First-time non-restricted PAL. Need some advice.

[Brad09]

Okay, so I imagine a few people that read this have also read my posts regarding my search for my first rifle. If not, I am not actually permitted at this time. So when I originally took an interest in hunting, I found out I needed a Hunting Safety Course and a Possession and Acquisition License. Right now I'm thinking about the PAL.

Originally, it seemed like I should take the one-day course offered by the Shooting Edge, take the test, and get permitted. However, a friend of mine said assured me that I was an intelligent guy, and that the course, while informative, wasn't absolutely necessary. He said I should pop into a gun retailer, pick up the books, study up, challenge the course, and take the test. In the interest of me being in a hurry, I thought he was on the right track. I'd still like to take the course, but it is $200, which could be well-invested into my rifle.

So I went to WSS, and they didn't have a book, but gave me the card of a private trainer of some kind. So I'm wondering, how does this whole process work? What would be the better way to go, to take the course and test that way, or to read the book, challenge the course, and take the test? I'm familiar with the function of a safety, keeping your weapon safe and unloaded until you intend to shoot it, pointing it only at something I want to shoot, and basic cleaning.

Is there a place I can get this book just for reading sake, even if I do take the course? Can anyone offer a suggestion either way?

Thanks for any advice.

Brad

[munyee4321]

$200 for the course? wow that seems a little steep does that include restricted as well?

Anyways.... check out AHEIA, give them a call.. they do hunter training and pal courses aswell

Its always better the take the course if your a first timer. Otherwise yes you can just take get the book and then challenge the test whenever you think your ready.

[simmered]

Took mine at phenoix gun range on the south end of Edmonton. The non-restricted course was around $80 and took around 6 to 7 hours. That includes the test. I was in the same boat. Needed only my PAL though. I found the course exactly like all of those oilfield courses. They want people to pass, so if you read the book you could actually pass the test. Good luck

[roadkill]

Er, I think that you need to actually take the course if you want to get the hunting license. I was going to just buy the book and take the test, but I'm pretty sure I read somewhere official that without the actual course, you can't do the hunting course.

I'll see if I can find the info...

Oh and $200? Dude, it's $67 where I live. I think that price is *way* out of line.

[munyee4321]

Er, I think that you need to actually take the course if you want to get the hunting license. I was going to just buy the book and take the test, but I'm pretty sure I read somewhere official that without the actual course, you can't do the hunting course.

I'll see if I can find the info...

Oh and $200? Dude, it's $67 where I live. I think that price is *way* out of line.


Nope not required to take the actual course ( i would suggest it though if your coming from a non-hunting backgroud).... you can just grab the book and challenge the course for both your PAL and your hunter training course.... Heck you can even do your hunter training course online through the AHEIA Website

http://www.aheia.com/Online_Hunter_Education_Certification

[Scott N]

You can download the CFS manuals here:

http://www.likestuff.com/Non-Restricted%20Firearms%20Safety%20Course.pdf

http://www.likestuff.com/Restricted%20Firearms%20Safety%20Course.pdf

I would say if you are comfortable with basic firearm safety, by all means challenge the course. It's not difficult if you are familiar with firearms and safe use. Both the restricted and non-restricted tests are based almost entirely on ACTS and PROVE. Learn these concepts and display them when you do your test and you will do fine. The written tests are multiple choice and true / false. The practical part is to show that you understand ACTS and PROVE. They used to offer challenges through AHEIA, but I'm not sure that they are currently providing that. Last time I checked for my brother, they were all booked up.

Also, get your restricted license even if you don't plan on purchasing a handgun. The test is more or less the same, only concentrating on handguns. You never know what's going to happen next in Ottawa, so it might be something you can get now, but not later.

[springfisher]

Wow Brad at the rate you are moving you may be to old to hunt lol

[FallAirFever]

Brad AHIEA is a great resources for hunters, you should check them out.

they offer a 2 night course, the instructor is top notch. The cost is by donation so you can spend a lot less than 200 bucks. I think they ask for 50, cant really remember.
If you decide to challenge then you can also pick up your book there.

you are obviously a very diligent guy and I am sure you could pass the test without the course but it is time well spent.

You should get on it sooner than later thought if you are going to take the course, they fill up fast. Even then once you pass you have to wait for your PAL to come back before you can buy your gun and that can take a couple of months, if you want your gun before spring get on it!

[222rem]

First-time non-restricted PAL. Need some advice.

Call 1 (800) 731 4000 they'll have official answers .

Or check out official firearms web site .

http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/default_e.asp

[roadkill]

Nope not required to take the actual course ( i would suggest it though if your coming from a non-hunting backgroud).... you can just grab the book and challenge the course for both your PAL and your hunter training course.... Heck you can even do your hunter training course online through the AHEIA Website

http://www.aheia.com/Online_Hunter_Education_Certification

Really? Would that change by the province, or am I just dead wrong?

I'm still going to try and find the info, so that maybe we can correct the site...

[roadkill]

Ah, it's Québec-specific. Hrmph...

http://www.fqf.qc.ca/secure_cours.html

[igorot]

A little refresher by taking the course would remind you of the safe handling of firearm. You will find it very boring if you use to handle firearm but mind you will be reminded on things you forgot. Even military reservist will need firearm re-orientation before deployment.

Is the 200$ for non-restricted and restricted, if not thats so expensive. With regards to challenging the exam good luck to that. I am sure they will give you hard time. The exam would be written and proper firearm handling (actual)


peace

Merrry Christmas

[roadkill]

Okay, I signed up for the non-restricted course two days ago. The course was $67, but the range charges $40 for the use of its facilities and staff, so maybe that $200 figure is for a more expensive range or something.