Wife joining me on small game hunt

I actually asked an mnr officer this question about 15 years ago in regards to me tagging along with a friend while deer hunting. He said as long as I simply tag along there is no problem, but I obviously can't carry a gun and I can't assist by pushing deer etc. So if your wife follows you around while hunting, I can't see how that would be an issue.
 
Reclaimer117 said:
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?
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She could be pointing at the bush or tree she is thinking of going to have a pee behind.
Just go and enjoy the time in the great out of doors.
Rob
 
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.
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Completely incorrect.
 
An unlicenced person can go along as long as they don't actively participate in the hunt. ie...shooting, carrying the gun, pointing out or calling game.


100 PERCENT LEGAL for her to tag along.
 
My single best advice when taking your kid or spouse on a hunt is this; take your time, be patient and have low expectations.

If you follow all of these tips, you will have fun.
 
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.
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You got to be joking. Strange laws back east for sure.
 
Relax and take your wife along. Years ago I talked to my CO friend before my wife tagged along deer hunting with me. Its simple, a non-licensed person can go with you as long as he/she does not assist in the hunt. So keep your wife safely close to you, she cannot flush game for you. Don't let her carry any dead animals for you no matter how much she insists!
 
Reclaimer117 said:
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 :)
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Good grief, yes you can take your wife with you. Have fun with the CO for shooting grouse out of season though.
 
Thanks everyone who replied. I'm looking forward to a nice hunt. Even if I didn't get anything, as FLHTCUI said, we'll enjoy the outdoors for the day!
 
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Reclaimer117 said:
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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You're over-thinking this thing. If that were true,every person in Ontario that so much as ventured down a trail would have to be licensed and that's simply not true. Take her with you. As long as she's not in possession of a firearm,she's simply hiking with you and she sure as he** doesn't need a license for that. Have at 'er.
 
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.
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That is absolutely false! Any non licensed hunter can join you as long as they are not "hunting" and tagging along is not hunting. Get your facts straight before posting false information.
 
The obvious solution is to have her carry a camera - thats what we have been doing for years... The bonus is that it gives her something to do, so she doesnt distract you and scare away game by talking.
 
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MRP said:
You got to be joking. Strange laws back east for sure.
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This is from the 2020-2021 Regs...

Hunt & Hunting - includes shooting at, attracting, searching for, chasing, pursuing, following after or on the trail of, stalking, or lying in wait for wildlife or attempting to do any of those things, whether or not the wildlife is then or subsequently wounded, killed or captured: (a) with intention to capture the wildlife, or (b) while in possession of a firearm or other weapon.

Hmmm searching for , pursuing , following after .
Kinda makes ones head hurt, just a little.
Rob
 
#### it must suck to live in Ontario. Move to Alberta , no license required to hunt rabbits, the season is year round too. Take whoever you want with you no license required , they can even carry their own gun as long as they are under the direct supervision of a PAL holder. Or just take the Alberta hunter Ed course online in a couple of hours. Move west , the east is a lost cause!
 
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