Information for Minors:

Under the Firearms Act a minor (12 to 17 years of age) may get a Minor’s Possession Licence in order to use firearms. In some situations, however, the Act allows minors who do not have a Minor’s Possession Licence (or a valid minor’s permit) to still take part in activities where they handle and shoot firearms.

For those who don’t have a Minor’s Possession Licence or a valid minor’s permit, they can still use a firearm as long as they are under the direct and immediate supervision of someone who may lawfully possess it. Direct and immediate supervision means that the person supervising a minor must be close enough to them (within arm’s reach) to be able to take any action necessary to keep them from doing anything unsafe or illegal with the gun.

Minor’s Possession Licence:

If a minor is not under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed adult when handling a firearm, they will need a Minor’s Possession Licence. If they have a minor’s permit now, they may continue to use it until it expires.

A Minor’s Possession Licence will permit an individual to use non-restricted firearms (most hunting rifles and shotguns) for:

• Target Practice Instructions in the use of firearms
• Taking part in organized shooting competitions

In some situations, they may be permitted to use restricted and/or prohibited firearms (primarily handguns) under supervision as well.

A Minor’s Possession Licence will not permit anyone to acquire (buy, inherit, receive as a gift or take in trade) firearms. A minor may, however, acquire ammunition with it.

All licences are subject to conditions that may include supervision.

When a minor applies for a Minor’s Possession Licence, they, and/or their parent or a person who has custody of them, will be interviewed by a firearms officer. Their parent or guardian must agree to the conditions under which they may use firearms, and must give their consent, before a Minor’s Possession Licence can be issued.

To get a Minor’s Possession Licence a minor will have to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and pass the test unless they have already taken the CFSC and passed the test.

The cost for a minor’s licence is $10 for up to one year, $20 for one to two years and $30 for more than two years. To get a Minor’s Possession Licence, a minor must complete and submit an Application for a Firearms Licence. This form is available in Ontario by calling the Chief Firearms Office of Ontario at: 1-800-731-4000. (Extension 7538)

IMPORTANT: In Ontario, in order to obtain a minor’s licence for the purpose of hunting, the applicant must be at least 15 years of age and have completed the Hunter Education Program. Anyone under the age of 15, or have not completed the Hunter Education Program will only be granted a minor’s licence for the purpose of target shooting. Minor’s licences are issued for Non-restricted firearms only!

The Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program (H.A.S.P.) is designed to enhance the existing Hunter Education Program (H.E.P.) by allowing individuals the opportunity to safely develop their hunting skills while under the direct and immediate supervision of a qualified mentor. This progam provides an excellent opportunity to give practical training to future hunters. Any person who is 12 years of age or older and who has successfully completed the H.E.P. and examination may participate in H.A.S.P. Hunter Apprenticeship is an optional program for new hunters who are 15 years of age or older but is mandatory for qualified participants 12 to 15 years of age who wish to hunt.

Hunter safety is an integral component of this program. The following conditions will apply to participants of the H.A.S.P.:

1. Apprentice must be a resident of Ontario, and have written parental permission if the apprentice is 12 to 15 years of age.
2. Apprentice must successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Program. Including the examination.
3. Apprentice must carry a Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card while hunting.
4. Apprentice, while hunting, must be under the direct and immediate supervision of a mentor who is 18 years of age or older . The mentor must hold a valid licence to hunt the species of game being hunted.
5. Apprentice must share a single firearm or bow with the mentor.
6. If the species of game being hunted is Wild Turkey, the apprentice must also successfully complete the Wild Turkey Education Program.
7. If the species of game being hunted is a migratory game bird, the apprentice must be the holder of a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit.
8. Any game taken by the apprentice must be included in the bag limit of the mentor.
9. Apprenticeship is valid for up to three years and is not renewable.

Hunter Apprenticeship Mentors:

Under the regulation for the Hunter Apprenticeship Program, a mentor is any person who is 18 years of age or older who is the holder of a valid licence to hunt the species of game being hunted. A mentor must provide direct and immediate supervision to the apprentice while hunting. Direct and immediate supervision means that the mentor must be physically close enough to the apprentice to be able to take any action necessary to prevent actions that are unsafe or against the law.

This direct and immediate supervision stipulation is also a requirement of Federal firearms laws, and allows the legal owner of the firearm to give a firearm to the apprentice for the apprentice's use in hunting, without the requirement for additional acquisition certificates, licences or Minors permits issued under Federal laws.

It is a good idea for the mentor to accompany the apprentice while he or she is participating in the Hunter Education Program. A mentor should have a broad range of hunting experience involving a variety of game. The mentor is expected to foster the traditional values in the future hunter, including:

• Respect and responsibility towards the quarry, the land, companions and others.
• Maintaining the element of challenge in the hunt.
• Knowledge of conservation from the hunter's perspective.
• Understanding of hunting as a cultural and social heritage for the individual as well as his or her community.
• Above all, safety is paramount when mentoring an apprentice. Responsible mentoring is a structured one-to-one relationship or partnership that focuses on the needs of the future hunter.

Keep the hunting party small - in a large hunting party it is difficult to maintain a controlled teaching environment for an apprentice. Involve the apprentice in all aspects of the hunt from planning the hunt and packing the equipment to cleaning the game after the hunt. Prepare for the hunt with outdoor walks and detailed discussions of what to expect on the hunt. Plan to hunt only part of the day; apprentices are not ready for dawn to dusk marathons.

Be sure the apprentice is properly dressed for the day; don't forget the Hunter Orange.

Take time to enjoy the outdoors and be sure to teach the apprentice that there is more to hunting than a filled game bag. Sunsets, tracks in the snow and the sounds of distant flocks of geese are worth a pause to enjoy them.

Match the apprentice to the firearm and to the game being pursued. Do not expect an apprentice to shoot heavy loads in your 10 gauge or expect them to take ducks with a .410. A single shot 20 gauge is a good starting point for most apprentices.

Until the apprentice has some hunting experience, limit hunting by shooting from a fixed position where the game can be seen as it approaches such as ducks over decoys or ruffed grouse in northern Ontario. This gives the apprentice a better chance of success.

Carry a camera to document the success of the apprentice.