Province is completely against handgun hunting.

[philthygeezer]

Why not do a little research into handgun hunting in the US? They seem to do it in most of the states with little fanfare.

[beansgunsghandi]

This handgun thing is a red herring that again makes hunters look like idiots to the general public, never mind the outdoors-oriented public. The average backpacker or whatever is generally fine with hunting, but would NOT be fine with a lot of people running around in the woods with handguns. We as a group need to focus on the issues that truly matter and improving our image with respect to those issues (access being the big one, CWD, habitat loss, etc), this isn't one of them, it's a diversion.

[Camp Cook]

and I completely disagree with you...

Many that I enncounter as I hike/work/hunt/fish in remote wilderness areas would like very much to be able to legally carry a handgun for defense.

[Jamie Black R/T]

Originally Posted by beansgunsghandi

This handgun thing is a red herring that again makes hunters look like idiots to the general public, never mind the outdoors-oriented public. The average backpacker or whatever is generally fine with hunting, but would NOT be fine with a lot of people running around in the woods with handguns. We as a group need to focus on the issues that truly matter and improving our image with respect to those issues (access being the big one, CWD, habitat loss, etc), this isn't one of them, it's a diversion.

People who see a handgun as something more dangerous than a rifle, shotgun or bow are the enemy to those who believe this country was at one time in fact....FREE

if you are one of them im sorry to be lumped into the same group as you sir...you do NOT speak for me....banning handguns from hunting does nothing to ensure the safety of the public and only robs rights from the law abiding....my god man...stand up for yourself!!!!

[fordtruckin]

Originally Posted by beansgunsghandi

This handgun thing is a red herring that again makes hunters look like idiots to the general public, never mind the outdoors-oriented public. The average backpacker or whatever is generally fine with hunting, but would NOT be fine with a lot of people running around in the woods with handguns. We as a group need to focus on the issues that truly matter and improving our image with respect to those issues (access being the big one, CWD, habitat loss, etc), this isn't one of them, it's a diversion.

Spoken like a person who doesn't leave the comfort of their couch! Are you one of the idiots that the general public sees? I'm sure your the supreme spokesman for the general public but I'd prefer if you don't talk about me and make assumptions of me and my friends for carrying in the woods.

I don't know how many times I've been out in the woods all over the USA and come upon people packing their .357 .44 mags and .454cassuls. Never ONCE has it freaked out anyone I've been with or myself. Most of the time those carrying ARE in fact your "Average backpacker or whatever" as you put it. It also acts as a great ice breaker if you like guns. "hey man what kinda revolver is that? ect..." Most everyone is very eager to talk with you about their shootin irons.

while I agree you bring up some issues that need to be addressed for sure, Your assumption at the beginning is Stupid and 110% Wrong.

[elkhunter11]

We as a group need to focus on the issues that truly matter and improving our image with respect to those issues (access being the big one, CWD, habitat loss, etc), this isn't one of them, it's a diversion.

We as a group need to put some effort into supporting all types of legal firearms ownership, and all possible legal uses for firearms. Our problem is that some of us are doing just that, and it looks like we have succeeded in getting our government to put an end to the long gun registry, in spite of the fact that many gun owners have done nothing at all to further our cause. If we could get the rest of the gun owners to get off of their butts and write e-mails , and contacts MPs as some of us have been doing, instead of fighting against our efforts by opposing our efforts , we could likely achieve a lot more in our effort to revise some of our backwards firearms laws.

[Camp Cook]

Sept 2009 I let my ATC for all remote wilderness of BC & Alberta handgun carry permit expire so I could stay home with my now 4 3/4 year old son actually we went hunting/fishing/camping/quadding for 2 years...

I had my ATC for 7 years prier to letting it lapse.

Of the hundreds of people that I encountered over those seven years of carrying I not even once heard a negative about me carrying most wanted to know how they could get a carry permit.

Many of these people were young hippie/socialist type tree planters or hikers.

Even working locally were I came across city folk from Vancouver there was never a negative said I did get the occasional look but that was it.

In other words those that spew against have been drinking to much of the anti Kool Aid...

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by Camp Cook

Sept 2009 I let my ATC for all remote wilderness of BC & Alberta handgun carry permit expire so I could stay home with my now 4 3/4 year old son actually we went hunting/fishing/camping/quadding for 2 years...

