sunrise

[rick_iles]

Yeah I did that once showed up to my tree stand and realized I forgot the keys. I use a sock or soft case now without the lock.

It’s amazing how many seasoned hunters don’t understand the transport v storage regulations ....

[Deer Wrastler]

Straight from the MNR:

Hello,


Thank you for your email.


As per the2020 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summarymore specifically on page 26 it states:

Before hunting, check local sunrise-sunset times. You may only hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset (exceptions: night raccoon hunting and spring hunting hours for wild turkey). If you are in an area usually inhabited by wildlife during the period from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise you must unload and encase any firearms in your possession. To be considered encased, firearms must be enclosed on all six sides.


So obviously there is no issue with being on stand before legal shooting as you are not hunting.

[MikePal]

Straight from the MNR:

Hello,


Thank you for your email.


As per the2020 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summarymore specifically on page 26 it states:

Before hunting, check local sunrise-sunset times. You may only hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset (exceptions: night raccoon hunting and spring hunting hours for wild turkey). If you are in an area usually inhabited by wildlife during the period from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise you must unload and encase any firearms in your possession. To be considered encased, firearms must be enclosed on all six sides.


So obviously there is no issue with being on stand before legal shooting as you are not hunting.

That wasn't even the question..but thanks for clarifying what we already knew.

[huntitall]

Always loaded before i walk in the bush, i dont care if its dark, i want a loaded gun incase i bump into a bear or canine

[Deer Wrastler]

So it's illegal if you are sitting there with a gun (instead of say a camera).....obviously with the intent to kill.

Thanks Rick..by definition, you can't go into the woods until 30 minutes before sunrise with your hunting gear because...

There you go Mike, just clarifying for our newer hunters that may have been confused with your comments, maybe you were jesting but not everyone picks up on that and new hunters can be impressionable.

[Deer Wrastler]

Actually what I was quoting was the definition of 'Hunting' by the MNR..things that need a 'Hunting License' ergo define what hunting is.



So if you go out into the woods at 5:30 in the morning and chuck a bucket of apples out ( or on existing bait pile) in front of the stand and them go sit in the stand and 'lay in wait' then you are hunting ....and your hunting at night...an illegal activity with a fine of $250.

As per the definition, you don't even need to have a gun (encased or not) to be hunting....the word is 'or' not 'and'.

As was stated earlier, it's a good example of the problems with the definitions that the MNR uses when it's a summary of the FWCA.

And again just to clarify these comments you are absolutely allowed in the woods as long as your weapon of choice is encased you are not breaking any rules.

If I missed your point then that's on me, I was trying to clarify for those that may have understood it the way I read it.

[Deer Wrastler]

But if you're slitting hairs;

The fact is ....it's against the law to 'hunt' before legal time. (FWC 113: Unlawfully hunt at night 20 (1) (a)$250.00 fine)

Technically you have already broke that law by even being in you blind/stand before legal light..

sorry dont have the ability to do multi quotes in one reply.

[MikePal]

A If I missed your point then that's on me, I was trying to clarify for those that may have understood it the way I read it.

It (laying in wait) is illegal by definition as I stated...but Rick found that the FWCA provides a 'legal' exception for hunters...

There is the exception, found in the second half of the definition.

[COLOR=#505050]Exexcept that “hunting” does not include,
[COLOR=#505050](c) trapping, or
[COLOR=#505050](d) lying in wait for, searching for, being on the trail of or pursuing wildlife for a purpose other than attempting to kill, injure, capture or harass it, unless the wildlife is killed, injured, captured or harassed as a result,

[mnr]

prob not the best thread lol, as others said, ive seen a member on here named "mnr".

if thats not enough to warn you to each their own i guess

:S

Just my initials - I am in no way associated with the MNRF.

On the topic of the thread, I have found my eyes are usually more of a limiting factor than the half-hour before or after sunset in terms of identifying what I'd be shooting at through a scope. I set up my stands so I can hunt my way in/out during legal light.

[rick_iles]

Just my initials - I am in no way associated with the MNRF.

On the topic of the thread, I have found my eyes are usually more of a limiting factor than the half-hour before or after sunset in terms of identifying what I'd be shooting at through a scope. I set up my stands so I can hunt my way in/out during legal light.

Agreed ! I very rarely stay right up to the legal time. I find it’s tough to identify, doe or buck !!