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 cartridge, 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

[Dythbringer]

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 cartridge, 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

It isn't the provincial FWCA which prevents hunters from using handguns but the federal firearms act. Since firearms prior to 1898 are considered antique firearms, they aren't subject to license requirements of the Firearms Act.

[Fox]

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 cartridge, 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

David Critchlow does not know what the firearms laws are.

To hunt small game in Ontario you cannot use a restricted or prohibited firearm. An antique status firearm in Canada is not prohibited nor restricted but they are expensive, an antique status webley often runs close to if not more than $3000, some are cheaper but many are very costly.

On top of that you have to assume that a LEO knows the laws, just because the RCMP says they are legal does not mean they will not be taken away from you and have you fight to prove what they are.

As you can see from the link below you can use any rimfire handgun made before 1898 (proven not a guess) that does not shoot 22 short, 22 long or 22 long rifle, so a 38 rimfire pistol made before 1898 would be an antique and therefore not a prohibited or restricted and legal for hunting small game in Ontario. For centerfire you cannot use one that is chambered in .32 Short Colt, .32 Long Colt, .32 Smith and Wesson, .32 Smith and Wesson Long, .32‑20 Winchester, .38 Smith and Wesson; .38 Short Colt, .38 Long Colt, .38-40 Winchester, .44‑40 Winchester, or .45 Colt cartridges. So, unlike what David states there are many cartridge handguns that are antiques. As for black powder, as you can see again in the link, no modern muzzle loading handguns are antique status, long guns of flintlock, wheel-lock or matchlock firearms ignition follow the same rules but a handgun must be made before 1898.

Follow the link below for a definition.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/f...orique-eng.htm

[Fox]

It isn't the provincial FWCA which prevents hunters from using handguns but the federal firearms act. Since firearms prior to 1898 are considered antique firearms, they aren't subject to license requirements of the Firearms Act.

There used to be a section in the regulations that stated that you could not use a pistol or revolver, I know I know, a revolver is a pistol, but this was dropped as it would have been a blanket to remove the use or air pistols under 500fps from being used for hunting small game in Ontario, something that has been done for a long time.

[Dythbringer]

There used to be a section in the regulations that stated that you could not use a pistol or revolver, I know I know, a revolver is a pistol, but this was dropped as it would have been a blanket to remove the use or air pistols under 500fps from being used for hunting small game in Ontario, something that has been done for a long time.

There may have been a section as you say but the current FWCA doesn't say you can't use a handgun for small game (to my knowledge, and I looked). The only restriction I can find which prevents hunters from using handguns is under federal law because of the transport and use restrictions for restricted firearms, which most modern hanguns fall under, not because it is related to the FWCA. As you said, this condition is to accommodate air pistol hunters.

The section you are referring to, I am not sure when it was in the FWCA because you used to be able to use handguns to hunt in Ontario back in the 50's and 60's (I believe). I think I remember Jaycee stating that fact. Perhaps some of the posters of that generation could confirm this.

Dyth

[jaycee]

There may have been a section as you say but the current FWCA doesn't say you can't use a handgun for small game (to my knowledge, and I looked). The only restriction I can find which prevents hunters from using handguns is under federal law because of the transport and use restrictions for restricted firearms, which most modern hanguns fall under, not because it is related to the FWCA. As you said, this condition is to accommodate air pistol hunters.

The section you are referring to, I am not sure when it was in the FWCA because you used to be able to use handguns to hunt in Ontario back in the 50's and 60's (I believe). I think I remember Jaycee stating that fact. Perhaps some of the posters of that generation could confirm this.

Dyth

When Kelso Roberts, a P.C . was attorney gen. also a handgunner member of the Toronto Club, he granted all handgunners in Ontario who were members in good standing in their club, had a permit to carry and a valid hunting license, "the Privilege to Hunt with a handgun."

Back then, 2 moose and 3 deer had fallen to my 44 mag. revolver, It was quite the experience , I also used to hunt ground hogs with it , and have shot a few sitting jacks with my .357 S& W . Wish those days could be brought back.

I think there are a couple of other members here on this forum that remember fondly those days.

[thunderbelly]

it would be awesome to be able to hunt small game with a .22 revolver!

[Deer Wrastler]

Not going to happen with a Liberal government...Stupid law anyways, its permitted in Michigan, so if I want to hunt with a handgun Ill just go line their pockets instead of our government...I know a couple hunters who carry a .22 pistol with them while hunting incase they need to dispatch an animal they shot and are just trying to end it quicker instead of letting it bleed out in agony or they see a grouse that looks like dinner. Some I know carry a .44mag for moose and bear for self protection and for that I dont blame them. To each their own, I wouldnt risk it but I know some who could care less what their bull shyte government says you can and cant do. Its definately not unethical or immoral in my opinion I just like to follow the rules as principle. Without standards you get a bunch of John Waynes and thats never a good thing.

[Gun Nut]

David Critchlow does not know what the firearms laws are.

To hunt small game in Ontario you cannot use a restricted or prohibited firearm. An antique status firearm in Canada is not prohibited nor restricted but they are expensive, an antique status webley often runs close to if not more than $3000, some are cheaper but many are very costly.

On top of that you have to assume that a LEO knows the laws, just because the RCMP says they are legal does not mean they will not be taken away from you and have you fight to prove what they are.

As you can see from the link below you can use any rimfire handgun made before 1898 (proven not a guess) that does not shoot 22 short, 22 long or 22 long rifle, so a 38 rimfire pistol made before 1898 would be an antique and therefore not a prohibited or restricted and legal for hunting small game in Ontario. For centerfire you cannot use one that is chambered in .32 Short Colt, .32 Long Colt, .32 Smith and Wesson, .32 Smith and Wesson Long, .32‑20 Winchester, .38 Smith and Wesson; .38 Short Colt, .38 Long Colt, .38-40 Winchester, .44‑40 Winchester, or .45 Colt cartridges. So, unlike what David states there are many cartridge handguns that are antiques. As for black powder, as you can see again in the link, no modern muzzle loading handguns are antique status, long guns of flintlock, wheel-lock or matchlock firearms ignition follow the same rules but a handgun must be made before 1898.

Follow the link below for a definition.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/f...orique-eng.htm

[COLOR=#000000]"To hunt small game in Ontario you cannot use a restricted or prohibited firearm." Is there a piece of reference material anywhere that clearly state this, either in the regulations or the Wildlife Fish and Game Act.

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

[JUDGE]

Not to take away from the original post.
I carry a 44 mag while Bear and Moose hunting.
Its a Mares leg so that keeps me legal for carrying it.
Small enough and fits into a sheath over my shoulder.