Handgun Hunting

A somewhat moot point, since you cannot actually discharge a handgun in the woods, anyway.
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You could get an att for it. They allow miners and trappers to carry, and to discharge in defense of their lives. It would be just as easy to issue an att saying "for hunting purposes only in during an open season", etc.

It DOES have to start with the provinces. If even one or two do it - it's the crack in the dam that eventually leads to it bursting.

As of this time, it's still illegal to hunt with a handgun in bc. But i think it's something we should push for. It'll take a bit, because of course they'll want to 'think' about what cartridges will be allowed for what game ( i doubt anyone wants to see moose shot with a 38 or 9mm) but if we push we can probably get it.

I DO think that will open a lot of doors.
 
CILA-1 said:
CSSA/CILA has been pushing the issue for years. Almost got it at one point too. The problem is two fold. ATTs can be issued for "any good and sufficient reason" but the law says a restricted can only be fired on an approved range. As well, most provinces prohibit hunting with a pistol. Double whammy. Really hard to break through on this one.

Tony
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OK Tony, I'll bite. Where/how/when did you almost get it? Any history would be appreciated.

Is it a lost cause or with a really good fight (and the CPC in power) there is a possiblilty that some day it could happen?

Do not all provinces prohibit hunting with a handgun at this time?
 
I recall when it was legal to hunt with a handgun. That was prior to 1969. Whenever my uncles or father and I went for a walk around my grandparents farm in Essex county a handgun was with us and used on rabbits or phesants.
Martin can say handguns aren't used for hunting because the Feds stopped it years ago. Since they stopped it, then no one needs a handgun. Yes, it is circular reasoning.
I'm in favour of using them for hunting but I don't have time for my rifles let alone my handguns.
 
Foxer said:
You could get an att for it. They allow miners and trappers to carry, and to discharge in defense of their lives. It would be just as easy to issue an att saying "for hunting purposes only in during an open season", etc.

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From what I understand, the ATC's are for defense purposes only, and youaren't supposed to be out plinking or hunting with your defense sidearm.:)

But yeah, I guess that is correct. You coudl get one issued for any lawful purpose. if we can convince them to do it.

It may be the best way is to go aftyer legalizing is styarting with rimfire handguns for grouse/rabbits/pests/gophers etc.

My reaosning is that there are alot of old school hunters out there who think that the idea of shootign a deer with a handgun is unethical, stupid blah blah blah, just because they lack the skills to do it. But just baout everyne woudl like to carry a .22 for grouse in addition to thier rifle.:)
 
It may be the best way is to go aftyer legalizing is styarting with rimfire handguns for grouse/rabbits/pests/gophers etc.
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That may well be a 'door opener'. Even the guys who don't like handgun hunting as a concept concede they'd like a pistol for grouse while they're out and about.
 
Yeah, totally man... the reason I got my restricted (before I knew handguns couldnt be used for hunting) was, I wanted to carry my 30-06 for deer, and keep a .22 revolver on my hip for grouse on the way back to the car at the end of the day!

Oh well. Guess the grouse get a free ride.
 
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Who would we write to in the government, the Attorney General or the Minister of Enviornment?
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Well its technically now the environmental stewardship division of the ministry of the environment.

But i think maybe i'll contact the BCWF on monday and ask them if they've had any dealings or feedback from the gov't on the matter. The resolution to support handgun hunting was apperently passed by an overwhelming majority - but it's possible that the gov't didn't have time to act on it for this years regulations (it is a slightly complex issues - what animals can be hunted, what guns can be used in what cartridge, etc). If they're actually making some headway we can target a letter campaign to support their actions more effectively and acheive better results. The BCWF holds a HELL of a lot of weight with the ministry.
 
You got my vote. I say it will never happen in Canada but what do I know, I never thought I would be hunting turkey in Ontario. Throw spring bear in too.
 
This will have to start with one of the provinces allowing HG for hunting. That would put pressure on the feds to allow the addition of hunting to the ATT rules. It is actually not a major change on paper, but a major change for the picture of HG in Canada. Best to start pressuring BC and Alberta wildlife to make the changes.
 
Besides not being able to get an ATT are there any provinces that don't specificly ban handgun hunting? The way I understand it the provinces would allow it because there are no ATTs and you can't get an ATT to do something illegal.
 
I'm interested too. I've read up on guys in the US taking black bears with 10mm... I don't think I'd have the balls to go after a bear with a handgun, but maybe a deer....
 
Ok, I didn't realize there is a provincial side to this as well. I have written my federal MP on this subject. Who would I write to provincially? (In Alberta)
 
Ok, I didn't realize there is a provincial side to this as well. I have written my federal MP on this subject. Who would I write to provincially? (In Alberta)
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It's ALL about the provincal side. The feds can do nothing till the province opens the door.

Now i'm not sure what the name is for the alberta wildlife federation, but that's who i'd talk to first. In bc it's BCWF, in ontario it's OFAH, there'll be an albertan equivilant. See if they've ever put anything forward. you'll likley need their blessings to get a law changed.

The other group of course is the alberta gov't ministry in charge of hunting. Call them and talk to them.
 
Why I am not surprised that this discussion took really healthy course? It is educational and hopefully will yield some results. What I would like to see this grow into is an action CGN item that will be pursued in following moths (years) pushed up to authorities by all provinces simultaneously one day. We have to answer so many questions, and make list of action items to be followed and coordinated. It will show determination and interest. We have to get everyone on the same page. Even anglers community (to the certain extent) should be interested at least in some provinces. Just to have another legitimate purpose to own and use HG would be a major victory for all of us, especially for handgun community. That would lay major foundation stone for the future. Any government would have a great deal of pain even trying to ban handguns second time around, because it would not be just target shooters who would complain and try to oppose.
Second thought is that caliber limitation for season would not be a good idea as someone mentioned to be proposed. I want to se no caliber restriction on a small game especially. That would once and for all time - definitely kill “Bear Defense” thread as well as “Wilderness Carry” thread on this forum.

Wouldn’t that only be achievement to be proud of?

Keep the good posts coming, it maybe a start of something good.

THANKS
 
Second thought is that caliber limitation for season would not be a good idea as someone mentioned to be proposed.
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Most places that have handgun hunting as near as i can determine have some restrictions on cartridge and barrel length. It would take one guy out there trying to take a moose with a 9mm to sour the deal. Remember, we're also fighting a fair number of hunters who have severe reservations about handgun hunting.

Small game would likely not be an issue - there are already restrictions, and i suspect that will be sufficient.
That would once and for all time - definitely kill “Bear Defense” thread as well as “Wilderness Carry” thread on this forum.
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I thought you were trying to gain SUPPORT for this? :)

Hey, even if it were legal i'd still rather have a shotgun or 45-70 than a handgun if it came to it.
 
svt-40 said:
You can hunt with untique handguns if I am not mistaken.
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It would be nice if you can back it up wit some hard evidence, or is it just some speculation of yours based on some loopholes. Either case, can you provide some more concrete?
 
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