Cdn shooter vol 1 iss 1 spring 09final

Vol. 1, Issue 1 Spring 2009

The Magazine of the Canadian Firearms Institute

WELCOME to the CFI a LOVE AFFAIR with the .303 FIREARMS and the LAW BILL C301 and You! MOOSE Hunting in Newfoundland

www.canadianfirearmsinstitute.ca

CONTENTS Volume 1, Issue 1, Spring 2009 CFI NEWS Editor’s Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 – Mark Hamilton From the CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – Jim Newman Who We Are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 From the Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 – Terry Burns Pyping Up - The View from the Vice-Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 – Pyper Unitt CFI in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Long View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 – Jim Newman IN THIS ISSUE Women Change the Face of Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – Robert Remington Bill C-301 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – Pyper Unitt A View from the Canadian Outdoor Heritage Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 – Alison Beal IN EVERY ISSUE Federation Voices: Nova Scotia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 – Tony Rodgers Firearms and the Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 – Paul Shaw, B.A., LL.B. FEATURES To Newfoundland for Moose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – Mark Hamilton A Love Affair with the Lee Enfield Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 – Don MacLean A Day at the Shooting Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 – Elizabeth Flavelle

On the cover: Rob Rankin scans the Newfoundland landscape for moose. See story page 11 THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

1

EDITOR’S VOICE

The Reluctant Ant There are two ways a club functions, it seems to me: a group of people who come together to react to a crisis, and a bunch of buddies having fun. In our inaugural edition of Canadian Shooter, there’s no question of the sense that we’re in crisis—that’s onehalf of why the CFI is here—but there’s more.

I, for one, am having fun.

For many, shooting is hunting, hunting is happiness, and happiness is time away from work.

Who wants to think about labour and strife?

Opinions on crises might come out over the crib board, (Tony Rodgers talks about that in this issue, page 7) but the hand is played and it’s off to bed— and that’s the way it should be, in a perfect world.

All this happiness means that some of us are doggedly oblivious to the threats to our shooting pursuits, and don’t think about them or try to ensure our future ability to enjoy that time at camp or on the range. To be honest, I can sympathize with that happiness, but it also reminds me of the Aesop fable about the grasshopper and the ant.

Well, fellow grasshoppers, the good news is (and I’ve lived in our Canadian firearms community a long time, and I believe this might be news to a lot of us)—life can be that simple. The battles that are won during the workday are the ones that you don’t ever have to think about in camp.

Fun and work: when it comes to shooting, I prefer that order. But who fights the battles?

The politicos—those poor people who have a constant sense of being embattled. Unfortunately, in my years as a member of the executive of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters (and a bunch of other outdoor-related boards), and as an editor of Eastern Woods & Waters magazine, I have seen burnout of the tiny percentage of volunteers who shoulder the load of representing us—people for whom an evening at home is a series of phone calls dealing with crises.

MARK HAMILTON Listen, I’ve seen them miss a day’s hunting to attend a meeting to defend that day’s hunting.

The ant credo is simple: get ’er done.

I have also seen that when we stop celebrating the pleasures of the things we enjoy, and spend all our time at the battlements, we’re at a quiet, insidious risk of abandoning our posts. Even the little posts. The donothing posts that require only that we own a membership card, take a kid rabbit hunting or shoot at a speck a mile away for fun. A pretty easy detail, but an important one.

Fun just might be the most important post.

So there is one thing this magazine will never do that a newspaper does, I promise you. It will never tell the bad news without telling you the good. And there’s a lot of good stuff happening. The CFI is a big one.

We’ve got some of both approaches in this magazine—the grasshopper and the ant—because they’re both important, because in balance lies longevity.

So here’s my real editor’s message: have fun.

Celebrate time on the range and in the field. Brag about your deer; show a nice target group to your friends. Shoot that distant speck and get that kid away from the damned screen for an hour or two.

That’s how we keep traditions alive, entrenched, and viable.

