Who knows the answer? can you carry 2 firearms?

Hi Gang,

I was wondering if it's legal to be out with my rifle (308 Semi Winchester Model 100, in case anyone wanted to know lol) for moose or deer and have a 22 or 410 strapped to my pack in case those tasty grouse or rabbit pop up? or vice versa?

I like going for longer walks for small game but always fear that's when I'll see the big guys... like the time I chase a bird to the edge of a swamp shot it out of a spruce tree and woke up a bull moose napping just behind it. (luckily i didn't have a bull tag, so I didn't feel so useless standing there with my 410.) Or I'll be out scouting tracks and see all sorts of small game then go back for the shotgun and they are no where to be found.

Thanks

There's an entire thread on this subject you may want to search,but,in a nutshell,the only firearms we may carry must meet the criteria for the size and type of game we're hunting under the FWCA. A ,22 or .410 are illegal to use for Moose,therefore,we're not allowed to be in possession while hunting big game.

why not bring a 12 guage when small game with a handful of slugs in the pocket

Get into hand loading. A 308, 300WinMag etc at 1000fps is better than a 22 for rabbits and grouse......

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Originally Posted by Pat32rf

Get into hand loading. A 308, 300WinMag etc at 1000fps is better than a 22 for rabbits and grouse......

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Or get an auxiliary chamber that will let you fire s&w .32 shorts from your .308.

I use one with my .30-30. Also fire .410 rounds through a .444 marlin.

Yes you can, but it may get heavy by the end of the day.

You can also have a pellet pistol on you as long as it is under 500fps.

QUOTE=rick_iles;825424]As long as all firearms are legal to use for moose, you can carry as many loaded as you wish. Only migratory birds have a one firearm limit. You cannot carry a 22 when moose hunting.
From Ask a Co...

Q1. Is it legal to carry more than one gun at a time?


Generally, yes, as long as each gun being carried is of a type allowed for hunting moose or deer, as the case may be, during the season in which you are carrying the guns. For example, during a shotgun season for deer, you may carry two (or more) shotguns. However, you could not carry a shotgun and a rifle, even if the rifle was a .22 for hunting small game.


There are some exceptions. If you are hunting migratory birds, you may only have one shotgun that is loaded and unencased. You may have a second shotgun, but it must be unloaded and in a case.


If you are hunting with an apprentice hunter, the mentor and apprentice are restricted to a single firearm between them.


David Critchlow


David Critchlow
Provincial Enforcement Specialist
Policy, Standards and Training Section
Enforcement Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources[/QUOTE]

http://www.oodmag.com/community/show...o-rifles/page2

What about a bow and a rifle bow for deer and rifle for bear.

Thanks trimmer for the quick response. I remember pouring over this a few years ago now and determining that I would be good with a 12 gauge but not with a 410 or 22 as they are not legal big game firearms.
I guess it is so you don't accidently pull up on a big game with the wrong firearms in your hands.
Thanks to everyone for the responses.
Pat32rf and werner.reiche I bet everyone interested in this post including me would like some more details on your suggestions.
I have a follow up. I assume one (410 or 22) that is locked and cased is OK so long as you lock and case the rifle before unlocking and uncasing the smaller firearm. For instance if I was backpacking into a secluded area for a couple of days.

Thanks again

Be careful as the regs dictate what shot loads you cannot carry during a bug game hunt (believe you cannot carry less than #2 buck)

Basically if you read the regs fully in this regard it becomes apparent that they are written so that you only hunt one class of game at a time.

IIRC You cannot even carry field points while on a big game archery hunt.

I believe a pellet gun may get a pass if under a certain fps...(something to do with power relative to a .22,) but can't recall completely.

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Originally Posted by SNO

Thanks trimmer for the quick response. I remember pouring over this a few years ago now and determining that I would be good with a 12 gauge but not with a 410 or 22 as they are not legal big game firearms.
I guess it is so you don't accidently pull up on a big game with the wrong firearms in your hands.
Thanks to everyone for the responses.
Pat32rf and werner.reiche I bet everyone interested in this post including me would like some more details on your suggestions.
I have a follow up. I assume one (410 or 22) that is locked and cased is OK so long as you lock and case the rifle before unlocking and uncasing the smaller firearm. For instance if I was backpacking into a secluded area for a couple of days.

Thanks again

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None of them need to be locked,just encased,but,that's how to do it,legally. Fishy Wishy is correct,also.

