Can I carry a gun while bow hunting?

[shikarchi]

When deer bow hunting in the bush, where I am going to hunt, I have seen some bear signs so I don't feel safe and there is a possibility of bear attack, so is it legal to carry my shotgun just to protect myself for bear or wolf attack?

[canthitathing]

I would say only if there were an open season for deer in which both archery or a shotgun were ok to use.

Citing from a 2014 copy of the regs: "When hunting deer, you may use or carry a firearm of the type permitted for hunting deer at that time in that Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). For example, when hunting deer during a bows-only season, you may use or carry only bow hunting equipment, you may not carry a rifle or shotgun for hunting other species."

Trying to claim the shotgun is for self-protection won't wash.

[shikarchi]

What I understand from the regulation is that you may not carry a rifle or shotgun for hunting other species, which means it is not allowed for the purpose of hunting not for the purpose of self-protection. However this is my interpretation which may be wrong... But regardless, it is not fun for me when go to the bush and think about bear attack as I have seen some bear signs in the field... So I think I have to choose between either get attack by bears or get attack by COs.

[Species8472]

To be honest I think your fear is irrational. The odds of a bear attacking you even if they are around is slim at best. Just get a can of bear spray if you are really worried. For that matter if your bow is capable of killing a deer it is also capable of killing a bear and presumably will already be in your hand.

[shikarchi]

To be honest I think your fear is irrational. The odds of a bear attacking you even if they are around is slim at best. Just get a can of bear spray if you are really worried. For that matter if your bow is capable of killing a deer it is also capable of killing a bear and presumably will already be in your hand.

I think my best bet is bear spray. I don't rely on bow for bear, firstly because using bow needs concentration which is not possible for most people when they are nervous in some situation such as bear attack, secondly, it is just one shot and if you loose it, you are in trouble...

[trimmer21]

I think my best bet is bear spray. I don't rely on bow for bear, firstly because using bow needs concentration which is not possible for most people when they are nervous in some situation such as bear attack, secondly, it is just one shot and if you loose it, you are in trouble...

Black Bears don't normally attack unless you cross paths with cubs and a Sow or corner a Bear in a confined area and you just happen to be standing in the escape route. Personally,I don't like Bear spray because there's too many variables,foremost being wind direction and second,what if you get a dud can? Would you bet your life on something made in China?

[ottawavalley]

Truth is, at least my version, bears aren't a common threat in the woods. Otherwise a lot of people would be attacked. However, what gun owner doesn't want to carry his favorite rifle when he is in the forest just hoping a 500 lbs boar wants a showdown [emoji845]


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[mbhunter]

When deer bow hunting in the bush, where I am going to hunt, I have seen some bear signs so I don't feel safe and there is a possibility of bear attack, so is it legal to carry my shotgun just to protect myself for bear or wolf attack?

When do you figure the last bear attack was in the area? You've got a better chance of getting t-boned on the way home. Wear your seat belt. You'll be alright.

[poltrojan]

honestly in my opinion I mention the clause of RCMP's "Using Firearm for Wilderness Protection"

In general, the only firearms allowed for wilderness protection are non-restricted rifles and shotguns. The following individuals, provided they are Canadian residents and have a licence that allows them to possess restricted firearms, may be authorized to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for wilderness protection:

• licensed professional trappers, and
• individuals who need protection from wild animals while working at their lawful occupation, most often in a remote wilderness location.

​if you are not confident with a bow to defend yourself; you can argue your validity using RCMP's clause, however it falls into grey area.

[redd foxx]

Even if it were legal you might find that having to carry 2 firearms at once gets pretty tiring pretty fast. When I first started trapping I used to carry a rifle or shotgun as well. Didn't take long before I left them at home.