And carry the card and support the ants in this thing. Ninety-nine per cent of us don’t belong to a group dedicated to our strength as a community—or any group at all, for that matter. Maybe enough of us happy fools together will get it done.

Mark mark@canadianfirearmsinstitute.ca

2

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FROM THE CEO

JIM NEWMAN

“The Canadian Firearms Institute is a non-profit National Firearms Owners Advocacy and Resource Organization dedicated to Protecting Canadians’ Firearms Heritage” I would personally like to welcome you to the CFI/ICAF. Who is the CFI? The simple answer is “you”.

A classified ad might read like this: “wanted: passionate and dedicated individuals, clubs, and organizations that are committed to preserving Canada’s firearm heritage. Here is an opportunity for you to make a positive, effective difference. Join today!”

By joining together and with the help of your membership fees and donations, we can fulfill our mandate to advocate for, fight for, and work together as an effective and united voice to assure the future of our firearms heritage.

We at the Canadian Firearms Institute are committed to uniting the Canadian Firearms Community and preserving its rights and heritage.

We believe that in order to do that, we need to offer each facet of our diverse community a viable reason to work with us. We have reached out to individuals, clubs, organizations, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and hunting outfitters with partnership offers. These partnership offers are contained in this magazine. Have a look.

The response has been what you’d expect from Canada’s proud firearms community. Membership is snowballing, and with it, our strength. We’ve joined forces with outstanding organizations and individuals, and our capacity to effect change grows daily. You should be a part of that.

To continue with the classified theme, “we need volunteers.” If you have a particular skill-set, expertise that you think we could use, or lots of just

plain enthusiasm, give me a call or e-mail.

The fact that you are reading this causes me to acknowledge and thank the core staff who make the CFI possible. To Pyper Unitt; a special thank you for all your commitment, dedication and hard work.

This wouldn’t have happened without you. Elizabeth Flodell: thank you, and I apologize for all those early-morning calls. Mark Hamilton, our editor, thank you: you have done a great job.

Finally however, it comes down to you the members to give us the strength to be effective on your behalf. Stand alongside us.

Jim Newman CEO Canadian Firearms Institute jim@canadianfirearmsinstitute.ca

3

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

WHO WE ARE

The Canadian Firearms Institute is a member-driven firearms resource and advocacy group that has evolved as a direct result of a defined need for an organization which can work effectively with and meet the needs of the various facets of the Canadian Firearms Community.

• • • •

If you own a gun…

If you enjoy hunting…

If you enjoy any form of recreational shooting…

If you believe that others have the right to enjoy their sport or protect their livelihood…

• If firearms are tools that enable you to do your job, feed your family or protect your livestock…

• If you believe that the cultural and historical value of our heritage is worth preserving…

• If you own or operate a business that in anyway supports the Firearms Community…

You Are the Canadian Firearms Institute We are committed to bringing together existing organizations, clubs, wildlife federations and other conservation groups, outfitters, retailers, wholesalers; target shooters, hunters, archers, collectors, trappers—drawing on the strengths of each and working together to overcome the weaknesses—so that when the need arises for a strong united front, our community is prepared and speaks with one strong collective voice.

We are committed to developing a system whereby clubs, organizations and individuals can share ideas and concepts that will benefit all. By opening lines of communication that have not existed previously, we can work together and support each other. Developing a strong internal community support system will not only aid us on an individual basis, but work towards strengthening our community as a whole.

Name Here We are committed to redefining the public’s perception of the Firearms Community and individual firearms owner in a proactive and aggressive manner. As individuals we may be part of the firearms community but we are also doctors, lawyers, mechanics, teachers, nurses and the people next door. Other Canadians turn to us for help every day in one way or another and we are there.

We are proud, hard-working, contributing members of the Canadian society. Annually, through our collective sporting activities, we contribute nearly 1 billion dollars to the Canadian economy and an additional 1.2 million dollars annually to supporting conservation and wildlife habitat preservation activities. The general population needs to see us for what we are, not what the anti-gun lobbyists would have us be.

