Wilderness Shotgun Predator Defences & Authorization to Carry (WATC)

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

the 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.

- No reloaded ammunition, please.

This course is designed for those working in the bush or the outdoor enthusiast that spends time in bear country. The shotgun is one of the most effective tools can have in predatory defensive scenarios. For field workers that will be working in the bus, it is advisable to have a shotgun, and a qualified worker, ready and capable of defending themselves and their fellow workers from grievous bodily harm or death due to dangerous or predatory wildlife.

TOPICS INCLUDE:
Safety briefing & range procedures
Field safety & bear aware concepts
Legal issues, Use of Force, post-incident articulation & reporting, Wildlife Act & Regulations
Understanding, training for & controlling body stress and decision-making under stress
The OODA loop, fine-motor skills versus gross motor skills, and motor-muscular memory
Gear management
The shotgun: parts and characteristics, stripping & assembly, inspection, field cleaning & maintenance concepts
Weapons manipulation: fundamentals of marksmanship, loading/unloading, speed loading, combat loading, downloading
Immediate Actions & stoppages (clearing malfunctions)
The balance of speed & accuracy
Close-range defensive tactics drills & skills building scenarios for wildlife attack
Positional shooting, use of cover, movement & turning, shooting from awkward/uncomfortable positions
Single hand & ambidextrous weapons manipulation
Field carry techniques
Shotgun

The student is responsible for bringing their own shotgun equipped with a field appropriate sling, preferably two points.

Ammunition

The student is required to bring a minimum of 100 rounds of 7 1/2 shot ammunition, 10 rounds of 00 Buck and 25 slugs for this training course. (the use of slugs will depend on range location requirements)