night vision while hunting

P

Pyd

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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Ontario
What does the law say about being in possession of night vision while hunting? Being in a stand an hour or so before sun up, it would be interesting to watch over a field while it is still dark.
 
As long as your gun or bow is in the case before/after legal shooting hours, no issue. If its a night vision rifle scope and you have one in the chamber, thats another story. I have sat out sometimes after dark and watch deer. They are supremely more confident after dark, even if they know you are there they will come and check you out. It works best on clear nights with a good moon. On a true dark night, I can't see very far with my old night owl monocular.
 
I wrote to the ministry of natural resources here in Ontario about hunting with a rifle that has a night vision scope mounted on it to really take advantage of the dusk/dawn times and they said that it was perfectly legal as long as you don't have it out of the case before or after the legal time of day.

This is the response I got when I asked if it was legal to use night vision scopes during the legal daily hunting times and the rifle would be cased to and from during the other times.

"There is nothing in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act regarding optics and what is legal or illegal. As far as MNR is concerned you may use"

Ian
 
Thanks guys!
It is a night vision scope, but it will not be mounted to a firearm. I typically only participate in archery hunting anyways.
I got a great deal on a Gen3 scope, and wanted to bring it hunting to add something new to the long, quiet wait in the dark.
 
We have a few options in stock for those who go after racoons, coyotes and other night time critters.

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I've been stopped by C.O.'s while walking in as well as walking out of the bush with my NV goggles on and the most I get is "do those really work?" lol then the usual show and tell ensues... No problem in Ontario at all..
 
Saw this topic and thought 'what a great question, been wondering the same thing myself.
I really need to stop posting while I'm drinking.. I started the thread..
I did get in touch with the MNR and have nothing new to add, they do not discriminate from one optic to another.
 
We bring a couple sets each season. My hunting partner and I leave very early (0400hrs) to hike into our spots before sun-up. Great for the walk in, and once in place, super for checking the area for movement prior to "un-casing the gun" time.
 
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