Hi folks,

I am going to accompany a Canadian buddy on his moose and grizz hunt in some remote backcountry place (he wont tell me, says it´s a secret... ) in the Yukon for 3 weeks. I´ll come along on his stalks, (hopefully) help pack out the moose/grizz, keep the camp together, that sort of thing.

While I am really looking forward to this trip, I was wondering this:

Will I (German, no Canadian hunting license) be allowed to carry a firearm for "self-protection"?

I know that I wont be allowed to hunt anything, not having a license and him not being an outfitter and everything but just for that 1-in-a-million chance that I run across a pissed-off bear, a rifle/revolver would come in handy...

Call me a wimp, but I´ll rather be safe than sorry! On the other hand I dont want trouble with the game wardens, so whats your advice on this?

Thanks,

elwood.

Hi Elwood,
The letter of the law would be a no to all your questions but go anyway, you will be perfectly safe as long as you stay behind the guy with the gun. It would also help if you can out run him. If you develop a knack for packing moose let me know as we can keep you busy this fall.
Regards

Following is a very good method of self defense to be used in multiple party groups. It should help you to feel totally safe in grizzly country.


Put a small sharp edged pebble in your pocket and be careful not to lose it.

If your buddy gets a Grizzly upset...calmly reach into your pocket and get your trusty pebble. Carefully bend over and place the pebble in buddies shoe. Now that buddy can't run as fast due to the pebble in the shoe you should be able to easily outrun him.

have fun

the chef

You guys are funny!

But seriously, if I wander through the Yukokn brush with 100 pounds moose on my back - I will not be allowed to carry my buddy´s licensed rifle to eventually defend myself?

I know that loud whistling and singing (especially in my case ) should scare away any bear ways ahead but just to make sure I would like something more than pepper spray...

quote:

Originally posted by bwest:
Hi Elwood,
The letter of the law would be a no to all your questions but go anyway, you will be perfectly safe as long as you stay behind the guy with the gun. It would also help if you can out run him. If you develop a knack for packing moose let me know as we can keep you busy this fall.
Regards

Don't worry, I'll make sure to let you know!

elwood, nothing is illegal, until you're caught! Just remember to drop the moose and walk away. Trying to out run your friend won't help if he puts a bullet in your knee! (My way of making sure I'm fastest )

Elwood, what can I say, it's a big country... with not a lot of people, wardens, etc.

Let me see, here in Alberta it would be legal for you to carry a firearm if under the immediate supervision of the licensed owner, as long as you can convince the warden that you are not hunting. But I think you are refering to the situation in which your friend is not present (chasing grizz while letting you pack out the moose? Or you being in camp all alone, doing chores? Do you want to be my friend too? ) As was said above... the answer is no.

Frans

Guys no need to shoot your buddy in the knee. Just trip him when the runnin starts.

The cost of the fine is going to be much less than the Dr. and hospital bills...if you live. I would use a Marlin Guide Rifle or a short 12 guage with good slugs if your friend has one. The chances of getting caught are a lot slimmer than bumping into a hungry bear.

I would suggest our buddy would have to complete the firearms course and have a valid PAL to pack heat. The legal hassles of ignoring this wouldn't be worthwhile and might result in being barred from any future trips to Canada, especially in the unlikely event he had to shoot a bear. Better just to make sure you don't end up in a predicament. Wenn du Angst hast, bleib zu Hause.

Heck, Grizz, you still got a bit of the old country language in you!

Frans

And a sense of humor I guess if the location wasn't so "secret", they could get somebody else with a gun to come along. As Frans knows very well, there is a lot of work to a moose hunt and a extra body sure will be appreciated.
Grizz

As a veteran of one moose killed and one moose hunt as a guide, I can acclaim that a moose is one big animal. Of course my moose conveniently took the bullet and ran towards a trail that was fordable by truck. When I guided we were hunting an area that was a click or two away from the nearest trail, I had a client who was very vocal about not going to carry any part of the moose, an outfitter who was off in Saskatchewan, and a back-up assistant who was off on a trip according to his wife. In retrospect I'm almost glad we didn't kill one.

Frans

Hey you Moose-Veterans

havent shot a moose so far but packed out 4 or 5, not on my own of course!

But I agree, a moose up in Yukon or BC is a fu... HUGE beast and I really hate guides who let their clients shoot a moose in 3 feet of water just to get another 60-incher up on the wall...

Anyway, you input is much appreciated und das nächste Mal wenn ich nach Kanada komme dann statte ich meinen Deutsch-sprechenden Forumkollegen mal einen Besuch ab!

For you big hairy moose packers - read my lips ... ATV

quote:

und das nächste Mal wenn ich nach Kanada komme dann statte ich meinen Deutsch-sprechenden Forumkollegen mal einen Besuch ab!

Nah wunderbar, biss dann!

Frans

quote:

Originally posted by scruffy:
For you big hairy moose packers - read my lips ... ATV

Well, the friendly outfitter that hired me was going to provide one, but never did. Then he came up with the back-up assistant, who turned out to be in an oil camps somewhere and not due back till well after the hunt. Combine that with a client who didn't plan on hauling any moose...

But don't get me started on that outfitter... He still owes me $500. I think he's out of the business now.

Frans

Hey Frans, where are you from???

My flight is booked to Vancouver, now all I need to figure out is the cheapest way to get to Pr. George...

Originally from The Netherlands. But since a little over four years happily making trails in Alberta, and surrounding areas!

Don't know if there is train or bus service to PG?

Frans

Actually, for a Dutchman, Frans writes some excellent German articles. It's probably just as cheap to fly and you can factor in at least an extra day if you take the bus. Our public transport system, in European terms is less than pathetic. You're not going with Mooseman, are you?
Grizz

quote:

Originally posted by elwood:

My flight is booked to Vancouver, now all I need to figure out is the cheapest way to get to Pr. George...

Westjet is about the fastest and cheapest way to go.

quote:

Originally posted by Grizzly Adams:
Actually, for a Dutchman, Frans writes some excellent German articles. It's probably just as cheap to fly and you can factor in at least an extra day if you take the bus. Our public transport system, in European terms is less than pathetic. You're not going with Mooseman, are you?
Grizz

No, sorry, no idea who Mooseman is?!

Ever tried to get form A to B in Spain or Portugal or even Greece??? Believe me, walking is cheaper AND faster...

@ torque: thanks for the hint buddy, looks like they are offering some good rates!

No problem elwood, be sure to book in advance, it'll save you moola!

Mooseman is a German born outfitter, operating out of Prince George. He was looking on the Wild und Hund forum, for someone to accompany him in checking out a "new hunting territory" . Thougth you might have been the lucky buggar.
Grizz

Sounds like fun, but have been there and done that, this time I want to see some action before the moose is dead!

Which time is he asking for? Has he already got one? I might know someone who is interested...

Cheers,

elwood.

P.S.: Hey Griz, you an Wild und Hund Forum as well???