Big Game Hunting

Firearms

Pellet Guns and Rimfire Rifles

A pellet gun or rimfire rifle (e.g. .17 or .22 calibre) cannot be used to hunt big game.

Centrefire Rifles

A centrefire rifle may be used to hunt big game only during general (rifle) seasons. A centrefire rifle of .23 calibre or less is not recommended.

Shotguns

A shotgun may be used to hunt big game only during shotgun/ muzzleloader and general (rifle) seasons. A shotgun must be a minimum of 20 gauge and shoot a single projectile (slug). The magazine of a shotgun is not required to be plugged thereby restricting the number of shells.

Muzzleloaders

A muzzleloader may be used to hunt big game only during muzzleloader, shotgun/muzzleloader and general (rifle) seasons. The bore diameter must be a minimum .50 calibre for moose, elk and black bear and a minimum .44 calibre for deer, caribou and wolf, and shoot a single metal projectile, which may include a sabot. While hunting during the muzzleloader deer season, a hunter may not possess any other device (except a crossbow) that may be used to kill big game. A shotgun with slugs may not be used during the muzzleloader deer season.

Bows

A bow may be used to hunt big game only during archery and general (rifle) seasons. A bowhunter hunting big game must not be in possession of a long bow or recurved bow requiring less than 18.1 kg (40 lbs.) draw weight at 71 cm (28 in.) draw; or a compound bow set at less than 18.1 kg (40 lbs.) peak draw weight; or an arrow using a broadhead point less than 2.2 cm (7/8 in.) in
width. While hunting big game during an archery only season, a hunter must not possess any other device capable of killing big game.

Except under the authority of a Disabled Crossbow permit, no person may hunt with a bow drawn, held, or released by a mechanical device, except with a hand-held mechanical release attached to the bowstring such that the person's own strength draws and holds the bowstring.

Crossbows

Crossbows may be used only during muzzleloader and general (rifle) seasons. A hunter must not be in possession of a crossbow while hunting during archery or shotgun/muzzleloader seasons. A person hunting big game must not be in possession of a crossbow requiring less than 68 kg (150 lbs.) draw weight or an arrow using a broadhead point less than 2.2 cm (7/8 in.) in width. Under the authority of a Disabled Crossbow permit, a permanently disabled archer may use a crossbow during an archery season.

Cartridges

Cartridges having a full metal cased hard point bullet (including military-type cartridges such as Full Metal Cartridge, Full Metal Jacket and Total Metal Cartridge) may not be used by or be in the possession of a big game hunter.

General (Rifle) Seasons

During a big game general (rifle) season, a hunter may use a centrefire rifle, a shotgun (minimum 20 gauge) firing a single projectile, a muzzleloading firearm of appropriate calibre firing a single projectile, a crossbow, archery equipment or any combination of the above.

Loaded Firearms

A person may not have or carry a loaded firearm in or on any vehicle or discharge a firearm from any vehicle. A rifle or shotgun is considered loaded if it has a live shell or cartridge in the chamber, attached magazine or loading mechanism. A muzzleloader, with a charge in the barrel, may be transported between hunting sites only if the firing cap is removed or, in the case of a flintlock, the flint is removed. When not traveling between hunting sites, the firing cap or flint must be removed and the barrel must not contain a charge.