Hunting in Canada with Black Powder?

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Marmite

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Hello

In the fall I plan to hunt black bear in Ontario with a Kammerlader. I wish also to bring my Remington 1851 revolver with me too.I live in Norway.

Both guns are original and date from 1860.

Can I bring my guns to hunt with?

Am I allowed to bring projectiles for them?

How do I buy Powder and Caps?

Thank you for your help.

Mike
 
Mike, Yes you will allowed to hunt in Canada with your Kammerlader but the revolver will have to stay home. There is no hunting with pistols in Canada. You will need to contact the provincial department that looks after hunting in that province to see what you will need to do to hunt in that province, most likely a guide in addition to licenses. Each province may be different. Round balls will not be an issue to travel with on the airlines. If you do not wish the extra weight RBs can be had here as there a lot of people that cast. Powder and caps you cannot fly with but those are available here in Canada. You will also need to visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Firearms Program website https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/non-residents and read the instructions to bring your Kammerlader to Canada. You will also need to complete this form before you arrive but do not sign this form https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/2347/original/d369a605ac3363b569af5ea5dc40c88d.pdf . Good luck.
 
Thank you for your reply.

Can I bring my revolver to shoot with? I did not intend to hunt with it.

I did not think that antiques were classed as firearms in Canada?
 
Marmite said:
Thank you for your reply.

Can I bring my revolver to shoot with? I did not intend to hunt with it.

I did not think that antiques were classed as firearms in Canada?
Click to expand...

Mike;
you probably can legally but I would expect a lot of hassle that exceeds the pleasure of shooting it over here. I would also expect police and customs officials to have limited knowledge of firearms laws as applies to antiques and would treat it as if it were modern.

cheers mooncoon
 
Take a close look at the regulations for Ontario regarding the muzzleloader season if that is specifically what you are thinking. It's different in each province and I have no idea how any of them treat paper cartridge black powder breech loaders.

For the pistol it shouldn't be too difficult. American shooters come to shoots in Canada but not nearly as easily as a couple decades ago. Bring evidence of antique status such as FRT number or a generic letter that quotes the law and how your gun meets the criteria for antiques.

The number of the Canadian Firearms centre is:
1-800-731-4000. They should be able to help you with the process. Or might just tell you to talk to the border people ar the CBSA....

Hope it works out and you have a great trip. If nothing else works I bet you can find members here that will lend you guns, gear and anything else you need.
 
In some areas there are special seasons for muzzleloading rifles.
Your rifle being a breechloader, you would hunt with it during a regular firearm season, with a non-resident hunting license.
 
You actually could hunt with your antique revolver in Ontario. As far as I know, it’s the only province that allows it. The hunting regs state that you can hunt with a handgun that is neither restricted nor prohibited. The antique is neither. The intent was for a deer or moose hunter to harvest a grouse or other small game with an airgun without scaring off the main goal. It’s a loophole, but it is there. No concealed carry though. The gun, or it’s holster must be visible. That being said, you will encounter hassles trying to get your revolver into the country. Just the way it is here. Too many CBSA agents aren’t educated about this. With the proper paperwork and preparation, it could be done. But be prepared to spend a fair bit of time in customs, no matter what. Enjoy your bear hunt.
 
Do the ON hunting regs actually say you can hunt small game with an antique handgun?
Is it not the case that the regs state that you cannot hunt with a restricted or prohibited firearm? And because an antique firearm is neither restricted nor prohibited then by default it can be used? This was confirmed by the MNR - but that is not the same as the regs stating that you can.

Anyway, the OP could hunt with his Kammerlader during a regular firearm season. It would not be eligible for use during a special muzzleloading season. That it uses black powder is irrelevant.
 
Agreed. It isn’t a muzzleloader so the propellant is immaterial. Rifle season only. Also want to add that being a non resident he’ll need the services of a licensed guide. If it was me, I’d have the guide line up powder and caps well ahead of time. There have been some fairly substantial droughts on both lately. And yes, the regs don’t specifically say that you can hunt with an antique. It’s a loophole that is recognized by the MNR. It does satisfy the wording of the regs. Probably not the intent, but until they plug that hole it is legal.
 
When I had my shop, I got a panic call from an outfitter who had a muzzleloading hunter arrive from Europe, and desperately needed powder and caps. Fortunately I had some in my own cache (I didn't sell black powder) and was able to supply the hunter.
 
That is why it is important to have arrangements in place before arriving.

OP indicated he is planning to hunt bear in ON. Surely arrangements could be made for powder and caps. (I assume musket size). He can bring bullets and other inert supplies with him.
If he were to indicate where he will be hunting, it would facilitate making arrangements. Presumably he would be arriving at Pearson.
 
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Marmite said:
Thank you for your reply.

Can I bring my revolver to shoot with? I did not intend to hunt with it.

I did not think that antiques were classed as firearms in Canada?
Click to expand...

Seems like the popular opinion is that you need an outfitter to hunt - as mentioned probably best and least hassle to have them arrange (at least) powder and caps.

As to the revolver - probably more hassle than it is worth trying to get it in and out of Canada.... though another option might be to buy one (revolver) here :)
Being antiques we don't need licenses to purchase, you might find something nice or an upgrade to what you have ;)
 
That is a good work around. The market for antiques right now is ridiculously high, but it sounds like a once in a lifetime hunt, so…..If our friend from Norway absolutely can’t get powder and caps, send me a pm. I hate to see your hunt go south for the lack.
 
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