Legality of Shotgun Carry - River fishing off the beaten path.

[Scotlas]

Hi Guys,

I've always been a target shooter with a bit of action shooting, meaning I've never hunted or carried out in the wilds. So I need some schooling from you guys.

I haven't fished in years but am heading out for some wilderness fly fishing soon. In my fishing past I've come across heavy bear sign to the point where your head is swiveling so much looking for bears you can barely concentrate on fishing.

I have a bird head grip 14" Canuck, and am wondering on the legality of having it loaded in a backpack, just in case. Basically the grip would be sticking out of the top and it would only be for emergency-no hunting. I'll be in remote enough areas, but may encounter other people also (we all know how some people can get). Where are the sticking points with this? Southwest Alberta if that makes any difference.

I've got bear spray too, but I'm not that excited about seasoning myself for a bear's supper...

[stevebc]

Hi Guys,

I've always been a target shooter with a bit of action shooting, meaning I've never hunted or carried out in the wilds. So I need some schooling from you guys.

I haven't fished in years but am heading out for some wilderness fly fishing soon. In my fishing past I've come across heavy bear sign to the point where your head is swiveling so much looking for bears you can barely concentrate on fishing.

I have a bird head grip 14" Canuck, and am wondering on the legality of having it loaded in a backpack, just in case. Basically the grip would be sticking out of the top and it would only be for emergency-no hunting. I'll be in remote enough areas, but may encounter other people also (we all know how some people can get). Where are the sticking points with this? Southwest Alberta if that makes any difference.

I've got bear spray too, but I'm not that excited about seasoning myself for a bear's supper...

Sounds to me that your shotgun might not make the minimum length before it's classed as restricted. If so, it can only be shot at an approved range.

[blacksmithden]

Lets just assume its not restricted. If you're in Alberta, you can hunt coyotes and rabbits 365 days a year with no license, so you're good to go as far as hunting regs are concerned. Your only other issue is where you are. Crown land, and you're good to go. Private property, I believe you now must have written permission from the land/lease owner. In a park, forget it. Thats a no go for sure. When Im out wood cutting on lease sites, I always have either my 12 gauge or my 44 mag lever with me and just leave it loaded on the tailgate of my truck. Never had an issue...but then again, Ive never come across a fish cop either.

[Halfton]

When Im out wood cutting on lease sites, I always have either my 12 gauge or my 44 mag lever with me and just leave it loaded on the tailgate of my truck. Never had an issue...but then again, Ive never come across a fish cop either.

In Alberta if you leave a loaded firearm in/on/ or leaning against a motor vehicle....you are definitely going to have a Big Problem with the 1st Fish Cop you run into....lean it against a stump etc if you must, but if it is on the tailgate of your truck you will be charged.

Jim

[Grimlock]

Sounds to me that your shotgun might not make the minimum length before it's classed as restricted. If so, it can only be shot at an approved range.

They're fine.

[Scotlas]

They're fine.

It was sold as non restricted with that grip and included a standard length stock.

[blacksmithden]

In Alberta if you leave a loaded firearm in/on/ or leaning against a motor vehicle....you are definitely going to have a Big Problem with the 1st Fish Cop you run into....lean it against a stump etc if you must, but if it is on the tailgate of your truck you will be charged.

Jim

You're probably right. I should put it a few feet away.

[awndray]

In Alberta if you leave a loaded firearm in/on/ or leaning against a motor vehicle....you are definitely going to have a Big Problem with the 1st Fish Cop you run into....lean it against a stump etc if you must, but if it is on the tailgate of your truck you will be charged.

Jim

Same in Ontario.

[Edward Teach]

I think it's the same in BC too.
In that scenario the rule is absurd. Perhaps it ought to be changed to "not loaded in a vehicle while the vehicle is running", or "not loaded in the passenger compartment".
With sitting on the tailgate while you're doing something not even related to hunting and it ought to be obvious that you have no intention of doing anything that the rule was intended to be against.

[CLW .45]

Hi Guys,

I've always been a target shooter with a bit of action shooting, meaning I've never hunted or carried out in the wilds. So I need some schooling from you guys.

I haven't fished in years but am heading out for some wilderness fly fishing soon. In my fishing past I've come across heavy bear sign to the point where your head is swiveling so much looking for bears you can barely concentrate on fishing.

I have a bird head grip 14" Canuck, and am wondering on the legality of having it loaded in a backpack, just in case. Basically the grip would be sticking out of the top and it would only be for emergency-no hunting. I'll be in remote enough areas, but may encounter other people also (we all know how some people can get). Where are the sticking points with this? Southwest Alberta if that makes any difference.

I've got bear spray too, but I'm not that excited about seasoning myself for a bear's supper...

Loaded in a backpack, likely qualifies as concealed carry.

While fishing, it is unlikely that any law is violated if the weapon is secured to the outside of the pack loaded and ready for bear, as the saying goes.