The actual regulation that sets out these rules is Ontario Regulation 665/98 (Hunting) made under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997. The pertinent sections are 69 and 70:
69. The classes of firearm set out in column 2 of the Table to this section, each consisting of the firearms set out in column 3, are prescribed for the purpose of this Regulation and Ontario Regulation 670/98 (Open Seasons — Wildlife) as the classes of firearm that a person may use or carry to hunt deer or moose.
70. A person who hunts deer or moose shall not use or carry a firearm unless the firearm is of a class specified for use during the open season applicable to the species, person and area in Ontario Regulation 670/98 (Open Seasons — Wildlife). O. Reg. 581/99, s. 4.
So, in answer to your questions:
Q1. Is it legal to carry more than one gun at a time?
Generally, yes, as long as each gun being carried is of a type allowed for hunting moose or deer, as the case may be, during the season in which you are carrying the guns. For example, during a shotgun season for deer, you may carry two (or more) shotguns. However, you could not carry a shotgun and a rifle, even if the rifle was a .22 for hunting small game.
There are some exceptions. If you are hunting migratory birds, you may only have one shotgun that is loaded and unencased. You may have a second shotgun, but it must be unloaded and in a case.
If you are hunting with an apprentice hunter, the mentor and apprentice are restricted to a single firearm between them.
Q2. Can one carry a shotgun for small game and a rifle for large game simultaneously?
Yes, provided that it is a deer or moose season that allows for the use of a rifle. (If you are bear hunting, there is no restriction on the types of firearms that you may carry for hunting.)
Q3. Can one carry a 12gauge shotgun loaded with slugs or buckshot and have birdshot in their pocket for small game in case the opportunity arises?
Yes, provided that it is a moose or deer season that allows the use of shotguns.
Q4. Can one carry more than one muzzle loader at a time loaded?
Yes, subject to the exception for apprentice hunters mentioned in Q1 above.
Q5. Can one have a .22 cal for small game while bow hunting for large game?
This depends on which season for moose or deer you are hunting in. If it is a moose or deer season that is restricted to the use of bows, then you may not carry a rifle of any type while hunting moose or deer. Same for a deer season that allows the use of shotguns and bows, but not rifles. If it is a moose or deer season that allows the use of rifles as well as bows and you are choosing to hunt the big game species with a bow, you could carry the .22 for small game. If you are hunting bear, you may carry a .22 for small game while hunting bear (as long as you are licensed for bear).
I trust this answers your questions.
Sincerely,
David Critchlow
David Critchlow
Provincial Enforcement Specialist
Policy, Standards and Training Section
Enforcement Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
(705) 755-1437 (705) 755-1437
