About to become a hunter

[TurkeyRookie]

Not blank, you say No.

[icefisherman]

I'll put "NO" then but this is one of those double meaning questions. The instruction says "If this applies to you complete Box 20(c)...."

The way I understand it is since this does NOT apply to me (because I am not in MB or QC) I should not complete 20(c).

Splitting hair I guess...but will say NO as per your instruction.

Cheers,
Ice Fisherman

[TurkeyRookie]

Hmm, leave it blank then, and when you do the follow up call to find out process, if they need it filled, you can tell them no.

[icefisherman]

Hmm, leave it blank then, and when you do the follow up call to find out process, if they need it filled, you can tell them no.

I've just sent you a PM not to jam this post with such procedural details.

Cheers,
Ice Fisherman

[x_xeon_x]

Icefisheram,

It looks like you want to jump head first into hunting and thats great. Since you already have a buddy whos into hunting, try to get out with him if you can. It will cut the learning curve quite a bit. If not, try to find someone who does hunt, it will make the process a bit smoother. I learned the basics of hunting by spending much time reading about it, watching the gimmick tv shows, and most importantly spending the time in the woods either by myself, or with a friend who was also new to hunting.

I'd hold off on buying a gun or bow right away if you are able to borrow equipment this year. Take some time to figure out what you need/want to have with the style of hunting that you want to get into. Also if you plan on just starting with something simple and affordable, look at getting a used gun or bow. Also, make sure you practice with either your gun or bow (especially a bow, cant stress it enough) quite a bit before you even head out. Don't allow yourself to make a questionable shot on an animal. Just because you can shoot at it, doesn't mean it will end all that great for you or the animal. Know what your shooting capabilities are before hand.

Also, don't get unrealistically optimistic about your first day of deer hunting success, a huge part of hunting consists of learning by making errors and not repeating them; also known as failure. However, if you keep learning what you're doing wrong, things are going to start going your way. There will always be deer in the woods, if you aren't seeing them then you're just simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Learning the right place at the right times is what successful deer hunting is all about. This will be an ongoing learning lesson, so embrace and learn from the many days of "failure" that comes with it till you get it right.

What are your plans for when you do eventually get something? Be prepared to know how to field dress an animal, and either how to butcher it, or lining a butcher up. What happens if you get something big? Prepare to have some money set aside for the taxidermist if needs be.

Good luck, you'll need it!

[icefisherman]

OK quick update on my non-restricted PAL application for the benefit of those who like me are waiting for it:

- did the two tests on Oct. 5 and 6
- sent the PAL appl. the next day Oct. 7 by registered mail. Didn't wait for the stamped test results, so sent app. without them.
- Miramichi received it on Oct.10
- despite calling them every two days nothing happened until Nov. 8 when they charged my credit card and entered my app. into the system. Found about it couple days later. It started to show online in "processing".
- Called them right away, they gave me a fax number and I've faxed right away the stamped CFO test results.(They came in around Nov.1). They also told me no need to interview my references and that they needed proof of my second name. Faxed it as well.
- Nov. 15 online status changed from "processing" to "in progress".
- Waiting on development and hoping I get my PAL by end of the month, even though every time I call them they tell me it'll likely not happen...but things have moved not too bad so far so who knows I may get lucky.
- will update later on as things progress....

Cheers,
Ice Fisherman

[icefisherman]

Further update on my PAL application for those filling after me...
Called the ON CFO yesterday and was told application got "stuck in the process for about a week but it is done now and PAL is approved. License will be printed on Thursday and mailed to me on Friday this week." When checking the online status it now shows my PAL number.

Question - can I use that PAL number (before the license arrives in the mail) to go and purchase my gun and ammunition, or do I need to have the physical PAL in my hand to do that?

Hope I can have it next week and will post one last update at that time.
I can say that calling regularly helps and shortens the wait period. It prevents application sitting in one spot for weeks without attention. Sending application before getting the stamped results from the CFO also helps and cuts down on waiting time.

Cheers,
Ice Fisherman

[line052]

WOw, you are ontop of it.... Took the better part of 3 months to get my PAL after both courses in Sept of 2012.

Further update on my PAL application for those filling after me...
Called the ON CFO yesterday and was told application got "stuck in the process for about a week but it is done now and PAL is approved. License will be printed on Thursday and mailed to me on Friday this week." When checking the online status it now shows my PAL number.

Question - can I use that PAL number (before the license arrives in the mail) to go and purchase my gun and ammunition, or do I need to have the physical PAL in my hand to do that?

Hope I can have it next week and will post one last update at that time.
I can say that calling regularly helps and shortens the wait period. It prevents application sitting in one spot for weeks without attention. Sending application before getting the stamped results from the CFO also helps and cuts down on waiting time.

Cheers,
Ice Fisherman

[tweedwolfscream]

Sorry, you'll have to wait till you have the physical PAL to buy the gun. They need to see the photo on it.

Congrats on basically being finished the process.

[bhanley]

I HIGHLY recommend that you get out and practice shooting a lot before heading out and pointing at live game.