Canadian Hunter Safety

Canada requires safety courses for wild game hunters.

Learn basic safety before hunting wild game such as deer, elk, wildfowl, bear and moose in the Canadian wilderness. Each Canadian province and territory has its own laws concerning safety programs and regulations. Check an official province website for information on hunting safety in particular areas.

Guns

The Canadian Firearms Program teaches hunters gun safety using the "ACTS" of safety:

A- assume a firearm is loaded.

C- control where you point the muzzle of the firearm.

T- trigger finger should be kept off the trigger or trigger guard when not shooting.

S- see that the gun is unloaded. (See References 4)

A Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) is required to hunt in Canada. Hunters must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course test to use nonrestricted firearms such as shotguns and rifles. To pass the exam, either take the safety course beforehand or have the knowledge base to pass the exam without participating in the course. The course teaches basic firearm safety including operating, maintaining and transporting guns used for hunting.

Bowhunting

Bowhunting for deer, elk, moose, bear or caribou has its own set of safety regulations. Quebec and Nova Scotia require bowhunters to complete the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP). Program safety topics include correct use of a map and compass, preventing injuries and hypothermia, and creating and using a first aid or survival kit.

Boat Precautions

Wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when hunting on the water. Have a GPS system and a marine very high frequency (VHF) radio. If help is needed while boating, the Canadian Coast Guard monitors VHF channel 16.

Ontario Requirements

Hunting in Ontario requires participation in the Ontario Hunter Education Course (OHEC) and a passing score on the exam. The Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program is required for hunters under the age of 15 but optional for older hunters. New hunters complete the safety course with an experienced mentor hunter.

British Columbia Requirements

British Columbia requires taking the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education program (CORE). New hunters must participate in the program in order to receive a hunting license. The course teaches hunting ethics, safety and survival.

Atlantic Provinces Hunting

Hunters in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island must participate in the Atlantic Province Hunter Education Program. Prince Edward Island hunters must complete a hunter safety course and receive a Hunter Safety Certificate.

References

• Hunting and Trapping Summary: Prince Edward Island
• International Hunter Education Association: Bowhunter Education Standards
• Ontario Hunter Education Program: Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police: Canadian Firearms Safety Course and The Vital Four ACTS of Firearm Safety
• Transport Canada: Hunters reminded to focus on safety

Resources

• Ontario: Hunting
• British Columbia: Hunting and Trapping Regulations
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Hunting
• Yukon: Hunting and Trapping
• Nova Scotia: Hunting Requirements