I had my ATC for 7 years prier to letting it lapse.

Of the hundreds of people that I encountered over those seven years of carrying I not even once heard a negative about me carrying most wanted to know how they could get a carry permit.

Many of these people were young hippie/socialist type tree planters or hikers.

Even working locally were I came across city folk from Vancouver there was never a negative said I did get the occasional look but that was it.

In other words those that spew against have been drinking to much of the anti Kool Aid...

So....those that express an opinion that differs from yours are no longer " expressing", they're "spewing". And those that likewise "spew" a disagreement, drink too much anti Kool Aid. Funny thing that you should refer to the likes of myself whose gun safe is abundant with long guns, shot guns, hand guns and holds an RPAL attached to a LTATT as an anti. Funny thing that you should also refer to as those that are tree planters or hikers as socialist hippie type, whereas in reality, large corps such as Syncrude praise the reclamation efforts that these "hippies" do in an effort to reclaim wastelands so that wildlife and habitat can be restored to their natural wilderness state, where wildlife abounds once again.

And on another note, since you've brought up your claims that some of these so called socialist hippies have no issues with the handgun that they've seen slung across your hip. I too have been canvessing folks in my neck of the woods. They include large ranch owners in the Foothills that are gun toting rednecks as you might call them. You know?....the folks that run large grazing leases where most hunters request hunting permission from. When I proposed this question to them, the uniquivical answer was "are you stupid or on crack?"

[Camp Cook]

So what you are saying is those ranchers have also been drinking the anti handgun Koolaid along with you...

[huntinstuff]

Originally Posted by beansgunsghandi

This handgun thing is a red herring that again makes hunters look like idiots to the general public, never mind the outdoors-oriented public. The average backpacker or whatever is generally fine with hunting, but would NOT be fine with a lot of people running around in the woods with handguns. We as a group need to focus on the issues that truly matter and improving our image with respect to those issues (access being the big one, CWD, habitat loss, etc), this isn't one of them, it's a diversion.

Are we to be concerned with what a backpacker thinks? Are we really "running around in the woods with handguns"? Those are the opinions of someone with a pre conceived agenda.


Improve our image? Our image is stellar. We are supporters of freedom, not just gun ownership. Do we have idiots? Yes. Do any of us support the idiots? Not one.

The diversion is all yours. Handgun hunting is just as logical as rifle or bow or crossbow hunting. It is only due to the idiotic idea of so few liberals and other weirdos that handgun hunting is not allowed, yet.

Access has never been a problem for me. I ask and receive a yes or a no.

Habitat loss? Due to what?

If you are not into handguns, that's fine. But you are not in a position to limit those of us who are. You can definitely state your case, as alternative opinions are always welcome, but bring your best. I'm more than ready for it.

[gitrdun]

We got our stills fired up big time. That's about as simple an answer I could come up for the likes of this silly argument, Darn it, I'm hoping to not have an intellectual argument with an unarmed man.

[Lonnie]

Why is every body so concerned about every body running around in the bush with a handgun when I go hunting most times I never see anyone out there 99% never leave the road. and as someone mentioned on here earlier the people that you do meet out in the bush you usualy have no idea weather there packing or not most assume not. but there are thousands of unregistered handguns in this province if people are leaving these at home locked up like there supose to they wuold probably have registered them.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by huntinstuff

Are we to be concerned with what a backpacker thinks? Are we really "running around in the woods with handguns"? Those are the opinions of someone with a pre conceived agenda.


Improve our image? Our image is stellar. We are supporters of freedom, not just gun ownership. Do we have idiots? Yes. Do any of us support the idiots? Not one.

The diversion is all yours. Handgun hunting is just as logical as rifle or bow or crossbow hunting. It is only due to the idiotic idea of so few liberals and other weirdos that handgun hunting is not allowed, yet.

Access has never been a problem for me. I ask and receive a yes or a no.

Habitat loss? Due to what?

If you are not into handguns, that's fine. But you are not in a position to limit those of us who are. You can definitely state your case, as alternative opinions are always welcome, but bring your best. I'm more than ready for it.

Fine I will. I have been witness to such atrocities afield perpretatred by long gun hunters that I do not believe that adding yet another means of more suffering to animals is comprehensible.

