Definition of Sharing a firearm?

[finsfurfeathers]

This one is easy.....crossbows are firearms under the FWCA....

if it was that easy....LOL as to OP asked about water fowling pretty sure you can't use crossbows so the question is mute here.

[gp4ever]

Hahah, nice

[gp4ever]

I understand not for waterfowl, but other animals

[BLR308]

I disagree, there is a regulation that says you MUST use one gun and it's the same one you are referring to: The holder of a class A1 hunter apprenticeship safety card shall not carry or use a firearm other than the single firearm that he or she is sharing with the licensed hunter under whose supervision he or she is hunting.
Why even mention single if it doesn't mean 1 gun between? Why say "share" if it really means "one of the guns designated by the mentor for use by the apprentice? This is the reg that says 1 gun and we'll find out which horse is drinking after being lead to water.
People have spoken about the intent of the law in other postings and in this case the focus is the Apprentice - it is their experience with a firearm under a mentor and not about watching someone use another firearm. Many apprentices will already have lots of time under their belt watching. This program is about them doing the hunting, there'll be plenty of time to hunt along side of them or use other firearms after they get their hunting outdoors card.

[rick_iles]

I understand not for waterfowl, but other animals

At the risk of going off on a tangent here, in a nutshell....you can carry as many firearms as you want, providing the firearms are legal to use for the game, and in that WMU...except waterfowl which is federally governed.
So, I'm bow hunting for deer, I can bring a wheelbarrow full of bows with me....or moose hunting, I can have a 3006 slung over each shoulder...

[rick_iles]

The "Ask a CO" was a valuable tool for information....I hope it gets put back up... Maybe we all should send supporting messages to the MNRF !

[welsh]

It's ridiculous that they took that page down. In keeping with the general policy of no longer communicating with the public, I suppose.

Some of the old answers are archived here:
http://www.outdoorontario.net/AskMNR/mnrfaqgame.html

These ones may be of interest:
Question 14:
Often when I am hunting big game I bring along my 410 for partidge slung across my back. When I'm in the mood I'll sling my rifle acroos my back and the shotgun goes into my hands. My son just passed the hunter ed course and is now in the hunter apprenticship program. My question is - instead of me carrying both firearms , can he carry the 410? We'll be side by side and following the rules,just I can finally not have to carry 2 firearms.
Answer from the MNR:
Sorry ... under the apprenticeship program, you and your son are permitted one firearm between the two of you. He shares your limit ... and your gun, until he turns 15 years of age and becomes elligible to buy his own Outdoor Card and hunting licence.

Question 151:
I've read over the regs numerous times and I've heard what the kids are being taught but I'm still not clear on it. A minor or hunting apprentice age 12-14 has to share a singal firearm with the mentor. Does this mean that the mentor can only carry 1 firearm or can he be in possession of 2 or more?

Asked November 28, 2002
Answer from the MNR
Yes you are correct. The apprentice must share a single firearm with the mentor.

Question 157:
I have a question regarding the answer to question 14. I may bit a little slow to understand but it seemed like there is some discrepancy in the laws...or better said, in my understanding of them. The question was asked early and confirmed that you may in fact carry two fireams with you at one time. You are out with a youth hunter with his proper apprenticeship licensing. I thought the law said that there is to be one gun shared between the two. Does this mean that while you are supervising the youth that you are not allowed to carry a second firearm?

Asked February 9, 2003
Answer from the MNR
You are correct. If you are out hunting alone you can carry all the firearms you like as long as you are licenced for and there is an open season for your calibre/guage of firearm. There are exceptions to this rule when hunting migratory birds. When accompanying an apprentiship hunter you can only share one firearm between the two of you. This applies until he/she turns 15 and purchases his/her own Outdoors Card and hunting licence.

I trust I won't be accused of confusing the issue by posting this.

[rick_iles]

Notice the word "carry" is common in all answers !
I sent a message to the MNRF, after navigating through their new site.. Their web designer must be a grade 6 kid someplace !

[Sinker]

Cant wait to hear back from the ministry of no results. I already know the answer, but i'll let someone else post their findings.

S.

[rick_iles]

Cant wait to hear back from the ministry of no results. I already know the answer, but i'll let someone else post their findings.

S.

I know the answer too. My question to the MNRF was regarding the "Ask a Co" page.....