What gun sock/ case do you use for the dark

wheelin_ca said:
For walking in/out of the woods in the dark. I have multiple silicone socks, but was wondering if there something that maybe has a sling yet still can be thrown into a pocket when legal light hits.

what does everyone else use?
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I never worried about it , I don't get out of the vehicle until legal shooting time .
Everbody I know that quads in before legal light or hunts with a snowmobile simply leaves their gun unloaded .
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If I remember correctly some of the eastern provinces require a rifle to be cased when it’s not legal shooting light? Assuming that’s what you are referring to. Something like the solo hntr rifle cover might work for you. Easy to slip on and off and allows you to use your existing sling on the rifle.
 
I only cover my rifles when the weather is particularly harsh. I have a couple of Caldwell Fast Case Gun Covers for snowy days or heavy rain, which are open on the bottom so you can still use your normal sling setup. Over the years, I've encountered several conservation officers in the field during early morning hours, but I've never been asked to inspect my rifle. On rare occasions they've requested to check all my tags, but they've never seemed concerned about whether I had a full magazine loaded. However, they do always check for loaded rifles in vehicles.
 
As I understand here in Ontario, cased means completely enclosed, which can include a sock that is tied down with the string on one end. I just keep a sock in my backpack or pocket in case I end up returning to the vehicle after legal light.

Regarding your question something like a sock with a sling, I've never seen one. I usually just carry the rifle. I suppose what would work is to bring another external strap or rope of some sort. I have a leather shotgun sling with loops that slip over the barrel and stock, that would work pretty well over a sock I imagine. A length of paracord or thin rope with nooses tied at each end would be less bulky. With cold weather clothing it shouldn't be uncomfortable.
 
I dunno about the regs in other provinces but we don't have those kind of silly rules here in BC. Not yet anyways.
Hiking in the dark into my deer stand in grizzly country , a place I have had close encounters with wolves, a cougar and numerous black bears over the years..... The rifle is always loaded as soon as I step away from camp.
On my atv I use a thick padded all weather soft case lashed to my front rack that is usually 1/2 zipped to hold the rifle securely but provides instant access to the rifle. I can zip it closed if there is crappy weather. I have used it sometimes off the atv too when hiking up really rocky terrain in crappy weather. My large pack also has a fold up rifle scabbard that comes out of one of the pockets and securely covers and protects the rifle from the elements but I've rarely used it except in heavy snow fall. If I had to adhere to some law requiring the rifle to be cased outside of legal shooting light, I would probably opt for the all weather padded case I use on the atv. It has a couple pockets that would be handy and a good shoulder sling to carry it across my back with or without the rifle in it. It's the tapered style and not rectangular.
 
Yes this post is Ontario based where the firearm must be enclosed at all sides before and after legal light. I have personally been checked after dark, and my buddy was checked and warned while walking in turkey hunting this year.

I dont think the fast case would qualify as its open on the bottom.

I used a normal gunsock with a strap off a duffle bag this year for turkey season, but was curious if something else existed.

I hunt public land most of the time, so I might leave the truck an hour before shooting time, and like to travel light, yet have my hands free to protect my face from branches (and finish my coffee)
 
wheelin_ca said:
Yes this post is Ontario based where the firearm must be enclosed at all sides before and after legal light. I have personally been checked after dark, and my buddy was checked and warned while walking in turkey hunting this year.

I dont think the fast case would qualify as its open on the bottom.

I used a normal gunsock with a strap off a duffle bag this year for turkey season, but was curious if something else existed.

I hunt public land most of the time, so I might leave the truck an hour before shooting time, and like to travel light, yet have my hands free to protect my face from branches (and finish my coffee)
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My friend in ontario uses a drag bag style for his shotgun. It's rectangular, cordura fabric and has back pack straps. It also has a built in tarpaulin for laying on for prone shooting. He uses it as a ground sheet to sit on while he's turkey hunting. Has pockets for all his calls and other needs. I actually bought it for him from marstar a few years back..... think it was made by UTG but there are other brands.
 
Just a cheap Amazon gun sock. Lightly tied in a knot. Meets the requirements. Folds up and fits into a pocket.

I only expect to run into a CO on a trail or road. Not giving advice here, or a admission of guilt but in theory the sock could be applied just before coming out onto a trail or roadway..
 
I, think most socks come with a string at the open end to close it once the firearm is inside. Never had an issue in Ontario with that type of sock used on a firearm before and after the legal time and we were checked by mnr on a few occasions, perhaps something has changed since last year…I will have to check before this deer season.
 
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