Waterfowl Hunting - Spectators Allowed?

RangerPark

RangerPark

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Near Edmonton, AB
I have been enjoying waterfowl hunting in Alberta this year. I've been on 2 hunts so far and plan on many more. My father is visiting and he's never hunted a day in his life. Can I bring him along as a spectator? This would entail him being in the blind with me. However, I have no intention of having him shoot at all. He doesn't have a hunting license or even a PAL.

Would him being in the blind with me make him an active participant in the hunt, thus requiring him to have his hunting license? I'm not worried about the PAL part, he won't be doing any shooting.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Give him a camera to record the action.
Lots of guys go out and enjoy the events , sounds and smells of duck/goose hunting.
Just dont allow him to retrieve the birds,lol....
Even if the masses give you the go ahead here, check with your local CO's and get it straight from them.
Rob
 
Yup he is allowed to join you as long as he doesn't participate in the hunt. As long as he doesn't call, set decoys, man the flag......and so on. Hope you enjoy the day out with your dad.
 
1duckslayer said:
Yup he is allowed to join you as long as he doesn't participate in the hunt. As long as he doesn't call, set decoys, man the flag......and so on. Hope you enjoy the day out with your dad.
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Thanks everyone! I spoke to a local CO and this was pretty much his version. However, he also said that it would mostly be dependent on local officer discretion. Hunting is very broadly defined in the legislation, simply looking up and pointing out a flock coming in could be considered hunting. There was also a mention that taking photographs of wildlife could also be considered hunting. Not likely, but could still be. It's not the local COs I'm worried about, great guys all around, it's more the Federales that I'm worried about.
 
1duckslayer said:
Yup he is allowed to join you as long as he doesn't participate in the hunt. As long as he doesn't call, set decoys, man the flag......and so on. Hope you enjoy the day out with your dad.
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So I guess that means when you take a young child along as many of us do or many of us were introduced that way they are not allowed to help with decoys or pick up a downed bird or any number of things we do out there with the exception of carrying a gun or shooting? Show me a CO who would charge you or anyone else along on your hunt for participating in the experience? I have never yet seen that happen nor ever heard any CO issue any kind of warning for such. Any that checked us when newbies were along were always friendly and smiling and asked if the newbie was enjoying the experience. Not everything in life needs a warning label!!
 
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the spank said:
So I guess that means when you take a young child along as many of us do or many of us were introduced that way they are not allowed to help with decoys or pick up a downed bird or any number of things we do out there with the exception of carrying a gun or shooting? Show me a CO who would charge you or anyone else along on your hunt for participating in the experience? I have never yet seen that happen nor ever heard any CO issue any kind of warning for such. Any that checked us when newbies were along were always friendly and smiling and asked if the newbie was enjoying the experience. Not everything in life needs a warning label!!
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Easy there big boy........ you can step down off of your pulpit. The op asked the legalities and I provided them (which is the exact response he got from a C O ). I never stated my beliefs on the subject or what I thought a C O's reaction would be to scenario, or a scenario with a kid, just stated the letter of the law! You can preach to someone else from your high horse!!
 
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the spank said:
So I guess that means when you take a young child along as many of us do or many of us were introduced that way they are not allowed to help with decoys or pick up a downed bird or any number of things we do out there with the exception of carrying a gun or shooting? Show me a CO who would charge you or anyone else along on your hunt for participating in the experience? I have never yet seen that happen nor ever heard any CO issue any kind of warning for such. Any that checked us when newbies were along were always friendly and smiling and asked if the newbie was enjoying the experience. Not everything in life needs a warning label!!
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The law says they can't participate in the hunt. Full stop. Whether you believe a CO would act upon that law with regards to the actions you describe is wholly irrelevant to the Ops question.
 
RangerPark said:
Thanks everyone! I spoke to a local CO and this was pretty much his version. However, he also said that it would mostly be dependent on local officer discretion. Hunting is very broadly defined in the legislation, simply looking up and pointing out a flock coming in could be considered hunting. There was also a mention that taking photographs of wildlife could also be considered hunting. Not likely, but could still be. It's not the local COs I'm worried about, great guys all around, it's more the Federales that I'm worried about.
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There was a time the Feds where much more realistic in their expectations.
Once had a Fed CO in the blind with five shooters checking lic and bird count.
We needed five to fill the limit and a flock of Brant poured into the set.
Five shots, six birds for one over the limit.
Made the retrieve and offered the bird up as we knew we where over the limit.
The CO stopped for a second and said he would take it to the office for the Biologist ...
No fuss, no mess, no paper work issued or veiled threats of retribution.

Get out and have a Great Day with your Dad, he might not be there next year...
Rob
 
1duckslayer said:
Easy there big boy........ you can step down off of your pulpit. The op asked the legalities and I provided them (which is the exact response he got from a C O ). I never stated my beliefs on the subject or what I thought a C O's reaction would be to scenario, or a scenario with a kid, just stated the letter of the law! You can preach to someone else from your high horse!!
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I don't ride horses. Nor do I preach.
 
As a guide in MB, it's illegal to hunt while guiding for waterfowl, but you still have to have the Federal Migratory Bird permit, so there must be some sort of Environment Canada law if you're helping out but not hunting. Not sure how or if that applies in this case.
 
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