During the gun season for big gamer I believe you can carry a high powered rifle and a shot gun or .22. It is legal to use the high powered rifle on the big game (or small game if you wish) You can carry bird shot for the shotgun to use on small game as long as you don't use the smaller(prohibited) shot size to shoot at (hunt) the big game. You can use the .22 for small game as long as you don't use it to shoot (hunt) big game. They can be carried at the same time and don't have to be locked or encased. You can carry slugs and bird shot for the 12 gauge as long as you don't use the smaller (prohibited) shot to shoot big game.

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Originally Posted by Bigjake1907

QUOTE=rick_iles;825424]As long as all firearms are legal to use for moose, you can carry as many loaded as you wish. Only migratory birds have a one firearm limit. You cannot carry a 22 when moose hunting.
From Ask a Co...

Q1. Is it legal to carry more than one gun at a time?


Generally, yes, as long as each gun being carried is of a type allowed for hunting moose or deer, as the case may be, during the season in which you are carrying the guns. For example, during a shotgun season for deer, you may carry two (or more) shotguns. However, you could not carry a shotgun and a rifle, even if the rifle was a .22 for hunting small game.


There are some exceptions. If you are hunting migratory birds, you may only have one shotgun that is loaded and unencased. You may have a second shotgun, but it must be unloaded and in a case.


If you are hunting with an apprentice hunter, the mentor and apprentice are restricted to a single firearm between them.


David Critchlow


David Critchlow
Provincial Enforcement Specialist
Policy, Standards and Training Section
Enforcement Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

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http://www.oodmag.com/community/show...o-rifles/page2[/QUOTE]

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Originally Posted by redd foxx

During the gun season for big gamer I believe you can carry a high powered rifle and a shot gun or .22. It is legal to use the high powered rifle on the big game (or small game if you wish) You can carry bird shot for the shotgun to use on small game as long as you don't use the smaller(prohibited) shot size to shoot at (hunt) the big game. You can use the .22 for small game as long as you don't use it to shoot (hunt) big game. They can be carried at the same time and don't have to be locked or encased. You can carry slugs and bird shot for the 12 gauge as long as you don't use the smaller (prohibited) shot to shoot big game.

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See above, right from ask a CO.

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Originally Posted by Bigjake1907

QUOTE=rick_iles;825424]As long as all firearms are legal to use for moose, you can carry as many loaded as you wish. Only migratory birds have a one firearm limit. You cannot carry a 22 when moose hunting.
From Ask a Co...

Q1. Is it legal to carry more than one gun at a time?


Generally, yes, as long as each gun being carried is of a type allowed for hunting moose or deer, as the case may be, during the season in which you are carrying the guns. For example, during a shotgun season for deer, you may carry two (or more) shotguns. However, you could not carry a shotgun and a rifle, even if the rifle was a .22 for hunting small game.


There are some exceptions. If you are hunting migratory birds, you may only have one shotgun that is loaded and unencased. You may have a second shotgun, but it must be unloaded and in a case.


If you are hunting with an apprentice hunter, the mentor and apprentice are restricted to a single firearm between them.


David Critchlow


David Critchlow
Provincial Enforcement Specialist
Policy, Standards and Training Section
Enforcement Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

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http://www.oodmag.com/community/show...o-rifles/page2[/QUOTE]

Does this also apply when riding on your quad and both guns are in their guncases totaly enclosed. Would like to have my .410 for grouse and rifle for calf when going out quading.

Firearms
Big game, including moose, may only be hunted with a firearm (this includes bows). When hunting moose, you may only use or carry a firearm of the type (rifle, shotgun, bow or muzzle-loading gun) permitted for hunting moose at that time in that Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). For example, when hunting moose during a bows-only season, you may use or carry only bow hunting equipment; you may not carry a rifle or shotgun for hunting other species.


the answer would be no.

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Originally Posted by redd foxx

During the gun season for big gamer I believe you can carry a high powered rifle and a shot gun or .22. It is legal to use the high powered rifle on the big game (or small game if you wish) You can carry bird shot for the shotgun to use on small game as long as you don't use the smaller(prohibited) shot size to shoot at (hunt) the big game. You can use the .22 for small game as long as you don't use it to shoot (hunt) big game. They can be carried at the same time and don't have to be locked or encased. You can carry slugs and bird shot for the 12 gauge as long as you don't use the smaller (prohibited) shot to shoot big game.

