Q: Is a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) needed to obtain a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifle? Is it legal to use for hunting waterfowl?
Adolf Schrempf, Selwyn Township
A: A pre-charged pneumatic rifle is a firearm under the Criminal Code. However, a Possession and Acquisition Licence is not required to obtain certain types of firearms. This includes any hunting tool that is not designed or adapted to discharge a projectile at a muzzle velocity exceeding 152.4 m/s (500 ft/s), or at a muzzle energy exceeding 5.7 joules. The only weapons that may be used to hunt migratory birds are a long bow, crossbow, or a shotgun not larger than number 10 gauge. It is illegal to use a PCP rifle for hunting waterfowl.
Editor’s note: Most PCP guns are capable of shooting well above 500 fps.
Learn more about PCP rifles in our 2021-2022 Hunting Annual issue. Use our app to access it, or log in to: digital.oodmag.com
ANSWER BY: David Critchlow, Provincial Enforcement Specialist, MNR
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Originally published in the Fall 2023 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
Ask a CO is also a regular feature in the print edition
Please check the most recent Ontario hunting and fishing regulations summaries, as rules and regulations can change
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