Gun storage consideration

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Originally Posted by genec

You are quoting a FEDERAL act, which is NOT relevant to the Ontario hunting regulations!!
I have sent an email to the head CO for Ontario for a clarification on this, and will post his reply here when I receive it

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As far as I am aware, the F+W Cons Act and it's regs do not cover firearm storage. Regardless of whether you're hunting or not, storage of any firearm is indeed only a federal matter that is covered by a federal statute - The Firearms Act. Problems arise with the issue of ML use in that the federal Firearms Act and the provincial Fish and Wildlife Cons. Act do not even remotely agree on what is considered "loaded/unloaded" . I've been told that the federal statute always supersedes any provincial statute. The "interpretation" of the term loaded as it applies to a ML under the FWCon Act is that it is considered unloaded if the primer has been removed. That ML is still considered "loaded" under the federal laws as it is deemed loaded if it still contains propellant and bullet in the breech. I imagine it's up to the CO if they pinch you or not. They could charge you under the provincial statute or under the federal one. I guess if you are a dick and giving them major attitude then the federal definition will apply. Same deal as with fisheries offences - charge the person under the FWAct or under the fisheries act. I've asked a CO friend a pile of scenarios to see what applies regarding using a vehicle for storage and the issue of having to pull a charge vs. just the primer. They are probably going to be busy working the deer hunt but I'll let you know what the answers were when they have time to reply. From perusal of the Firearms Act, I see no problem using your locked vehicle to store your unloaded firearm if you are hunting in a remote area.

This would be a good question for the "Ask A CO" section. TC

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Originally Posted by Fenelon

As far as I am aware, the F+W Cons Act and it's regs do not cover firearm storage. Regardless of whether you're hunting or not, storage of any firearm is indeed only a federal matter that is covered by a federal statute - The Firearms Act. Problems arise with the issue of ML use in that the federal Firearms Act and the provincial Fish and Wildlife Cons. Act do not even remotely agree on what is considered "loaded/unloaded" . I've been told that the federal statute always supersedes any provincial statute. The "interpretation" of the term loaded as it applies to a ML under the FWCon Act is that it is considered unloaded if the primer has been removed. That ML is still considered "loaded" under the federal laws as it is deemed loaded if it still contains propellant and bullet in the breech. I imagine it's up to the CO if they pinch you or not. They could charge you under the provincial statute or under the federal one. I guess if you are a dick and giving them major attitude then the federal definition will apply. Same deal as with fisheries offences - charge the person under the FWAct or under the fisheries act. I've asked a CO friend a pile of scenarios to see what applies regarding using a vehicle for storage and the issue of having to pull a charge vs. just the primer. They are probably going to be busy working the deer hunt but I'll let you know what the answers were when they have time to reply. From perusal of the Firearms Act, I see no problem using your locked vehicle to store your unloaded firearm if you are hunting in a remote area.

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I kind of agree with this statement.



The reason is-one has let's say 2 guns with him(most going moose hunting have 2-3 anyway)One backup, one for grouse..............
So-what to do with the non used ones? while out and away hunting?
The regulation clearly stipulates the "safe transportation/storage of unloaded Firearm in a not attended vehicle".Empty and locked in the vehicle,out of sight.Heck-the gun does not even need to be encased or locked by a trigger lock.
see

• [COLOR=black](3) If, in a remote wilderness area that is not subject to any visible or otherwise reasonably ascertainable use incompatible with hunting, an individual is transporting a non-restricted firearm in an unattended vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk or similar compartment that can be securely locked, and the vehicle or the part of it that contains the non-restricted firearm cannot be securely locked, the individual shall ensure that the non-restricted firearm
  
  • [COLOR=black](a) is not visible; and
  • [COLOR=black](b) is rendered inoperable by a secure locking device, unless the individual reasonably requires the non-restricted firearm for the control of predators.

While a bit confusing-if you can lock the firearm in the vehicle,you are golden.If you can not(ATV )then need to have a trigger lock.
But we are talking vehicle not ATV.

Not at home though.
Taking chances down south with that(i am talking overnight)is likely a good way to get you in trouble.
Why taking chances-and why potentially spend time and huge money to clear the charge?

Back to the muzzleloader.

I love my TC Omega,and if the Act would be slightly different-i would hunt exclusively with it.
But- loading the gun (FUMBLING)at legal light,then unloading at sunset(FUMBLING)just does not sit well with me.
So-i use it sporadically only.

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Originally Posted by G.S.

X2 "I would never leave a firearm in a locked vehicle"

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X3. Always bring your firearms into where you are staying.

I will continue to store mine in my locked truck overnight. The CO in 92B said this was totally fine so I will take his word for it. :)

Besides condensation from warm cabin to field every day is a recipe for a misfire. :)

Not sure why the Ontario Head CO would be involved in Firearms storage which is Federal. I couldn’t tell you how many camps lock their firearms in their vehicles, from moose to deer to camping to just tying to save room in a cabin and most guys bring a couple of rifles and a shotgun for grouse. I look forward to their response in writing, if they give it to you. Might want to ask him what people hunting out of tents should do for safe storage, use the truck or the tent.

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Originally Posted by genec

Don’t know where you got that idea from, but I’m a Hunter Ed instructor, and at one of our conferences several years ago, the chief CO for Ontario told us that you CAN be charged for this, as I stated previously. He said the firearm had to be taken into your dwelling site for the night.

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You should forward the Firearms Regulations to the Chief CO, it sure looks like he is wrong.
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/...09/page-1.html
Also the RCMP storing, transporting and displaying firearms pamphlet says you are allowed to store your firearm in your vehicle.
https://rcmp.ca/en/services-and-info...aying-firearms

I do recall a situation where someone got into hot water storing a gun in his car but this was where he stopped at a bar and the car got broken into, as I recall the issue was he was not going directly from the range to his home.

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Originally Posted by Marker

I do recall a situation where someone got into hot water storing a gun in his car but this was where he stopped at a bar and the car got broken into, as I recall the issue was he was not going directly from the range to his home.

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No doubt a restricted firearm. No such requirement for a non-restricted….

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Originally Posted by Found

You should forward the Firearms Regulations to the Chief CO, it sure looks like he is wrong.
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/...09/page-1.html
Also the RCMP storing, transporting and displaying firearms pamphlet says you are allowed to store your firearm in your vehicle.
https://rcmp.ca/en/services-and-info...aying-firearms

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Actually the above links don't say anything about "storing" a firearm in a vehicle. They only mention transporting and "leaving" a firearm in a vehicle. I doubt you would see a charge of unlawful storage of a firearm in a vehicle only unlawful transportation of a firearm in a vehicle. TC