We are committed to creating open and constructive dialogues with governing bodies and law enforcement officials. We are building a national network of firearms experts who can offer their expertise in a professional and constructive manner to these stakeholders before they make decisions which affect our community. We are working at a grass roots level to establish working relationships with the politicians—nationally, provincially and municipally—that will allow us to act in an advisory capacity; to create trust and a reliance on the CFI for a reasonable presentation of accurate information and education with respect to issues that affect us.

Facts, presented properly, far outweigh the effectiveness of propaganda.

To date the most persistent voice has spread misinformation and negative perceptions of our firearms community, and to date, the firearms community has been too fragmented to be effective.

We are committed to changing those important factors.

With your help, it can be done.

4

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FROM THE CHAIR

I know that I am very excited about the new beginnings in store for all of us.

New beginnings … yet another firearm organization? Why do we need to build a new organization? Why not fix what already exists?

Because there comes a time when a new coat of paint won’t cover the flaws; a time when the structure doesn’t come up to code or meet the standards and is so shaky and outdated that no amount of time, money or renovation will fix it. Now is the time to build an organization with a solid foundation that is inclusive enough to meet the needs of all its occupants.

I am a hunter who believes there are only two seasons: hunting season and before hunting season. I have been a participant for more than 30 years in

TERRY BURNS hunter education, firearms safety instruction, firearms advocacy at the local, provincial and national levels and I am most proud of my work with the Canadian Firearms Institute. I cannot praise the tireless work and selfless dedication of Jim and Pyper enough. For the first time in 30 years, I see a light at the end of the tunnel that is not an oncoming train.

Please join us in building your organization— built by you, with you and for you.

Terry Burns terry@canadianfirearmsinstitute.ca

The FACE of Canadian Firearms Owners “The Canadian Firearms Institute is a non-profit National Firearms Owners Advocacy and Resource Organization dedicated to Protecting Canadians’ Firearms Heritage.”

Aims and Objectives: Facilitate • The unification of the firearms community.

• Active and effective participation of the firearms community in the drafting of any new legislation that would have an impact on the firearms community.

• Positive/progressive interaction between governing bodies and the firearms community as a whole.

Advocate • Actively champion the inclusion of Property Rights in the Charter of Rights.

• Advocate the responsible use and ownership of firearms.

• To promote Canada’s Firearms Heritage.

• To embrace all firearms sport and recreational disciplines.

Communicate • To communicate a positive image of firearm ownership.

• To provide firearms-related resource materials to the public and media.

• To provide firearms-related resource materials to local, provincial and federal governments and agencies.

Educate • Provide national safety courses and training.

• Provide governance practices for clubs and organizations.

• Provide firearms-related resources to clubs and organizations.

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

5

PYPING UP – THE VIEW FROM THE VICE-CHAIR

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read our magazine. My name is Pyper and I wear several hats within the CFI: Assistant CEO (when Jim needs a hand); Vice-Chair when I need a little snob factor!

Mostly though, I am just Pyper and I would be happy to talk to you and answer any and all questions you might have about the CFI and the firearms community. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it and get back to you.

It seems to me that this world’s a little crazy. Bad behaviour is blamed on the environment in which people grow, and nobody is held responsible for their own actions. In order to protect us from our feebleminded, blameless selves, the powers that be continually restrict our liberties and free us from our responsibilities. Something is terribly wrong with this. This over-indulgent mothering of our society has to stop!

A little more “suck it up, buttercup” thinking needs to be re-introduced into the minds of the public and the governing bodies of this country.

The ultimate goal of the antis is a prime example of this “no responsibilities/no rights” type of governance. Their misinformation is very persuasive to the (antiseptic) urban population and the unaware, and it’s frightening from my perspective. If they have their way the only people with firearms will be government and criminals, neither of which will be held responsible for their actions. Scary, eh? Well, it scares me enough to do what I can to make sure it never happens.

