Do I need to take the hunting safety course before applying for my PAL

[Redman]

Hey Next week I am taking my non restricted course safety course. I was wondering how the licensing worked for PAL. At first I only plan on getting a rifle to practice target shooting. But I'm sure eventually as money becomes more available lol I will probably like to get a restricted firearm. So I thought to myself I should just do the restricted course also before applying for the PAL. Eventually I'm sure I will want to go hunting is it something that can be just added to my file or will I have to spend money and reply for another license?
Thanks for your time.

[Drache]

No you just take the PAL course (or just challenge the test until Harper's New bill comes in).

[Redman]

Ok thanks. Also I don't get your comment on Harper's bill I am ignorant of that subject.

[Drache]

Harper is putting forth a bill to do with firearms ownership. Part of that bill states that people will no longer be allowed to challenge the PAL exam, they must pay and take the entire course.

[RangeBob]

The CFSC (Canadian Firearms Safety Course) is required before you can apply for your PAL.
If you pass the CRFSC (Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course), your PAL is modified to have the word "restricted" available under both Possession and Acquisition categories -- meaning you can buy restricted firearms.
Many people take the CFSC and the CRFSC together, so their first PAL includes both non-restricted and restricted.
The instructor of the CFSC/CRFSC will send a copy of your test results to the Canadian Firearms Program, and you will also send a copy(s).
The PAL is a federal document.

The Hunter Course has no effect on your PAL. I believe its a provincial course in all provinces.

[Redman]

Perfect thank you.

[blacksmithden]

The CFSC (Canadian Firearms Safety Course) is required before you can apply for your PAL.
If you pass the CRFSC (Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course), your PAL is modified to have the word "restricted" available under both Possession and Acquisition categories -- meaning you can buy restricted firearms.
Many people take the CFSC and the CRFSC together, so their first PAL includes both non-restricted and restricted.
The instructor of the CFSC/CRFSC will send a copy of your test results to the Canadian Firearms Program, and you will also send a copy(s).
The PAL is a federal document.

The Hunter Course has no effect on your PAL. I believe its a provincial course in all provinces.

Nope. Until the "Common sense firearms legislation" passes, which it has not yet, you can still challenge either exam without actually sitting through the course.

[Redman]

It doesn't bother me to take a course but what would the challenge be?

[Petamocto]

The aim of the safety course is to teach you about firearms, and show you how to use them safely. At the end of that course there is a practical test when you must demonstrate that you know how to use them safely. They'll put several types of guns in front of you, and you'll have to safely handle them all (proving them safe, loads, unloads, knowing which type/calibre of ammo goes in each, etc)

When you "challenge" the course, you skip the lessons, pay less, and only do the practical test at the end. Think of it like taking Driver's Ed to learn how to drive, and then taking your test to get your Driver's License, or if you already know how to drive, you can just go take the test and skip Driver's Ed.

If you are new to firearms, though, I strongly recommend that you do take the full safety course. Not only will they teach you about things like safe storage, the classification system, and different types of firearms, you'll actually get hands-on experience. It's well worth it. Your aim should be to be a responsible gun owner who knows what you're doing, not just to get a PAL.

[Gaidheal]

"Challenge" here means write the test without taking the course. If you are comfortable with that do it fast.

[RangeBob]

The aim of the safety course is to teach you about firearms, and show you how to use them safely. At the end of that course there is a practical test when you must demonstrate that you know how to use them safely. They'll put several types of guns in front of you, and you'll have to safely handle them all (proving them safe, loads, unloads, knowing which type/calibre of ammo goes in each, etc)

Actually it's a bit of history, a few firearms types, and how to load/unload. Rather than how to use them safely -- which would require you to fire/carry the guns in a variety of environments.
It's not so much "proving them safe" but "proving them unloaded".

If you are new to firearms, though, I strongly recommend that you do take the full safety course. Not only will they teach you about things like safe storage, the classification system, and different types of firearms, you'll actually get hands-on experience. It's well worth it. Your aim should be to be a responsible gun owner who knows what you're doing, not just to get a PAL.

Yep.
I discovered I hate loading gates. (Ironically, I'm considering buying a pair)

[Redman]

Ah ok I wish I knew that earlier I paid for the course already it's in french (I live in Quebec) but they said I could do the test in English. Ah well there will probably be something I migjt learn.

[Petamocto]

...It's not so much "proving them safe" but "proving them unloaded".

I'll grant you that, but for the vast majority of people that's 90% of the battle. Unless you're hunting (which you need a separate course for anyway), the only time you should ever have ammo in the firearm is when you're ready to shoot it, anyway.

[RangeBob]

Manuals:

http://firearmslaw.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/CFSC-Manual.pdf

http://firearmslaw.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/CRFSC-Manual.pdf

The paper ones are easier to read. In Ontario, there was a time they'd snail mail you the CFSC/CRFSC manuals for free, not even postage.

Also

http://www.atlantichuntered.ca/lessons/huntered.pdf

[Haywire1]

Or look in the legalities section. There is a sticky that covers all the links you need. Includine online manuals, practice tests etc. Sorry RB, yer a couple years late this time lol