Handgun hunting for small game

[Gun Nut]

Latest edition of Ontario Out of Door, August 2018, Pg 22 Ask a C.O. According to the Provincial Enforcement Specialist for the MNRF, David Critchlow. Antique handguns manufactured before 1898 that do not use metallic rim-fire and centre-fire cartridges, and have not been converted to do so, can be used to take small game. Good news for black-powder burners. What hasn't been clarified is whether modern renditions of these firearm will qualify. Could this be the hole in the dike, that those who interested in using modern handguns to hunt with have been looking for? After all a handgun is a handgun whether it is sparked by a primer or a percussion cap.

You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting. - Gun Nut

[Gun Nut]

Latest edition of Ontario Out of Door, August 2018, Pg 22 Ask a C.O. According to the Provincial Enforcement Specialist for the MNRF, David Critchlow. Antique handguns manufactured before 1898 that do not use metallic rim-fire and centre-fire cartridges, and have not been converted to do so, can be used to take small game. Good news for black-powder burners. What hasn't been clarified is whether modern renditions of these firearm will qualify. Could this be the hole in the dike, that those who interested in using modern handguns to hunt with have been looking for? After all a handgun is a handgun whether it is sparked by a primer or a percussion cap.

You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting. - Gun Nut

As a foot note to the above, for any who have not come across the discussion on this matter elsewhere in the forum. The right to use handgun to hunt with, has never been an issue under the Provincial (Ontario) Hunting Regulation. It is fully legal to do so, you may use a handgun to take small game. However, there is no provision for using a handgun in order to take big game. That said, under Federal regulations, handguns are classed as restricted firearms, which restricts their use to approve shooting ranges. That is what takes handguns off the table for use in hunting. The Firearm Act does describe what is considered to be antique firearm, date manufactured is one consideration, another consideration is whether they use center-fire or rim-fire ammunition. The latter maybe prescribe to be antique fire. However, handguns manufactured prior to the 1898 date that are cap and ball are safety viewed as antique, as such do not fall under any of the Three (3) Federal Firearm Classifications. Accordingly, because they are no classed as restricted; they maybe used for hunting.


You don’t stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut

[rick_iles]

One more kick at the can ?????

[jaycee]

One more kick at the can ?????

Yup! lets beat the dead horse a little more dead.

[trimmer21]

As a foot note to the above, for any who have not come across the discussion on this matter elsewhere in the forum. The right to use handgun to hunt with, has never been an issue under the Provincial (Ontario) Hunting Regulation. It is fully legal to do so, you may use a handgun to take small game. However, there is no provision for using a handgun in order to take big game. That said, under Federal regulations, handguns are classed as restricted firearms, which restricts their use to approve shooting ranges. That is what takes handguns off the table for use in hunting. The Firearm Act does describe what is considered to be antique firearm, date manufactured is one consideration, another consideration is whether they use center-fire or rim-fire ammunition. The latter maybe prescribe to be antique fire. However, handguns manufactured prior to the 1898 date that are cap and ball are safety viewed as antique, as such do not fall under any of the Three (3) Federal Firearm Classifications. Accordingly, because they are no classed as restricted; they maybe used for hunting.


You don’t stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut

Reproductions built from kits are still classified as restricted. If someone has an original like a Colt Navy or Peacemaker built before 1898,I can't see them being taken out of their display case or safe to take hunting. They're worth a King's ransom on the antique firearms market. IIRC,Pawn Stars had one on one of their shows some time ago that was in "very fine" condition that went for almost $65K.

[Fox]

Reproductions built from kits are still classified as restricted. If someone has an original like a Colt Navy or Peacemaker built before 1898,I can't see them being taken out of their display case or safe to take hunting. They're worth a King's ransom on the antique firearms market. IIRC,Pawn Stars had one on one of their shows some time ago that was in "very fine" condition that went for almost $65K.

There are lots and lots of guns made before 1898 in Canada, starting at $500 and going well over my annual salary but still a lot less than many of the drillings and other exotics you guys have been posting about.