For some of you this fight for firearms rights is about being able to participate in a sport that you love, and about being able to pass that love on to your children and grandchildren. For others it’s

PYPER UNITT

about preserving part of the history that helped make this country—or it’s about getting back to basics, bonding with buddies and the thrill of the hunt. For me, it’s simply about making sure that you have the right to do as you wish and that those who abuse that right—and only them—are held responsible for their actions.

That is why I will work with you and for you, and this is why you need to lend your support and commitment to the CFI. We have worked hard to start an organization that is all-inclusive and offers something to every facet of the firearms community.

Now it’s up to you—hunter or sports enthusiast, wholesaler or retailer, registered or unregistered gun owner—to help us make it work. We have given the Firearms Community a FACE—now you need to lend your voice to make us strong.

I believe in your fundamental right to own a firearm!

I also believe it is your responsibility to ensure that your children and grandchildren can enjoy that fundamental right too.

I look forward to talking to you soon.

Pyper pyper@canadianfirearmsinstitute.ca

6

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FEDERATION VOICES

TONY RODGERS

This issue: Nova Scotia Big game hunting seasons are finished for the year in most parts of Canada, and friends—some of whom don’t see each other at any other time of the year, except at the hunting camp—have separated and gone home until next fall’s hunting season.

Hunting camp life is something I will always cherish for the good food, good-natured kidding, wild and unusual stories, and friendships.

Another great tradition of the hunting camp is the discussion surrounding hunting politics. The solving of moose population densities in one area and the closing of some zone because of a lack of deer are among mainstay topics. Sometimes these discussions (heated agreements) go on long into the night and cover a sack full of hunting issues.

The one thing that all of these camp-table discussions have in common is that nothing will ever come out of the talks. Once the hunters leave the camp, it’s all over! Yet it doesn’t have to be that way, if hunters having these dialogues become members of wildlife organizations.

Far too many hunters and shooters are lone wolves out on their own doing nothing. They complain about serious hunting issues they see, but their howl is never heard. The key is that a pack hunts better than a lone wolf. When dealing with tricky hunting issues, so do hunters: they have an effective voice because they are all howling from the same direction.

I sometimes wish it was mandatory for all hunters to belong to a wildlife club, but it is not very democratic to force someone to belong (so I would never push for it). However, I believe if hunters searched their souls they would see that whatever has been accomplished for hunters in Canada was the result of unified hunters making requests for change through a group structure.

On the flip side, if they notice something that has had a negative impact on hunters, they can only look

at themselves for not helping to build a stronger voice for hunter groups. I don’t care what your favorite species to hunt is; I don’t care which is the best firearm to hunt it with; what I do care about is that hunters get off their behinds and join local, provincial, and / or national wildlife groups to ensure our hunting future and the hunting future of those who are coming behind us.

Hunting, trapping and angling activities are longterm traditional gifts from the land, but we will not be able to hold on to them if we are not a strong pack.

Go Google yourself a local club and then, don’t just buy a membership: go to the meetings and be active. Bring out your thoughts and comments on what you see and you’ll be surprised at how many others feel the same way. Then, ask for change.

The old cliché is that you’re either part of the problem or you’re part of the solution. For me it’s simple: for something I love so much, I am honoured to be able to give a little back.

I hope you feel the same way too, and someday, welcome to the club.

Tony Rodgers Executive Director Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters tonyrodgers@eastlink.ca This page is set aside for news and views from the wildlife Federations of Canada. We welcome op-eds or announcements from the executives and Executive Directors of our Canadian Federations on an ongoing basis. Please contact the editor. – MH

7

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

WOMEN CHANGE THE FACE OF HUNTING

ROBERT REMINGTON

growth, hunting organizations are encouraged by a new demographic they see attending hunter training courses and enrolling in outdoor education It's been a bad year for hunters in the Letters pages programs.

