New and looking for help on PTC

[Fred@Hutchinson.net]

I am a Free Miner in BC and spend a lot of time by myself in the back country prospecting for minerals of various types. I usually pack a fair load of stuff and have often thought it would be good to have a double action revolver or auto handgun for protection against some wildlife. My Winchester 1300 is good, but takes up room and is double the weight of my 44 Redhawk. I have been told by some that it is legal for me to pack a handgun with me, but from what I have read thus far I think I still need a Permit To Carry from my Chief Firearms Officer.
Can anyone clue me in on this and let me know any particulars that will make my application be accepted. From what I have read, if the application is refused, there is no appealing the decision... no means No!

 

[icedog]

You are correct in that you still require a permit to carry. I had a similar sort of issue a number of years ago when running a trapline. The response was that I could carry a rifle for protection and dispatch if I felt it was required. You may want to ask your question in the "legalese" section of the firearms discussion forum. You're likely to attract more readers there, and hopefully someone will be able to offer advice which will increase you chances of getting an application approved. Good luck!

 

[sunray]

There is a B.C. 'Wilderness Carry' permit. Couldn't find anything about it on the B.C. goverment site though. There is an printable application on the CFC site. Proof of firearm training is required.
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/online-en_ligne/form-assistance/PDFs/680_e.pdf
Mind you, it asks for an employer's name. Are you self-employed and working full time as a prospector? Ontario requires that. I don't know how it works in B.C. A phone call to your CPFO wouldn't hurt.
1 800-731-4000
Chief Firearms Officer
British Columbia and Yukon
Suite 400, 10470 152 Street
Surrey, BC V3R 0Y3
Fax: (604) 586-2402
Your .44 would be your best bet if a shotgun is too bulky. Forget any reasonably sized semi-auto. A .45 ACP isn't enough for PO'd bears of any flavour. A .44 mag Desert Eagle requires huge hands and is horrendously expensive. They're heavy too. Four pounds. Your Ruger is 1 pound less and without needing expensive mags.
A good holster is essential. Look into an Uncle Mike's ballistic nylon hip holster. Inexpensive, light weight and tough.