Attention! Is this true?, carry your pal/rpal this season!

[Stinky Coyote]

The following is an email i received this morning via close contact, looks to have come from a friend of this person. Can we verify this?

"As we all know we are to carry our PAL/RPAL whenever transporting or hunting with a firearm. This year it may be more important though. Recently I was in conversation with the local conservation officers (CO's) and they explained that they are now obligated to request your PAL/RPAL if you are in possession of a firearm when they are conducting a game or hunting licence check.

If during the game or licence check the hunter(s) in possession of a firearm cannot produce a valid PAL/RPAL the CO's are to confiscate the firearm(s). If the accused can produce a valid PAL/RPAL within 14 days the firearm will be returned. If no valid PAL/RPAL is produced a criminal investigation will be initiated and probably the firearm will be destroyed following the investigation. It is important to note that it is the person who was in possession of the firearm, not necessarily the firearm owner, who must produce the valid PAL/RPAL.

This change in probable action by the CO's should prompt everyone to check one's own PAL/RPAL before heading out to hunt or shoot. If loaning a firearm to family or friend it is paramount that the firearm owner also verify that individual's PAL/RPAL, which we all do anyway, as they will now be the one in possession of the firearm.

It is encouraged that word be spread to family, friends and local club members of this probable enforcement of the law. It is too late now to obtain or renew a PAL/RPAL as this takes several months to process. Personally it is known that several people have allowed their PAL/RPAL to expire as the individuals have no intention of purchasing more firearms or they think that the expired PAL/RPAL is sufficient. It will be a shame if these people take the risk to hunt without a valid PAL/RPAL and lose their firearm. No amount of persuading can alter their minds either.

This is not a new policy or regulation, just one that has not been widely enforced in the past few decades.

It is hoped that everyone and your families are doing well during this difficult time. If you are a hunter, best of luck in your endeavours this fall."