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Nope,you can't do that,redd. We may use a shotgun provided the only ammo you have on your person is large enough for Moose (slug or buck shot). You may not use/carry a second rifle that doesn't qualify for big game unless that rifle is properly encased,as defined. If we intend to hunt small game,the Moose rifle MUST be encased. We can't use them both at the same time. Check the firearms schedule in the guide. Don't make that mistake. You'll loose your guns,pay a whopping fine and likely be sitting out next years hunt.

What about a pellet gun? Much quieter and no arguement it can be used for big game

This obviously means that if I have bought a moose and /or deer license, I cannot go rabbit hunting until the big game seasons are over???

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Originally Posted by Old Yellaw

http://www.oodmag.com/community/show...o-rifles/page2

Does this also apply when riding on your quad and both guns are in their guncases totaly enclosed. Would like to have my .410 for grouse and rifle for calf when going out quading.

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As long as only one is unencased at a time...all is good.

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Originally Posted by Pat32rf

This obviously means that if I have bought a moose and /or deer license, I cannot go rabbit hunting until the big game seasons are over???

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Means you better become proficient with a center fire. J/k

It means you may only have the equipment with you for either SG or BG...you can't have both. Well you can but at all times the firearm/ammo combo for one size game better be encased.

Similar to the fact that you better not have lead shot loads on you while waterfowling.

Yes you may carry 2 firearms during a big game season (ie a 22 and a large caliber rifle) provided you are in an area where there is a rifle season open and are not mentoring an apprentice hunter ( ie one firearm shared between the 2 of you) you may not during a shotgun or muzzleloader or bows only season. I have attached the letter from David Critchlow of the MNR as proof ( I carry this letter with me when I am hunting)
Dear Mr

Thank you for your follow up question.

Yes, you may carry the air pistol and arifle at the same time if you are hunting during a deer season allowing the useof rifles. There is an exception however. If you are mentoring an apprenticehunter, you are restricted to using a single firearm between the two of you.

I trust this answers your question.

Sincerely,

DavidCritchlow

David Critchlow
Provincial Enforcement Specialist
Policy, Standards and Training Section
Enforcement Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

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Originally Posted by droopy78

Yes you may carry 2 firearms during a big game season (ie a 22 and a large caliber rifle) provided you are in an area where there is a rifle season open and are not mentoring an apprentice hunter ( ie one firearm shared between the 2 of you) you may not during a shotgun or muzzleloader or bows only season. I have attached the letter from David Critchlow of the MNR as proof ( I carry this letter with me when I am hunting)
Dear Mr

Thank you for your follow up question.

Yes, you may carry the air pistol and arifle at the same time if you are hunting during a deer season allowing the useof rifles. There is an exception however. If you are mentoring an apprenticehunter, you are restricted to using a single firearm between the two of you.

I trust this answers your question.

Sincerely,

DavidCritchlow

David Critchlow
Provincial Enforcement Specialist
Policy, Standards and Training Section
Enforcement Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

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The letter you posted says nothing about carrying a .22 rimfire, but it does say air pistol only. The one I posted from David clearly states you cannot carry a 22 rimfire and center rifle durning moose and deer gun season.

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Originally Posted by Bigjake1907

The letter you posted says nothing about carrying a .22 rimfire, but it does say air pistol only. The one I posted from David clearly states you cannot carry a 22 rimfire and center rifle durning moose and deer gun season.

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I noticed that,too, and I'm sure you have it absolutely right. I borrow a shoulder holster from a buddy to carry a CO2 pistol under my jacket to pot a Grouse or two while hunting Moose and Deer. It's absolutely legal. Carrying a shotgun with bird shot or a .22 is a big no-no.

You are correct, it says nothing about 22 rimfire, however under the definition of firearms in the hunting regs " Firearms include rifles, shotguns, air or pellet guns, bows and crossbows.." Therefore a pellet gun would be no more acceptable than a 22 during big game as neither are approved for hunting big game. In your letter he specifically states that during a shotgun or bows season you may not carry a 22. In the letter to me he is referring to a rifle season. I have also asked for clarification for this from the CO at the sportsman show and he agreed that during an "any firearm season ie shotgun, bow, muzzleloader and rifle than I'm good to go but if there are restrictions on the type of firearm i.e. shotgun or bow only than I may not carry a separate firearm for small game.