The trend, they say, is clear. After years of being of the Calgary Herald. They've been excoriated as "egomaniacal thrill-seekers," "wanton killers" and written off as an endangered species, hunting appears "eco-sadists." One woman referred to hunting as to be going through a resurgence, led by a new "plain old Neanderthal knuckledragging male thrill- generation of women who are reviving interest in the sport. seeking."

Among them is Melanie Buteau, a 27-year-old Infiltrating their ranks reveals a different story. former Calgarian who took Contrary to the stereotype up hunting six years ago. of hunters as toothless Now living in Newell backwoodsmen, my first County near Brooks, her year of hunting has put me participation in a blood sport alongside lawyers, wildlife has shocked some of her research biologists, Crown urban friends. "They think prosecutors, judges, that I've turned into a computer experts, hillbilly who goes out and denturists, police officers kills stuff," says Buteau, who and health-care workers. likes to bird hunt with her Instead of male thrillblack lab Jinx and red seekers, I've also met a retriever Cooper. "That's the surprising number of young reaction from some people women, all with a full set of who don't hunt or don't teeth and several of whom understand it," Buteau says. are considerably more "That's the way I used to attractive than a certain Alaska governor.

Jennifer Madden of Nova Scotia enjoying a grouse hunt think, before I got into it."

According to Semple, According to Kelly in the fall of 2007 women hunt for the same Semple of the Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation, and herself a hunter for 25 reasons as men: the enjoyment of being outdoors, years, women are the fastest growing sector of the camaraderie, the possibility of obtaining food from a hunting community. Female participation in natural source and the ethical commitment of being hunting, growing in Alberta at a rate of three percent personally responsible for the death of an animal one per year, signals a trend in a sport that has seen chooses to consume.

Melanie Vieira, 35, a Calgary paramedic, took up decreasing or stagnating numbers for two decades.

Registered hunters in Alberta reached 109,813 in hunting three years ago in a quest for lean, organic game meat. "I knew that if I wanted it on my table, 2007, up from 96,772 in 1996. While that's not on pace with the province's population I was going to have to put it there myself," says

Females Break Stereotypes While Bolstering the Ranks of the Hunting Community

8

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

WOMEN CHANGE THE FACE OF HUNTING cont’d Vieira. "I love the taste of it." Today, on Alberta's second-annual Hunting Day, Vieira hopes to take down a moose or elk using a bow and arrow.

Bob Gruszecki, president of the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors' Association, which teaches firearms safety and humane hunting, says women are participating in increasing numbers. Of the 55,000 students who will go through its programs this year, about 15 per cent are women, up from five to six per cent a few years ago. An outdoor education program for 200 women held by the organization each August sells out. "We can't keep up with the demand," says Gruszecki. He says the women's outdoor program— teaching everything from hunting and fishing to how to back up a trailer—is the largest training program of its kind in North America.

Ed Houck of the Canadian Pheasant Company, a hatchery at Brooks, says an introductory women's program at its shooting range was flooded with participants over two nights this summer. "We were hoping to have a few ladies come out. The first night, we had 72 show up. On the second night, we had 54." His hatchery also co-sponsors the Ringneck Classic, a team pheasant hunt staged every February by the Brooks Clay and Feathers Club. It has attracted several women's teams, including the Deadly Dames, six women from the Calgary and Patricia area. "We've never beaten the guys in six years, but we've never been the worst, either," says team member Dulcie Beasley. "We just have a lot of fun. We're not great shots, but we have wonderful dogs." Working with dogs, which are used to point, flush and retrieve birds, is "the ultimate thing," says Beasley, who is reputed to make what Houck insists is the best pheasant pot pie he's ever tasted.

The Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation, which promotes responsible and safe hunting practices, sponsors an annual women's waterfowl program that is also a sellout. "We won't be able to meet this year's

demand," says Semple. The organization puts out a fact sheet for female hunters that notes equipment and technology has equalized the field for men and women hunters.

