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"Santa" gave my 8 year old girl a pink "Red Ryder bb gun" for Christmas last year. If I take her our for some grouse, can she legally carry that gun if I have a shotgun or .22 with me?
Not sure if it matters but fps is somewhere around 350 and there would be no intent on her trying to kill something with it (but don't tell her that)
Probably not if you follow the letter of the law but I can see what you are trying to do with some daddy daughter hunting adventures. It would likely be up to the discretion of the CO if you were to run in to him.
We spent many hours trying to kill grouse with our old Red Riders but were never successful. Good practice for finally getting a real gun. Since it is only 350fps it can't be classed as a real gun as long as she doesn't try to herd them for you without a licence.
Shot my first grouse with a Red Rider, when I was about her age.
I thought it might be a nice way to get her started, I'd just feel empty handed if I didn't bring the .410 out as well. Thought about just the .410 between us but I want her to be able to carry her little RR....
Letter of the law is quite clear on this if you think your hunting than your hunting so no she can't carry that BB gun. Think this is one of those teachable moment times. Hunting has a set of rules and laws that need to be followed. Ignoring them for your own self interest doesn't set a good precedent. When she becomes an apprentice how do you explain why only 1 gun now? Started going out with my dad around 8 also best I could carry was a stick however didn't diminish my time out. Proudest day of my hunting memories was the day I turned 15 got my license and was able to carry a gun and hunt. I appreciated your intentions are as wholesome as it can get however its a bigger picture thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by 300Sniper
Under Federal regulations its not considered a firearm but under the Provincial F&W Conservation Act for the purposes of hunting it is.
Therefore an 8 yr old cannot carry it. If you know the local CO personally I'd make the phone call first, keeping in mind that he could not come out and say, "Sure, go ahead" but he might hint he'd turn a blind eye.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
I don't know. Why would one put a CO in a compromising position? Isn't that what a dads for too make the tough call?
He might,but,what are the odds of running into another CO with a vastly different opinion? I wouldn't chance it. The very last thing anyone needs is a bad experience with a youngster,right? IMHO,this is one of those times that need to be played right down the middle.Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
I would not hesitate in letting my boy tote his red rider if were out for hunt, which he has many times. All COs I have met were reasonable people and understand that a BB gun is not actually used to take game. Just my take on the topic.
A BB gun is a firearm as defined by the CCC. The fps rule deals with only regulatory sections like licensing and registration. One may still be charged with other firearms offences. However, an 8 year old child cannot be charged with an offence, so FWCA offences do not apply.
I wouldn't worry too much about letting her carry a pink Red Rider BB gun. The only other consideration is giving a minor a firearm. I wouldn't be too concerned there either, but that's just my common sense opinion.
Perhaps I'll take her out and only go with the bb gun, no others. Chances are we're out for an hour and she can shoot at a can hanging off a tree branch. Wish I still lived up north where this would be a non issue...
I've taken grouse with rocks and sling shots. Taking one with a BB gun would be a piece of cake in comparison.
I've shot limits with high powered pellet guns but never attempted with a bb gun, I'm sure we will enjoy our outting regardless ☺
You could always just take the 22. I'm sure she would enjoy learning how to shoot that, but that's entirely your decision. A buddy has taken his grandsons out bird hunting at about that age. Getting kids involved in the outdoors in always a good thing in my opinion.
Agree 100%Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
When my boys tagged along with me years ago (under aged) they did so empty handed
300Sniper, I certainly understand your reasoning but as trimmer mentioned you do not want her to have a bad experience
.22 would be great but I want her to be able to use her Christmas gift. Scene as how we can't shoot it in the back yard, these father daughter hunts will be her only opportunity.
The proper thing to do would be take her on your hunt empty handed then when you get back to the vehicle brake out the BB gun and let her have her target practice. You'll be teaching her proper respect in regards to following rules while enjoying your time together. Getting a feeling you want to break the rules however looking for a way to justify it. Sorry if I sound a bit harsh but that's the way it is now.Quote:
Originally Posted by 300Sniper
Yes, your way off..... I asked a question and got some answers. I don't at all see why you're implying I want to break the rules. If I wanted to break the rules I wouldn't have bothered to ask the question and just went hunting with her and 2 guns....Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
I've been hunting for double digit years, it's not new to me, hunting with my daughter is.....
Furthermore, suggesting the proper thing to do in your eyes might work for you, if I'm not breaking rules I'll handle the hunt the way I see fit
Since you asked I'll give you my thought why I get the sense that you want to take your daughter out and plink at some grouse which is against the lawQuote:
Originally Posted by 300Sniper
Quote:
Originally Posted by 300Sniper
"but don't tell her that" seems she has the intent to be hunting. So what are you going to do if she sees a grouse and would like to get it? Bit of a mix message you'll be giving her
Nice way to get started how? Give her the hope of shooting a grouse and if you happen to come across one what are you going to do?Quote:
Originally Posted by 300Sniper
Again what if a grouse comes out? Daddy can I shot it? what you going to do/say?Quote:
Originally Posted by 300Sniper
Sounds like if you attempt shooting a grouse with the BB and it doesn't work out you'll still enjoy your time out together. Thing is who's going to shoot, you after taking the gun away from your daughter after she's been carrying it?Quote:
Originally Posted by 300Sniper
Use her gift for what? Target practice at the vehicle should suffice really doesn't have to carry it while you hunt right if it really is the intention?Quote:
Originally Posted by 300Sniper
Your right if your not breaking rules teach your daughter as you see fit. Me I rather not set up a situation that may present difficult choices. Bringing her into the woods with her gun makes for a whole lot of what ifs that target practice at the vehicle and a walk with dad while you hunt would make clearer for her.
Dude, I live in southern Ontario, you don't just stumble upon a grouse sitting on a trail waiting for you to shoot it, especially not with a kids bb gun. You have read into this way too much and as such you are way off in your conclusions.
I asked how many guns can I take? The answer is 1 between us, now I know and I will take her out as such, all your other suggestions apply only to you and what appears to be a strictly negative mindset.
The question has been answered, time to move on...
Have at it. Why not.Take pics and put them on the fridge then tell us all about how good of a time you both had. If your concerned take 1 gun but I doubt a CO is going to nail you to the cross for letting your 8yr old shoot a grouse as long as you are licensed.