The below part of Critchlow's letter pertains to a shotgun only season for deer. During the rifle season for moose, deer or bear you may carry a rifle or shotgun. A .22 is a rifle so it fits in with the type of weapons that you can use. You cannot use the .22 to shoot big game but you can use it for grouse. You are not breaking the law by carrying 2 rifles (0r 10 for that matter) during the gun season. You are restricted by which one you use to shoot the big game at the time. Similarly, during the gun season for big game you can use a shot gun. You are restricted to the shot size for big game so...you could carry a rifle for the big game (rifle's are legal to use) and a shotgun such as a .410 (a shotgun is legal for big game) but you cannot shoot the big game with bird shot so you would have to use the rifle for big game and keep the .410 for grouse unless you had some slugs.

The law relating to the "type" of firearm carried is one thing....the law relating to the "size" of bullet/shot used in those firearms is different.
This is the way I read it

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Generally, yes, as long as each gun being carried is of a type allowed for hunting moose or deer, as the case may be, during the season in which you are carrying the guns. For example, during a shotgun season for deer, you may carry two (or more) shotguns. However, you could not carry a shotgun and a rifle, even if the rifle was a .22 for hunting small game.

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Oh, I need a lawyer for this.

I'm going to be hunting deer for the first time this year. I've only got one weekend and it might be my only weekend to get out for anything.

What if I'm hunting deer, open rifle season, but choose to bring my shot gun.

The regulations say I must use shot size larger than No.1 Buck for deer. More specifically a gun loaded with shot larger than No.1 Buck.

If I am carrying some #6 on me for the walk back to maybe pop a grouse, is that legal?

Can I possess both shot sizes (slug and #6) on my person, but depending on what is loaded defines what I am hunting?

Edit: Finally found my answer in ask a CO a couple times. Yes I can.

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Originally Posted by CptSydor

Edit: Finally found my answer in ask a CO a couple times. Yes I can.

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Please post a link to where you found this for the non believers. The stuff posted from David Critchlow was only 1 question of 5 asked - basically a selected answer.

Note question 2 and this particular part of question 5: If it is a moose or deer season that allows the use of rifles as well as bows and you are choosing to hunt the big game species with a bow, you could carry the .22 for small game

Q1. Is it legal to carry more than one gun at a time?

Generally, yes, as long as each gun being carried is of a type allowed for hunting moose or deer, as the case may be, during the season in which you are carrying the guns. For example, during a shotgun season for deer, you may carry two (or more) shotguns. However, you could not carry a shotgun and a rifle, even if the rifle was a .22 for hunting small game.

There are some exceptions. If you are hunting migratory birds, you may only have one shotgun that is loaded and unencased. You may have a second shotgun, but it must be unloaded and in a case.

If you are hunting with an apprentice hunter, the mentor and apprentice are restricted to a single firearm between them.

Q2. Can one carry a shotgun for small game and a rifle for large game simultaneously?

Yes, provided that it is a deer or moose season that allows for the use of a rifle. (If you are bear hunting, there is no restriction on the types of firearms that you may carry for hunting.)

Q3. Can one carry a 12gauge shotgun loaded with slugs or buckshot and have birdshot in their pocket for small game in case the opportunity arises?

Yes, provided that it is a moose or deer season that allows the use of shotguns.

Q4. Can one carry more than one muzzle loader at a time loaded?

Yes, subject to the exception for apprentice hunters mentioned in Q1 above.

Q5. Can one have a .22 cal for small game while bow hunting for large game?

This depends on which season for moose or deer you are hunting in. If it is a moose or deer season that is restricted to the use of bows, then you may not carry a rifle of any type while hunting moose or deer. Same for a deer season that allows the use of shotguns and bows, but not rifles. If it is a moose or deer season that allows the use of rifles as well as bows and you are choosing to hunt the big game species with a bow, you could carry the .22 for small game. If you are hunting bear, you may carry a .22 for small game while hunting bear (as long as you are licensed for bear).

I trust this answers your questions.

Sincerely,

David Critchlow

David Critchlow
Provincial Enforcement Specialist
Policy, Standards and Training Section
Enforcement Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Can we get this made into a sticky as it seems to be a reoccurring question or debate

Here is where I found my info.

While you can't officially verify it as a CO, it seems to be legit as I read through the majority of questions/responses.

http://www.outdoorontario.net/AskMNR/mnrfaqgame.html