Q: I know it is illegal to shoot game using your vehicle as a steady rest, but can you sight in your firearm while leaning on a vehicle?
Kirt Males, North Bay
A: No. It is illegal, with some exceptions, to have a loaded firearm in or on a conveyance (vehicle, boat, or aircraft) or to discharge a firearm from one in an area usually inhabited by wildlife. Also, just having a firearm in a wildlife inhabited area is considered proof of hunting, unless there is evidence to the contrary. I recommend you use an approved range, with a proper rest to sight in your firearm.
ANSWER BY: Jeff Anderson, Acting Provincial Enforcement Specialist, MNRF
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Originally published in the August 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.
I would prefer if the CO would not give opinion such as …I prefer if….or I recommend…just state what the law says. Decades ago in another province when young, I used to go hunting and often do some target shooting for fun while in the “woods” the same day. Is that now illegal…? I think not. If I have all the required paperwork to hunt, it is legal I would think to still do some target shooting as you become more proficient with your firearm. If one has some targets set up..like tin cans for example and “plinking”…that should be proof enough of target shooting if someone goes out just to do that and not hunting…today we face so many regulations and possibly sometimes over zealous C.O’s…there always seems some sort of threat looming over the heads of hunters…who are the most decent people. It makes it difficult to enjoy our God given right to nature God put here for us all.