About to become a hunter

I guess at some point you should change your handle on here too. icefisherman_and_hunter

Glad the stay ontop of it tips helped speed it up.

I just thought I'd point out ( i didn't see it above) that after you course you will have do two step for your non restricted. First mail off you proof of passing to the cheif firearms office to be validated then wait to get it back then mail a copy to the rcmp with the pal application .. i never rushed it. But all together it took a month and a half at least ..

If you aren't sure what game you're into yet. I'd get a pump shot gun like and rem 870 first. Very versatile between rem chokes and slug barrels for small game, waterfowl, and deer.

The process has a life of it's own. The gov't will issue your PAL and could take 4-8 weeks
Based upon when you get your license, later this year or early next year and what you want to hunt will determine when you can start. Deer hunitng in southern or eastern Ontario begins approximately Nov 3rd or 4th.
Get your license now and be prepared. You can go to Silverdale shooting range in St. Catherines (open to the public) and start practicing for the big harveest.
What gun to purchase is based upon where and what you want to hunt. In Brighton, ON you can only use Shotgun. Northern Ontario, rifle. You might want to get a scope for a shotgun. Many hunters using a shotgun are harvesting at distances of 200 yards because of the improvements made with shotgun bullets.
Places to hunt, is trial and error unless you know someone. Brighton has lots of land, mostly all private. You will have to know someone to hunt on the land. Milton, Goergetown, London, ON have a healthy populatoin of deer. I understand there is someone in London, ON who arrange deer hunts.
Equipment, check out SAIL and Le Baron (Mississauga, ON) they offer a 10% discount card. Their prices are some of the best for guns, ammo, hunting gear, etc. They are not very giving with information about the guns. You have to do your homework and go there to buy.

45 days for pal.. Minimum... Changes are they won't open the envelope for 40 days.

Congratulations on passing your tests. I agee that you should start , your shooting on a paper target, until you can be confident that your shot will connect where you want it to This is an ideal time to be out and about in the bush . Even if you don't see any game , you will learn their habits , most animals use runways that don't change a lot year to year. Learn to identify , animals by their tracks.You can usually tell deer , by the size of hoof , length of stride etc. A buck usually drags his feet a bit. This is quite obvious if the snow isn't too deep. Remember to sit downwind of a runway , or hunt into the wind if possible. Deer are smart, but they are creatures of habit.

If your friend has permission to hunt some places this is probably,your place to start. Next spring srart knocking on farmers doors, politely, to ask permission , to hunt and fish. Make sure that they know you are an OFAH member and have liability insurance. If they are working don't be afraid to offer to help them. Some may have had bad experiences with trespassing . Some might only allow bow hunting. Don't feeling that you can bring in your buddies if you have permission. Ask the owner. You will find lots of opportunities, take your time, and enjoy it . old243

Finally received my PAL today...total wait with cutting corners everywhere possible and numerous phone calls to Miramichi and ON CFO....from test date to today - 2 months and 2 weeks.

BUT guess what....my name is misspelled on the license....so here we go again....will call them tomorrow to hear what story they come up with...but wouldn't be surprised if I need to wait 2 more months for them to correct their own mistake....

Does anyone know if I can still use my license even with misspelled name on it and go and buy gun/ammunition? I was hoping to be able to buy something during the Boxing day period if I find a good deal....now if I need to wait for them to send me a new corrected one obviously this can't happen....

Not too happy with the service I got for sure....

Cheers,
Ice Fisherman

I don't see why not.. Its hit your pic.

You're good to go. Weather it's a C/O, gun store or the kid selling ammo at CTC they only want I pc. of ID....your PAL. As long as the picture looks like you no problem. Having said that I would still give them a call to see if THEY want to clarify it.

Mike

Just found this awesome thread for new hunters that might be looking for information this year. Just bumping this for the new people like me.

Cheers