Hunting on a frozen lake?

[Buckshot82]

Just curious as to if this is legal or not, I was out ice fishing this past weekend and came across 2 groups of ptarmigan while fishing for walleye. If I were to bring my .17 with me am I aloud to shoot then on the ice? Or is it still considered shooting a projectile over water…. I know a shotgun would likely work as it’s no different then duck hunting, but I love my little 17 as I don’t have to dig pellets out of the meat and is much quieter then the 12 gauge haha

[fickell]

i have no idea where you heard that you cant shoot over a water body

[3blade]

I think you are mixing up different rules and regulations.

You can’t shoot big game while it’s swimming.
You can’t shoot anything from a boat when the motor is running
You shouldn’t cause a rifle projectile to strike a water surface (this is a general gun safety rule not a regulation)

None of this pertains to a frozen lake, in Alberta.

[Buckshot82]

Originally Posted by 3blade

I think you are mixing up different rules and regulations.

You can’t shoot big game while it’s swimming.
You can’t shoot anything from a boat when the motor is running
You shouldn’t cause a rifle projectile to strike a water surface (this is a general gun safety rule not a regulation)

None of this pertains to a frozen lake, in Alberta.

The last one is the one I was thinking of, I didn’t know if when the lake is frozen if it is still considered a “water surface” and will lead to me getting in trouble with the CO

[ghostguy6]

Technically legal however you must be sure of were your bullet will stop as will all shots. Your bullet could make it to the shore which may be private property and could get you in trouble. There is a chance the bullet will hit the ice and ricochet a very long distance. Generally speaking you wont have a backstop so you must rely upon the distance to stop your bullet.
Personally I would use the shotgun if you have one.

[3blade]

Originally Posted by Buckshot82

The last one is the one I was thinking of, I didn’t know if when the lake is frozen if it is still considered a “water surface” and will lead to me getting in trouble with the CO

Well you are responsible for where the bullet ends up

Ice reflects impact energy

It’s not strictly illegal but also not a good idea. Ricochets are very unpredictable.

[Buckshot82]

Hmm, very true…. Maybe I will have to break out the old single shot .410 that hasn’t seen light in a few years then

[Curtsyneil]

I would ask f@w on that question. Then you know it’s legal or not. Don’t get in trouble for a few birds.

[obsessed1]

Guys shoot beavers swimming in the water all the time. Guys also shoot and kill wolves and coyotes on frozen lakes all the time. Shot angle make the biggest difference in wether it will ricochet or not. At all times though you are 100% responsible for every bullet out of your firearm so best to err on the side of caution if it's an iffy opportunity.

[Dmay]

To OP: Yes, it is legal. Use common sense.

[Phil McCracken]

Originally Posted by 3blade

I think you are mixing up different rules and regulations.

You can’t shoot big game while it’s swimming.
You can’t shoot anything from a boat when the motor is running
You shouldn’t cause a rifle projectile to strike a water surface (this is a general gun safety rule not a regulation)

None of this pertains to a frozen lake, in Alberta.

Suppose if a deer/elk/moose "walks" on frozen ice one should be good to go. It ain't swimming. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Bottom line, be safe when you shoot...

[wind drift]

Sometimes when I hear folks say how complicated the regs are, I wonder if it’s because we make them more complicated than they are.

[Battle Rat]

Any amount of snow will absorb the energy of a bullet.
Shoot just about any cartridge into a 3 foot snow bank and see if it goes through.

[1899b]

Originally Posted by wind drift

Sometimes when I hear folks say how complicated the regs are, I wonder if it’s because we make them more complicated than they are.

Bingo.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by wind drift

Sometimes when I hear folks say how complicated the regs are, I wonder if it’s because we make them more complicated than they are.

Exactly....

Take your 410 with you and enjoy a meal on the ice while fishing

[reddeerhunter]

.410 would have to be steel and not lead


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[jef612]

Originally Posted by reddeerhunter

.410 would have to be steel and not lead


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Curious why you think that?
There are migratory bird hunting regulations that state you need to use steel shot while hunting migratory birds.
But there is no blanket regulation that says "no lead shot shall ever touch water"

[reddeerhunter]

Lead pellets over a water body not allowed.

Ask warden.


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[Battle Rat]

Originally Posted by reddeerhunter

Lead pellets over a water body not allowed.

Ask warden.


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Is that in law or just one wardens opinion?
If it is a law then wouldn't lead bullets also be a no-no?

[jef612]

Originally Posted by reddeerhunter

Lead pellets over a water body not allowed.

Ask warden.


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This is a good example of hunters over-thinking the law IMO. Not trying to pick a battle with you - honestly people sometimes just believe that there is this overlord network of laws when often times there is no such thing. There is no law or regulation to support your statement that I am aware of. There is a regulation that you need to use non-toxic shot while hunting migratory birds, but that's it. If you want to shoot clays over a lake - go for it. Now there is an argument to be made for the ethics of it (lead does impact various organisms in the ecosystem) but the legality is pretty clear.
Here is the regulation page if you need clarification.

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment...s/alberta.html

[Phil McCracken]

Originally Posted by jef612

This is a good example of hunters over-thinking the law IMO. Not trying to pick a battle with you - honestly people sometimes just believe that there is this overlord network of laws when often times there is no such thing. There is no law or regulation to support your statement that I am aware of. There is a regulation that you need to use non-toxic shot while hunting migratory birds, but that's it. If you want to shoot clays over a lake - go for it. Now there is an argument to be made for the ethics of it (lead does impact various organisms in the ecosystem) but the legality is pretty clear.
Here is the regulation page if you need clarification.

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment...s/alberta.html

Agree with most said except the bolded part. No need to pollute any of our waterways with clays...