visible targets to make sure it doesn't look like your hunting.
 
This has been discussed many times. However, it depends on where you're shooting. Near you, most of the land is owned by somebody or there may be a no discharge by-law. No discharge by-laws apply on Crown Land too. Shooting on private land requires written permission from the land owner just to be there. Nearly all municipalities have their by-laws on their web site. Or call the municipality office during business hours and ask. Don't ask the police.
It's entirely up to you to know the local laws. The MNR decided long ago that their policy would be that hunting is the only reason to have a firearm in the bush. If you have no targets, you are assumed to be hunting. No law says that though. Also assumes a CO will stop you. Otherwise, if you have a range set up in a safe place and know exactly what is behind your back stop out to several miles/kilometers, you're fine out of a no discharge area.
 
And like some guy said above, I too believe it’s very much your benefit to get a hunting license. Get your it and cover your bases.
 
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