[elkhunter11]

Fine I will. I have been witness to such atrocities afield perpretatred by long gun hunters that I do not believe that adding yet another means of more suffering to animals is comprehensible.

If you feel that strongly about the atrocities committed by long gun hunters, why do you hunt yourself? Why don't you join the anti hunting crusade instead, to try and end those atrocities? It sounds like you are on the wrong forum.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by Lonnie

Why is every body so concerned about every body running around in the bush with a handgun when I go hunting most times I never see anyone out there 99% never leave the road. and as someone mentioned on here earlier the people that you do meet out in the bush you usualy have no idea weather there packing or not most assume not. but there are thousands of unregistered handguns in this province if people are leaving these at home locked up like there supose to they wuold probably have registered them.

Right! and it's not the so-self proclaimed ethical, great shooters, marksmen, that I have a problem with. It's with all the idiots that by the natural culling order of AO that don't hang out here that I have issues with. Hey, I have an idea...why don't somebody start a discussion forum/web site where nothing but morons are allowed to post in. They could post their scoping people experiences, shot to chit little bambies, trespassing, trailcamera stealing, idiotic overpressure reloading experiences, and what have you BS experiences and keep them outta here. Heck they could even rip each other off on an exchange forum such as that which recently occured on CGN.

[Canuck44]

Does someone have the emails handy for the few ministers we should email about this? I will send them my opinion on this.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

If you feel that strongly about the atrocities committed by long gun hunters, why do you hunt yourself? Why don't you join the anti hunting crusade instead, to try and end those atrocities? It sounds like you are on the wrong forum.

YES...I do feel badly by atrocities perpretated by "SOME" long gun hunters. If you don't feel likewise, then as an Outdoorsmen perhaps YOU are on the wrong forum. Perhaps you haven't been witness to such atrocities because you hunt mice in your backyard or spend too much time on the computer replying to every single thread at all times of day giving advise on every caliber and gun known to man. I'm thinking a girlfriend or wife is not in your lifestyle, but Wikipedia and the other hand.....well, it's a LUV affair.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

If you feel that strongly about the atrocities committed by long gun hunters, why do you hunt yourself? Why don't you join the anti hunting crusade instead, to try and end those atrocities? It sounds like you are on the wrong forum.

why is it that with you superbly accurate rifles, you've abastained from the pack? Dont' even talk, you're basically nothing but a hot air ballon that disappears and never to be found again. People like you won't even bother to show their stuff with a long gun, yet you argue the merrits of a hand gun. Your'e so fulll of hot air, you can only manage to inflate yourslelves.

[Lonnie]

I wish that every body had to post there age beside there name. as alot on here cann't be over 25 and most must be a lot yunger than that.

[elkhunter11]

YES...I do feel badly by atrocities perpretated by "SOME" long gun hunters. If you don't feel likewise, then as an Outdoorsmen perhaps YOU are on the wrong forum.

The difference between you and I, is that although I realize that there will always be some irresponsible hunters and gun owners, I support all types of hunting, and all types of firearms ownership, not just the ones that happen to interest me. Unlike you, I realize that we as gun owners have to have some faith in other gun owners. In your case, it appears that you feel that only you should be trusted with firearms, and we should only be allowed to own the firearms that interest you, and we should only be allowed to hunt with the weapons that you want to hunt with.

As for my hunting experiences, I have hunted in four provinces, and three states, and have harvested over 100 head of big game of ten species as well as several species of predators. I have held a full time job for over 30 years, and on average, I have still managed to spent at least three or four weeks of hunting every year except for a few years missed due to health reasons.
As for firearms, I have owned over 100 over the years, and have fired at least as many more, as I spend 50 days or more at the local range every year.

Perhaps the fact that I spend so much time hunting and shooting is what drives me to make an effort to get our firearms laws revised, to give all gun owners more opportunity to own, and to hunt with different firearms. Unfortunately for myself and the others making that effort, there are people like you that are scared that the sky will fall if we are allowed to carry handguns in the woods or hunt with them. It's people with that attitude that the government used to gain support for the long gun registry in the first place.

[huntinstuff]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

[/B]

Fine I will. I have been witness to such atrocities afield perpretatred by long gun hunters that I do not believe that adding yet another means of more suffering to animals is comprehensible.

First. My opinions may or may not be agreeable to all outdoorsmen.

I have to ask, did you report and follow up on any of these incidents or "atrocities" with F&W? If so, I commend you for your stewardship. If not, you have neglected your duty as a sportsman.

The very idea that an individual should lose his freedom to pursue something, based on the failures or criminal acts of others, is abhorrent to me. It places more importance on the unusual act itself than the freedom it infringes upon.

Above all, hunters, anglers, and trappers are true keepers of the environment. We are the real conservationists. We use and preserve.

Those that commit acts that INTENTIONALLY disrupt the lawful enjoyment of our land are not hunters. They are not anglers or trappers. They are destructive criminals that must be prosecuted and punished.

Animals do not have rights. Those that believe so are ridiculous. They are to be both harvested and conserved. That is their role. A dog is a companion. He is to be cared for properly. And when his time comes, it is proper to kill him. He has no rights.

Hunters sometimes wound animals. It is a fact. Some pursue the animal as any hunter would do. Some do not.

A handgun, to be properly utilized, must be practiced with, as will any hunting tool. Those that do not practice may or may not contribute to the "atrocities" you speak of (although I have no examples from you yet)

Many others, who do practice and take precautions, may add to your list also.

To ban the use of handguns for hunting requires an explanation, none of which have been offered. Handguns have as much place in the hunting world as rifles do. Yes rifles are the standard. But only due to our inability to utilize the handgun.

Rifles shoot further and are considered more accurate. This is basically true. Conversely, one could also argue that a handgun is generally more accurate than a bow. We use bows. Ive seen hunters shoot bullseye's at 40 yds with a bow. Ive also seen it done with a handgun.

Handgun use has been deemed "dirty", for lack of a better description, by those uneducated and ignorant on their use. This propaganda has been quite effective in denying handgun owners the ability to hunt with it. Too often, a handgun is associated to crime. This is a travesty. There are far more legitimate uses for a handgun than illegitimate.

A handgun is simply a firearm, smaller than a rifle. It is easily carried, has less range than a rifle, and takes some time and effort to truly become proficient, much like a rifle or bow or crossbow. Handgun hunting is a natural evolution within the hunting world.

Not long ago, only physically handicapped people were allowed to use a crossbow. Now we all can. It was a logical evolution.

We have inline, muzzleloaders, flintlock, percussion cap, etc. All acceptable means to hunt with.

We changed the absolutely ridiculous minimum cartridge length law and now we can utilize the 44-40 and other cartridges for hunting.

But handguns are not? I find that unacceptable. I can shoot a .45 colt from a rifle at a deer, but not a revolver? Insane.

The handgun is as legitimate a hunting tool as any we currently use today. This anti handgun stigma that our socialists and liberal have tried to perpetuate is both irrational and illegitimate. And together we can change that.

[elkhunter11]

The handgun is as legitimate a hunting tool as any we currently use today. This anti handgun stigma that our socialists and liberal have tried to perpetuate is both irrational and illegitimate. And together we can change that.

Unfortunately, although some of us do want to get together and lobby for changes in our gun laws, there will always be gun owners that will oppose our efforts , and weaken our cause. They will let their irrational fears lead them to go as far as to attack anyone that suggests allowing such things as handgun hunting, or carrying handguns in the wild. We don't need outside adversaries, sabotaging our efforts, when we have them in our own group.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by Lonnie

I wish that every body had to post there age beside there name. as alot on here cann't be over 25 and most must be a lot yunger than that.

Me, I hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, A heavy duty mechanic and millwright ticket, both with gold shield. A also have a 3rd degree vibration analyst diploma. You.......you couldn't win a spelling bee....and yet you are one of the fighting heroes for handgun hunting. Good luck with the ...douuuh boss I tink we neead to win tihs fight caquse me thinks im the guy dey shoulda thnhka we sahoul donna it..

In your short sentence, 4 (four) spelling mistakes and countless grammar F'ups and lack of proper punctuation in a sentence that took what? Three breaths? You're screwed, and if that's what's the best that you hillbillies have to offer?...........guess what? I win. bahahahaha.

[bb356]

That dang guy from FAIRVIEW sure make's a lotta sense !!!

[huntinstuff]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Unfortunately, although some of us do want to get together and lobby for changes in our gun laws, there will always be gun owners that will oppose our efforts , and weaken our cause. They will let their irrational fears lead them to go as far as to attack anyone that suggests allowing such things as handgun hunting, or carrying handguns in the wild. We don't need outside adversaries, sabotaging our efforts, when we have them in our own group.

I wholeheartedly agree with you.

All we can do is let our facts drive them crazy, whip them into an irreversible frenzy, and have them committed to an institution.

It worked nationally with the gun registry, it can certainly work in Alberta. I have the faith and the desire. All I need is to find enough like me to continue

[Scar270]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

why is it that with you superbly accurate rifles, you've abastained from the pack? Dont' even talk, you're basically nothing but a hot air ballon that disappears and never to be found again. People like you won't even bother to show their stuff with a long gun, yet you argue the merrits of a hand gun. Your'e so fulll of hot air, you can only manage to inflate yourslelves.

gitrdun, I spend a lot of time at the range with both my rifles and handguns. If you want to come out and show us how great of a shot you are, and how you can make such perfectly ethical shots every time, drop me a note and I'll meet you at the range. Your choice of 500m rifle silhouette or 200m handgun silhouette. I have no problem standing toe to toe with anyone in either sport, or pretty much any other shooting sport you would like to try.

I'm not the best at any of it, but I am proficient, and I can tell you what, the guys I see at the range day in and day out practicing their skills, are not the ones I see on here all upset about handgun hunting.

For you to stop me from handgun hunting because you feel I may make an unethical shot, while expecting me to support your rifle hunting and take your word that you won't make an unethical shot, is absolutely appalling.

Your disregard for freedom is incredible. You talk about animals rights, while having no respect for my rights. You would trample my rights based on the actions of others, that is exactly the logic used to bring in C-68, and every other rediculous firearms law and prohibition.

In a free society we lock up those who prove themselves unable behave in a manner which respects others rights, and the rest of us are free to do as we please. Too bad we don't live in a free society.

[RUM]

I am surprised by some of the responses here.

More wounded game is a weak argument. I figure the hunter's who would fall into that category are already in it, with whatever weapon the currently use. Main reason, not practicing and shooting beyond their abilities. This argument reminds me of the mentality that everyone with a gun is suddenly going to shoot someone when the firearm convinces them to do it.

We need to stick together a little more, worry less about appealing to the anti's, and realize that taking away another outdoorsman's (or firearms owner's) freedom, is driving one more nail in the coffin of your own interest's when it comes to these issues.

We are our own worst enemy it seems when it comes to topics like this. Sad really...

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by PoppaW

This power qualification would be hard to do. We don't want to say under 45 is a no go as a lot of old antiques are 44 and 41 etc. Most 45 colt antiques are not sought after up here as they need licensing.
As it applies to Restricted modern guns, Some of the same problems apply. I hate to make rules but we have the bigger than 23 caliber for rifles. I figure for big game 10mm and up works if done right. We would have to get rid of the ATT. YES! And if done right the law would read 'restricted' and not say hand gun or pistol so we could use AR's also. Thats a gopher popper.

I have forwarded this thread to Santa. Tis the season.

You would not be able to regulate and control a power qualification like they do in IPSC anyway.

One could hand load up or down anyway you want, and to check, you would need a chronograph.

Demanding a shooting qualification does not automatically mean that a person is going to be a good shot - every person involved in an unauthorized - sorry, incidental discharge had to pass their PAL exam, so I can't see it any different in a shooting qualification.

Cat

[elkhunter11]

More wounded game is a weak argument.

People resort to such a weak argument, because they don't have anything of substance to argue with. Then they get even more desperate and resort to personal attacks, as was just recently demonstrated in posts #137,138, and 143.

We need to stick together a little more, worry less about appealing to the anti's, and realize that taking away another outdoorsman's (or firearms owner's) freedom, is driving one more nail in the coffin of your own interest's when it comes to these issues.

We are our own worst enemy it seems when it comes to topics like this. Sad really...

Well said.

[uglyelk]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

You're screwed, and if that's what's the best that you hillbillies have to offer?...........guess what? I win. bahahahaha.

It's appears you have won your own admiration, but not mine.