Canada’s forests cover almost 362 million hectares and can be a lonely, isolated environment — among the trees, bugs and bushes, you could go weeks without seeing another person. And if you’re hunting, exploring or surviving, you may have brought your firearm with you. But is it illegal to shoot in the woods? After all, if a gun goes off and nobody’s around to hear it, does it still make a sound?

But just because you’re alone in Canada’s vast wilderness, it doesn’t mean you can freely fire your gun; Canada has fairly strict firearms laws, and if you really want to shoot your gun in the woods, you’ll need to understand these laws. So let’s begin.

Is it legal to carry my gun in Canada?

Before you think about shooting, you need to know if you can legally carry your gun. In Canada, there are some general rules about the type of firearms you own, carry and use. For instance, as of May 1, 2020, the federal government banned over 1,500 assault-style weapons. So for assault-style weapons, the answer is simple: you can’t use, sell, display or transport these weapons, and so you certainly can’t shoot them in the woods.

While assault-style weapons are prohibited, there’s also a class of restricted guns. Owning a restricted firearm — like a handgun, for example — comes with additional rules surrounding handling, storage, transportation and display.

Generally, you can only use restricted guns for target practice or competitive shooting at clubs and ranges. This means, of course, you can’t shoot your handgun (or any restricted firearm) in the woods. In fact, it’d be illegal even to carry it — when transported, restricted guns must be unloaded and kept in specific containers.

Finally, we have non-restricted firearms like rifles and shotguns. If you legally own one of these guns and have the necessary paperwork, you could be authorized to carry firearms for wilderness protection. So yes, you can bring your non-restricted rifle or shotgun into the woods.

Where can I shoot my guns in Canada?

You’ve got a legal, non-restricted firearm, and you’re carrying it through the wilderness. All is well. But now comes the question of shooting: you can probably do it, but there are caveats. Typically, people discharge firearms in the woods because they’re hunting. And as long as you follow each province and territory’s conservation laws, you’re free to hunt with a firearm in Canada.

That said, many municipalities have by-laws restricting gun use. For instance, if you’re in an urban municipality, they won’t let you hunt or fire your fun. Plus, Canada has over 3,500 municipalities — you must do your due diligence before and check with your local municipality before shooting anywhere.

Discharging a firearm — recklessness

But be careful: you can have a legal weapon, have the necessary hunting permits, have checked your by-laws, and still run into trouble. Let’s face it: shooting a gun will always be dangerous. Under s. 244.2 of the Criminal Code, anyone found guilty of recklessly discharging a firearm faces a maximum of 14 years imprisonment, with a minimum of five years for a first offence and seven years for a second.

These are severe punishments, so let’s analyze the statute. Specifically, s. 244.2 defines reckless discharge as either shooting at a place (any building or structure) with someone else in the place or using a firearm while neglecting the life or safety of another person.

These rules are second nature to almost all hunters and gun enthusiasts, but you can never be too careful.

Can I shoot on private property?

In Canada’s rural communities, many people own property in large wooded areas. While these may not be large enough to hunt on, they might still be big enough for target practice. But would that be legal? Again, you may see a common theme: there’s no encompassing rule against discharging your firearm on private property, but you have to ensure you’re not breaking any other laws.

First, you have to ensure you’re not trespassing. Hunting or shooting on land without the owner’s permission is prohibited, and you could be charged under your province’s trespassing laws. Next, you need to guarantee you don’t enter a First Nations Reserve; all Reserves are private property, and you need permission to hunt or shoot on or across these lands. Finally, you have to worry about roads and highways; it’s illegal to shoot across or within 15 metres of any public road with more than two lanes.

Can I have a shooting range on my property?

If you’re covered your bases, you should be able to shoot on private property. That said, there are some more rules you should know; under s. 29 of the Firearms Act, you’ll need permission from your province if you want to build a shooting range and use it regularly.

While you will have to navigate some rules and regulations, shooting your gun in many of Canada’s wooded areas is legal. Yes, you’ll have to use a non-restricted firearm, and yes, you’ll have to check your local municipal by-laws, but Canada is a large country with ample space for hunting.

But you should always be cautious. No matter how remote you think you are, you can’t know who or what might be out of sight. And remember: you are responsible for every bullet that leaves your firearm. Even if you make a mistake, the consequences will be severe. So if you’re in any doubt, don’t shoot. Speak to a Canadian lawyer if you need more information.

Shootings that happened in the woods in Canada

Let’s look at a few non-accident cases that happened in Canada. This is obviously about murder, and not shooting guns for fun in the woods.

Throughout Canada’s crime history, a series of high-profile shootings in the woods have provoked societal discourse on gun control, mental health, and law enforcement. Here we examine three cases that created significant media interest and public outcry.

‘The Algonquin Park Incident’ (1995)

In the heart of Ontario’s scenic Algonquin Park, tragedy struck in the summer of 1995. A group of five teenage boys on a camping trip became the target of an assailant. The shooter, later identified as Robert ‘Bobby’ Mathews, was a recently released convict with a history of violent behaviour.

The initial motive was believed to be robbery. Mathews stumbled upon the boys’ campsite and demanded their valuables. When one of the boys attempted to resist, Mathews fired, causing fatal injuries. Panicked, he shot at the remaining boys, resulting in two more deaths and two seriously wounded.

The case caught the media’s attention due to the grim nature of the crime and its setting. In an environment known for tranquillity, the contrast was stark and shocking. This case opened discussions about post-incarceration monitoring and the rehabilitation of violent offenders.

‘The Whistler Hunter’ (2003)

The pristine wilderness surrounding Whistler, British Columbia, turned into a grisly crime scene in November 2003. Known as the ‘Whistler Hunter’ case, this incident involved the fatal shooting of two off-duty RCMP officers who were hunting in the area.

The alleged shooter, Sam Wilcox, was reportedly a survivalist and anti-government extremist. He had set up a remote camp in the woods and apparently mistook the officers for government agents infringing upon his territory.

The media frenzy around this case focused on the shooter’s mental health and extremist views, putting a spotlight on the rising concern of homegrown radicalism. The incident underscored the risk faced by law enforcement officers, even in their off-duty hours, and heightened the public’s awareness of the dangers associated with extremism.

‘The Dawson Creek Nightmare’ (2012)

One of the most notorious cases happened in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, in 2012. The victims, an entire family on a camping trip, were shot by an unidentified assailant. The lack of apparent motive, along with the horrific scale of the crime, shocked the nation.

The ‘Dawson Creek Nightmare,’ as it came to be known, had no immediate suspects. Despite an exhaustive investigation and massive media coverage, the case went cold for years, leaving an open wound in the community. This case prompted a serious discussion about gun control and safety regulations in Canada.

Each of these cases shook the nation and raised important questions about public safety, mental health, and societal responsibility. They sparked a media frenzy and, in turn, gave rise to changes in public policy and law enforcement procedures. These ‘shooting in the woods’ cases stand as grim reminders of the potential dangers that can lurk even in the serenity of nature, reinforcing the necessity for constant vigilance and protection.

We hope you found this article on the laws of Canada interesting.

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Is it illegal to shoot in the woods in Canada?