I have a License & PAL, friend doesn't

[Guest sibermage]

I have a small games licence & a PAL. I'll be doing all the shooting but is it okay for someone without a licence to come along for the walk and the carrying?

I'm pretty sure the answer is yes as long as that person doesn't shoot anything but I would just like to confirm.

ps. this is my first year hunting

[Some Old Guy 968]

MNR Answer: It is fine for your friend to accompany you while you’re out hunting (for safety/companionship, learn, watch etc.) but he/she cannot get directly involved in hunting and cannot carry a firearm. What would it look like to the Conservation Officer if your friend was trying to explain that “I was just carrying the firearm”? Bottom line is, if you’re in possession of a firearm in an area that is inhabited by game, you’re hunting.

Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act defines hunting as lying in wait for, searching for, being on the trail of, pursuing, chasing or shooting at wildlife, whether or not the wildlife is killed, injured, captured or harassed.

Your friend could help carry the birds once they were harvested and you could give away your daily or possession limit of game birds to your friend, however, no one can be in possession of more game that allowed by law.

The daily bag limit for Spruce and Ruffed Grouse is a combined total of 5 and the possession limit is a combined total of 15.

Ross Johnston

Community Liaison

Conservation Officer

Suite B001, 435 S. James St.

Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S8

Telephone: 807-475-1521

Facsimile: 807-475-1527

Email: ross.johnston@ontario.ca

website: www.mnr.gov.on.ca