Legality Question

G

Gabe97

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Kelowna BC
Hey everyone, long time lurker first time poster

I have been hunting since I was about 18/19 (family/friends don't hunt so had to get myself into it on my own). At that time I got my PAL and started buying rifles and going out target shooting (standing, sitting, laying, etc.) to get my aim on point out to 200ish yds before I decided to try hunting and get my CORE done. Recently I've gotten very into archery and bowhunting, adds a whole new challenge and I find it very rewarding.

My current girlfriend has her AB hunting licence and just transferred it to a BC hunting licence since thats where we live, however she does not have her PAL.
She wants to get into archery with me and start off with a crossbow (to reduce the learning curve) so she can come out hunting with me asap, then later get a proper compound and PAL.

My question is, if we are just going out for grouse/rabbits along FSR's, and it is no longer archery-only season, can she use her crossbow with small game tips while I use my .22 or 20ga? Or will we/she get into trouble if we come across a conservation officer due to her not having a PAL (even though she wouldn't be using the rifle, only her crossbow)?

Thanks all!
 
Hi, thank you for replying but that wasn't really my question.
I know that there is no worry about her hunting with a bow since you dont need a PAL only a hunting licence
And I know that I can look at the regs and see what bow poundage is needed and what can be hunted by bow etc. legally

My question is will she be in any trouble for not having a PAL if we go hunting together and I have a rifle and she has her bow? Ie. the Conservation officer has no idea if we are just using the bow for "show" while she uses my rifle to hunt while not licenced.
 
You are all good - even if she uses the rifle / shotgun - you just have to be in "direct" control / supervision, which typically translates to within arms reach.

We all teach our wives / kids / husbands to shoot before they have PALs, nothing illegal about it at all. Just make certain you can reasonably demonstrate that you are in direct control / directly supervising. IE don't let her bail out the passenger side with the firearm while you get out the drivers side and walk around.
 
Thank you! Good to know! I never had that opportunity myself, had to wait until I was old enough to apply for my PAL and then wait to actually get it then I could finally begin.
 
Everything you need to know is in the B.C. Hunting Regulations.
You're going to need some serious brain hard drive to remember it all.
Pack reg's with you and when yer bored, read them again and again.
 
Did you challenge your PAL, or take an actual course? If you took an actual course, the instructor should have covered this information. One of the main things in the course should be clarifying when a PAL is required.
 
kamlooky said:
Everything you need to know is in the B.C. Hunting Regulations.
You're going to need some serious brain hard drive to remember it all.
Pack reg's with you and when yer bored, read them again and again.
Click to expand...

Not anymore, at least with regards to the OP’s question. I seem to remember the bc synopsis mentioning non pal holders having to be in direct supervision but it no longer talks about this, at least I couldn’t find it.

Anyway OP, as long as she has her hunting license and you hav a pal she’s fine to be out hunting with you, as mentioned she can even use your gun under your direct supervision.
 
Gabe97 said:
Hey everyone, long time lurker first time poster

I have been hunting since I was about 18/19 (family/friends don't hunt so had to get myself into it on my own). At that time I got my PAL and started buying rifles and going out target shooting (standing, sitting, laying, etc.) to get my aim on point out to 200ish yds before I decided to try hunting and get my CORE done. Recently I've gotten very into archery and bowhunting, adds a whole new challenge and I find it very rewarding.

My current girlfriend has her AB hunting licence and just transferred it to a BC hunting licence since thats where we live, however she does not have her PAL.
She wants to get into archery with me and start off with a crossbow (to reduce the learning curve) so she can come out hunting with me asap, then later get a proper compound and PAL.

My question is, if we are just going out for grouse/rabbits along FSR's, and it is no longer archery-only season, can she use her crossbow with small game tips while I use my .22 or 20ga? Or will we/she get into trouble if we come across a conservation officer due to her not having a PAL (even though she wouldn't be using the rifle, only her crossbow)?

Thanks all!
Click to expand...

As long as your hunting licenses are in order and you're following local regulations you will be fine.
Under the Firearms Act, people who don't hold pals are actually allowed to use firearms while they are under DIRECT supervision of a PAL holder. Emphasis on direct. Most people, including natural resources officers who will stop you, will consider the length of your arm to be as far as she can get away from you while holding the gun.
This is all irrelevant if she's not actually planning on using the firearm. If she isn't planning on even touching it, it should be no problem to begin with. But if she does want to try it out, remember, keep within her within arms reach.

TL;DR
There is no problem at all if she not does plan on using the gun.
If you plan on letting her use your gun, stay within arms reach of her.
She also shouldn't be carrying any of your ammo.
 
Can you just "transfer" an out of province hunting license without taking the CORE?? I tried doing that about 20 years ago when I moved to BC and there were no ways around it, had to do the CORE before getting a BC hunting license.
 
bcsteve said:
Can you just "transfer" an out of province hunting license without taking the CORE?? I tried doing that about 20 years ago when I moved to BC and there were no ways around it, had to do the CORE before getting a BC hunting license.
Click to expand...

"If" you have the docs in hand showing you did a hunter training course in another province then they will accept that now and give you a FWID without taking the CORE course.
 
Paul_T is right, she had her documentation from taking the Alberta equivalent, and they just gave her a FWID. Only took day it was super quick and easy.
 
As long as she has a hunting license and isn't left unsupervised, I would think you're fine. The trouble will come if you're carrying 2 guns, or if she is handling the gun without you being right next to her.

I use the term "gun" because in some provinces a bow or crossbow is still considered a firearm in the hunting regs. You do not need a PAL for a bow though, they consider a centrefire, rimfire, shotgun and pellet gun > 500fps a "gun" in the regs. For those you need a PAL or to be under th direct supervision of someone with a PAL.
 
People need to stop repeating this “arm’s length” stuff. There is nothing in written law that states a maximum length of distance apart to be considered in or out of “direct control”. If the person can hear you talking without an amplification device and will listen to directions you are fine.

Carry 17 rifles if you want along with you crossbow, 100% legal. Carry 1 yourself and have her wheel the other 16 in a golf cart, completely legal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom