Recently, I have had a few conversations with readers, who have asked for an article on getting started. As many folks getting into the world of hunting or shooting, are doing so without any mentors, it may be helpful and beneficial to author an article on how one might get started.
After very careful consideration, I have realized that this would not be just one article, but rather a series of articles. I will break them down into the following. Part I: Getting Started; Part II: Your First Gun; Part III: Now What?. Readers, please bear in mind that I am writing in terms of Canada, and Canadian context, the process may be similar where you are, but may not always be the same.
And now...onwards...
GETTING STARTED
With many people interested in the shooting sports, and hunting, there is always a point of origin.
So how do you go about it?
Well, if you're me, you grew up with a Father, Grandfather, and Uncles who hunted. You got an air rifle at age 8, a .22 rifle at age 12, and a shotgun at age 16. You then joined the Army, and "took the Queens shilling" which also meant you were allowed to play with the toys she paid for, this included many very interesting forms of weaponry, and firearms.....
This however isn't the case for many, and my experience is an exception, nowadays, where it used to be the norm for most kids growing up in a rural environment. So where does it leave that person who hears the call of nature, and wants to get out hunting? Well, lets get right into that shall we?
All right. For starters, and just for efficiency, lets make the assumption, that you are 18 or older, and have a clean criminal record. ( Underage, and criminal convictions don't preclude getting involved, but it is definitely a more difficult process).
In Canada, being able to hunt with a gun, means you need to be legally allowed to have the care and control of that firearm, even if someone else owns it. This means that you need to have your PAL or Possession - Acquisition Licence. This enables the bearer to purchase, and possess firearms and ammunition. Without it, hunting is a non-starter. This is typically done by a course, and exam, which teaches the fundamentals of firearm safety, handling, and the legalities surrounding firearms. This coupled with a Criminal Background check is basically the process for your PAL.
You also need to have completed a mandatory course of instruction in Hunters Safety. This course covers game laws, identification, hunting methods, and the various nuances of hunting game animals. Most jurisdictions in North America require some form of Hunting Education, and most will recognize courses if done in another jurisdiction.
In Ontario, as well as some other jurisdictions, you can take these courses seperately, or in some cases, certain providers will do a combined course with separate exams at the end of it. Cost in Ontario will run around $300 for both.
So where do you find these?
Well, the internet is your friend. There are many direct and indirect ways of finding these classes. Either by direct search, or finding outdoor stores and outfitters who can put you in touch with entities holding them.
Once completed, you will have a bit of a wait on your hands. Your Hunter Safety course is as simple as taking your course completion certificate into any Service Ontario Branch, and buying your outdoors card, and associated licenses. The PAL on the other hand, may take 3-4 months in order to receive it. Which means if you want to have it in time for hunting season, you should be doing the course in Late Winter, Early Spring.
Once all is in place, you're now a new hunter, and able to head into the woods.....
Next: Part II - Your First Gun
No comments:
Post a Comment