Wife joining me on small game hunt

Reclaimer117

Reclaimer117

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First time in 20 years I have been bugging her to go out with me to a hunt, she finally said yes! We'll be in the bush looking for mostly rabbit but may take a grouse if the opportunity presents itself. Anything I need to prepared for when hunting with a non-licensed companion? Any guidance?

Now only if I can get my kids to do the same, that would make my day :)
 
Eh, sorry to say but I have actually heard that anyone, unlicensed who is out hunting, even if there is only one gun between the two of you, is committing an offense.
If your wife is even "participating" its not allowed. That being said you could always carry some clays with you and say you are just target shooting, that way you have a story to fall back on.
 
Your out hunting and the wife is out for a walk in the woods with her husband.
Dont let her touch/carry the game animal period.
My X-G/F used to come hunting regularly and she was the camp cook etc...
Obviously BC has different views and hunting regs. and even an over zealous CO likely has boat loads of discretion than to hassle a couple out enjoying nature together.
Rob
 
Really? That's one stupid law. I've had non hunters with me to see what it's about as well as to take photos and stuff plus if one guy tags out he can help the other guy get his game by pushing bush or such.
 
I would suggest that you call the MNR, explain what you wish to do, and ask whether it would be OK.
If she cannot accompany you while hunting rabbit and/or grouse, consider a commercial hunting preserve, if there is one within reasonable distance.. Pheasants or partridge can be hunted on these, without licence or season. There would be a fee, of course, but this could be an option for you.
 
Kuzuba said:
Eh, sorry to say but I have actually heard that anyone, unlicensed who is out hunting, even if there is only one gun between the two of you, is committing an offense.
If your wife is even "participating" its not allowed. That being said you could always carry some clays with you and say you are just target shooting, that way you have a story to fall back on.
Click to expand...

You’re right about “participating” not being allowed but she can accompany you no problem as long as she doesn’t do anything that would be considered “participating” in the hunt.

Non licenced person can still go along on a hunt, just can't participate in the actual hunt. Sitting and watching is fine. Happens all the time.
 
tiriaq said:
I would suggest that you call the MNR, explain what you wish to do, and ask whether it would be OK.
If she cannot accompany you while hunting rabbit and/or grouse, consider a commercial hunting preserve, if there is one within reasonable distance.. Pheasants or partridge can be hunted on these, without licence or season. There would be a fee, of course, but this could be an option for you.
Click to expand...

Are you sure about the no licence on a commercial preserve? A few years ago a CO came to a preserve where I was hunting pheasants and was checking to make sure that everyone had a small game licence.
 
peterf said:
Are you sure about the no licence on a commercial preserve? A few years ago a CO came to a preserve where I was hunting pheasants and was checking to make sure that everyone had a small game licence.
Click to expand...

I was wrong - you are correct. Small game licence required.
 
Thanks everyone. Appreciate the inputs. I will check the MNR and the preserves.

Is, for e.g. pointing at a bush or up a tree considered participating? She's tagging along to take pics and videos and could be potentially a spotter.

I'd never let her touch the gun or game...period, that is until she gets her license/s! I'm worried that as some pointed out it could be an offense just her being there when I was hunting?
 
Following this one for interest - am sure will be lots of comment what Regs are thought to mean, and, like me, how we did it in another century, in another province. Quite sure my brother was 8 or 9, I was 10 or 11 when we would accompany our Dad hunting whitetail in Sask. (1960's) Walking, pushing bush, etc. When we got old enough to get tags and carry rifles, our tags were used first - rifles put back in vehicles, back to pushing bush. And help to field dress, and then later help with skinning, then, also cutting up meat. How we learned. Last fall, my son took out his 13 year old boy with the other GrandPa - who got a whitetail that day - young fellow pretty pumped to get his own this fall, until he broke his arm in hockey game which put the kibosh on any hunting this fall for him. Would be sad if there was a problem with any of that today (except the broken arm part!)...
 
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In bc you can get a one time apprentice license that allows her to hunt and apply and harvested game to your license. I don’t know that Ontario has the same but a phone call should make that clear.
 
Thanks to everyone who replied - I was doing a bit more research and but the definition of 'hunting' in Ontario seems to be too broad.

From the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997: "“hunting” includes, (a) lying in wait for, searching for, being on the trail of, pursuing, chasing or shooting at wildlife, whether or not the wildlife is killed, injured, captured or harassed, or (b) capturing or harassing wildlife"

So if I was "hunting" but my wife was along for the ride, doing any of the above (basically just walking with me) could count as 'searching for, being on the trail of, or pursuing'? An overzealous CO could ticket me or the wife hunting without a license? I have no idea what to interpret the above as? But bird-watching is "searching for" wildlife, isn't it?!?!
 
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