Waterfowl Hunting - Water Legalities - Question

44fordy

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Wrongtario
OK, my latest nightmare.

We spent our winter/spring/summer constructing our new duck blind. It is in a small bay on the Rideau River System.

We've hunted this bay for 7 years, with no problems. Around this bay there is a conservation area (walking trails, picnic tables blah blah) It's always been there as long as I can remember.

Now, when we were hunting this weekend, there were a couple guys in the bay, hunting the other side. Upon their departure, they came by and said "You can't hunt on that side....it's a conservation area....just letting you know as they will give you a fine!"

WTF???

Is the conservation area land AND water? The water (where we are) is part of the Rideau River system and would be subject to federal waterway regs by Transport Canada. I asked a CO in Kemptville about duck blinds prior to this and he said the waterway is federally regulated, so he knows nothing about the in's/out's of duck blinds. Not their jurisdiction and they're only interested in hunting permits, firearms licenses etc.

Trying to find information on this is like pulling teeth from a pit bull. Being government, nobody actually answers a phone!

So, I guess my question is ... well.... WTF do I do now???
Can a provincail conservation area trump federal regulations?
Is this what we call "Grey Area"?
Or are people hastled about being around there because it pisses off the bunny huggers walking on the path?

I'm stuck...really. I don't want to pick up any fines, but I really can't see me moving this duck blind... it's 8x8....kinda heavy too....

Anyway, any help from you nutz would be appreciated.
 
Phone the C.E.O. office in your region and give them the details. They will tell you if you are legal or not.

It could be a polite way of saying get lost by the other hunters. Check it out to be safe though.

Good luck.
 
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