Using a Firearm for Wilderness Protection WATC December 2018

It was cold but the rain stayed away today at the Chilliwack fishing game protective Association. Despite the cold, we work on a full set of drills preparing workers for their wilderness authorize to carry qualifications in the spring.

Using a Firearm for Wilderness Protection WATC – Wilderness Authorization to Carry Proof of Proficiency 

Typically, the firearms program only allows firearms allowed for wilderness protection are non-restricted rifles and shotguns. The following individuals, provided they are Canadian residents and have a license that allows them to possess restricted firearms ( RPAL ), may be authorized to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for wilderness protection: 

licensed professional trappers, and individuals who need protection from wild animals while working at their lawful occupation, most often in a remote wilderness location.

Licence and Registration Requirements

Under the Firearms Act, all firearm owners and users require a firearms license, and all restricted or prohibited firearms must be registered*. When in possession of a firearm, an individual must be able to produce a firearms license for inspection when asked by a peace officer. If it is a restricted or prohibited firearm, they must also have the associated registration certificate.

Carrying Handguns and Restricted Long Guns

To be authorized to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for a lawful occupational purpose, such as trapping or working in a wilderness area, an individual must be a Canadian resident, have a firearms license with restricted privileges and obtain an Authorization to Carry (ATC) permit from the CFP. To apply for an ATC permit, form RCMP 5491, Application for Authorization to Carry Restricted Firearms and Prohibited Handguns, must be submitted. There is a non-refundable fee of $40 that must be paid to the CFP to apply for an ATC.

More Information

For more information, contact the CFP.

Students must provide the following information at time of registration:

Part 1: APPLICANT INFORMATION

Surname: _____________________________________________________________________

Given Name(s): ________________________________________________________________

Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL): __________________________________________

Part 2: FIREARM INFORMATION AND PROOF OF PROFICIENCY EXAM

Firearm Registration Certificate 1: _______________________________________________

Firearm Identification Number (FIN): _______________________________________________

Make: ________________________________________________________________________

Model: _______________________________________________________________________

Calibre: _______________________________________________________________________

Type of Ammunition Used: _______________________________________________________

WATC Information:

Firearms:

• The firearm used during the POP must be the same firearm the applicant intends to use for

wilderness protection.

• An applicant can only apply for a maximum of two firearms to be listed on their Authorization to

Carry (ATC) and a POP must be completed for each firearm.

• The minimum calibre accepted for wilderness protection is .357 Magnum.

Ammunition:

• The type of ammunition used during the POP must have a similar muzzle velocity, caliber and

bullet weight as the ammunition that the applicant intends to use for wilderness protection.

Holsters:

• Holsters must be designed to be worn on a belt around the waist, outside of clothing and have at

least one strap with a snap closure that retains the firearm securely in the holster.

• The holster must be designed to completely cover the trigger.

• A holster and a holster retention device must be used during the POP.

• Shoulder and cross-draw holsters are not permitted.

Assessment:

• The applicant must shoot in both standing and kneeling positions for each distance (5, 10 and 15

metres).

• For each firing position at each distance, the applicant must discharge six (6) rounds, unsupported,

within 20 seconds, in one continuous motion.

Scoring:

• The administrator must indicate the total number of hits for each shooting position and distance.

A hit is awarded when a round lands on the designated scoring area of the target. The designated

scoring area is defined as being a circle with a radius of 9 inches or 23 cm.

• The applicant must achieve 15 hits for every 18 rounds fired for each shooting position.

• If an applicant fails to achieve the minimum pass mark, the applicant must be retested for the

failed shooting position at all three distances.

• An applicant can only attempt a maximum of two retests for each shooting distance.

• If an applicant fails to achieve the minimum pass mark after three attempts for any distance, the

applicant can not attempt to do the POP assessment until after a minimum of 30 days have passed.

• The administrator must submit all POP assessment results – pass or fail – to the Chief Firearms

Officer of their jurisdiction.

Free Resources Canadian Firearms Safety Course

Free resources and study materials to help you prepare for your Canadian Firearms Safety Course. No need to print the manual or bring the manual to your course with BC Firearm Academy. No need to print the manual or bring the manual to your course with BC Firearm Academy.

Online CORE Hunter Education Course

This course is designed to prepare you for the CORE Hunter Education Course examination and as a companion guide to the in-person course. Register for the exam challenge or the online course BC Firearms Academy.

A free online study guide to help you stay safe in the bear country of BC

A free online study guide to help you stay safe in the bear country of BC. This online guide will help you work, hunt, hike, and camp safely in the backcountry of BC.

Free CORE Hunter Education resources and study guide.

Free resources and study materials to help you prepare for your Canadian Firearms Safety Course. No need to print the manual or bring the manual to your course with BC Firearm Academy.

Canadian CORE Course Challenge and Hunting Licence Exam Challenge. Firearms Safety Courses

CORE Course Challenge and Hunting Licence Exam Challenge. CORE Course Challenges and Hunting Licence Exam Challenge can be completed by individuals who have completed home or online study. BC Firearms Academy Strongly recommends completing our Online CORE course and reviewing our Free Online Firearms Safety Study Guide.

FREE FUN Firearms and Hunting Quizzes

Canadian Firearms Safety Courses

This Canadian Firearms Safety Course & Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course runs over two days from 9:30 am to 5 pm. This is the course required for your Canadian Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL).

Canadian Firearms Safety Courses

Canadian Firearms Safety Course Non-Restricted Only - CFSC - Canadian Firearms Safety Course. This Canadian Firearms Safety Course runs over 1 day from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

CORE Hunter Education Course

CORE Hunter Education Course BC Fish & Wildlife ID FWID Abby Jan 13/14 This CORE Hunter Education Course is completed over 1 or 2 days from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Courses

Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course – Restricted Only This Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course runs over 1 day from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Testing is completed on the day of instruction.

Combined - Non-Restricted Canadian Firearms Safety Course & CORE Hunter Education Course

Combined - Canadian Firearms Safety Course - Non-Restricted Only & CORE Hunter Education Course This is a 2 Day combined course. The Non-restricted Canadian Firearms Safety Courses is completed on the first day.

Personal Coaching & One on One Instruction

Personal Coaching, One on One Instruction & Range Training. Accelerate what you’re out to accomplish. Address what matters most to your shooting goals.

Wilderness Authorization to Carry Proof of Proficiency

WATC - Wilderness Authorization to Carry Proof of Proficiency Using a Firearm for Wilderness Protection WATC

CFSC OR CRFSC Retest

For individuals who have completed a BC Firearm Academy Canadian Firearms Safety Course Only. The RCMP firearms program no longer allows individuals to challenge the firearms safety course.

Predatory Wildlife & Bear Defence

This course is designed for those working in the bush or the outdoor enthusiast that spends time in bear country. For individuals who have completed a BC Firearm Academy Canadian Firearms Safety Course Only. The RCMP firearms program no longer allows individuals to challenge the firearms safety course.