Hunting can also be a source of accomplishment and empowerment for women, the brochure says.

Hunting creates a sense of independence and is an act of conviction, courage and self-respect. "There is a profound, deep sense of self-satisfaction, similar to a woman who runs her first marathon or wins the longest drive competition on the golf course." There is also "pride in eating and sharing a meal that you have taken from the field to the table. This seems to bring out the best in people in terms of sharing."

Semple says courses teach all hunters to respect the choice of others not to hunt, even if the debate is not always a two-way street. "Unfortunately, there is a stereotypical perception of the average hunter that is not always complimentary," says Semple. "It is important for the hunting community to educate people about that and have faces that break down that image."

Robert Remington (Story courtesy the Calgary Herald)

CFI ICAF

9

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

BILL C-301

PYPER UNITT

Bill C-301: The time has come, the walrus said. But has it really?

Gary Breitkreuz, MP (Yorkton-Melville)—a very hard-working and vocal supporter of the firearms community—tabled a private members bill (C-301) on February 9, 2009 that provides the most viable alternative to the existing gun registry that we have seen to date.

On the face of it this seems like a big step towards having the “Billion Dollar Boondoggle” if not eliminated, perhaps utilized in a more productive manner. Perhaps we should all sit back and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done—the registry will soon be gone.

Well, let’s look at the reality of the situation.

This was a private member’s bill. Historically, private members’ bills hardly ever make it to a second reading. They are used to appease a segment of the general population that wants to see something in particular accomplished. If (and that’s a big “if ”) they get a second reading, they get passed off to a committee for review and generally die a slow and painful death. There are 100 private member bills to be reviewed before C301 even has a chance for a second reading. With an election looming on the horizon, the chances of this bill passing and being implemented (before an election is called) are slim to none. If this private member’s bill does not pass, the government will say to the firearms community “we did our best”.

Had the government been serious about abolishing the registry, it would have tabled its own bill.

So, how do we ensure that the effort put into drafting this alternative to the long gun registry has not been wasted? It’s simple: MPs are elected to represent the concerns and desires of their constituents. It is not their job to worry about the rest of the country; they are only

concerned about what is needed or desired in their local area. We need to put the pressure on them, individually. This issue needs to be repeatedly brought to their attention by every individual in their community who owns a firearm or who just simply wants the pointless and extravagant expenditure of our tax dollars to stop.

Mr. Breitkreuz has done his part; now its time for you to step up to the plate and do yours. If you really want to see the long gun registry abolished, you need to do something about it—over and above being an armchair critic.

Don’t know what to write? That’s fine. We’ve drafted a letter and posted on our “Its Now Or Never” website (www.itsnowornever.ca). Download it; add the name of your MP, your name and address; sign it and put it in the mail. Encourage everyone you know to do the same.

Don’t think that will do the job? That’s fine. We’ve put a sample petition up on the “Its Now or Never” site that you can download. Get everyone you know to sign it. Get as many signatures as you can and place it front and center on your MPs desk.

If every MP across the country is approached with a demand from his or her constituents to do something about this counter-productive waste of taxpayers’ money, you can rest assured that they will pay attention. C301 may still die waiting to be heard, but come election time, our community will have made its stand. Our concerns will be listened to.

To paraphrase: Let’s get ’er done boys (and girls)!

CFI ICAF

10

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FEATURE

MARK HAMILTON

TO NEWFOUNDLAND FOR MOOSE A Week at Cross Pond Lodge It was Rob’s dream hunt—Newfoundland for moose—and he and his grandfather had talked many times about the two of them making the trip. His Grandad was gone now, leaving Rob the tools of a life in the old Nova Scotia guiding trade: dark, varnished skis and paddles; cane rods; dulled and slick salmon reels and guns, worn felt hats and a love of days afield and nights beneath the stars. Rob would dedicate his Newfoundland trip to that man, and of many guns in the locker would carry Granddad’s venerable .303—the historical go-to rifle for Newfoundland moose hunters.

gorges and lakes (known as “ponds” here). Growth is scrubby and stunted in the wind; water and animal paths crisscross the landscape. Ponds interject themselves into hillsides, and two lakes 100 feet apart might be separated by 50 feet in elevation.

We had arranged to go in by air and out by foot, boat and ATV to see the country whatever way we could.

Twenty minutes away we dropped on to a lake surrounded by rocky hills and taxied to the shore. A short climb with armloads of gear and food put us in the main cabin. It was built in 1946 and built heavy: snowloads here can go 15 feet deep and windstorms are frequent in winter. (Past restocking trips have involved parking the snowmobiles up above the roof and digging down to the doors.) The place’s solidity and coziness is accented with deep leather couches and a crackling fire that always has a pot of tea on top. A long table cuts through one side of the lodge, with huge topo maps posted beside it; guides bunk in homemade racks in rooms at the other end.

The view from the plane.

We were both jacked up about getting to the Rock. Our destination was Cross Pond Lodge, the main moose camp of Stag Lodge Outfitters. We were after moose, and outfitter Neil Lucas promised us good opportunities in beautiful country. The float plane picked us up just outside of Stephenville: we chugged and shuddered downwind to the far end of the lake, then powered across the waves into the wind—and high over the wilds of Newfoundland.

Seeing the province from the air for the first time is an education. Everything is stony slopes, plateaus,

Cross Pond Lodge, one of the camps of Stag Lodge Outfitters.

We were coming late in the season, the last of the guests, and were treated to the out11

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

TO NEWFOUNDLAND FOR MOOSE cont’d migration of hunting guides headed home. These able lads were in high spirits, and after scrounging the available beer, crib games were ceremoniously pounded out on the table. Guide talk gave a glimpse of life afield in a sometimes-harsh climate—of visiting sports (good and bad); of powerful animals; of lakes too turbulent for even these boatmen; of grand days afield. I knew Rob was thinking of how his grandfather would have enjoyed this company of woodsmen; how the guides were as he must have been in his youth. It’s not a life for everyone, and one fellow who didn’t make it was remembered charitably: “you have to give him credit though…he had the guts to try.”

Heading up this formidable group is Kevin Young, a quietly capable fellow whose amusement at the proceedings was obvious. We drew up plans for the next day. “Are you guys in good shape?” Kevin asked. Neil had told us that this guide liked to walk, and we’d start out right away. After a bite to eat we geared up with daypacks and guns, optics and raingear to do some scouting.

A word on raingear. It’s not just for the rain. (We had great weather while we were there.) No, it’s to keep the constant wind from blowing through your

bones, and it’s to protect you as you push through the island’s mind-altering tuckamore, which grows everywhere. Tuckamore: picture a combination of bonzai spruce trees and those coiled metal potscrubbers…only three to five feet high. The only way through this stuff is on animal trails or in brook beds, and woe to him who defies that bit of advice.

And, on the good trails, the tuck still reaches across everywhere. (Kevin mystified Rob and I on our first day out by his seeming ability to teleport to the other side of the worst tangles. Then Rob pointed out that he was jogging over the tops of the brush before it had time to bend!)

Newfoundland, home to caribou, moose, and large views.

The amazing landscape of “The Rock”.

(Bring windproof clothing.)

Again, raingear: two fellows went out with us the first day with lesser rainpants and returned back to camp in skirts. Bring good gear.

Our week’s routine fell into place right away: ride a 16 foot boat down the pond; on foot through animal trails to a high spot to glass for moose. We didn’t go far the first day and although there was moose sign everywhere, nothing appeared. We visitors were content perched up on our 200-foot hump of granite watching the bogs and ponds and forest that everywhere stretched into the distance…but not Kevin.

12

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

TO NEWFOUNDLAND FOR MOOSE cont’d “Are you guys in good shape?” he asked again, off his antlers and glistening on his dark fur, he stood then added matter-of-factly, “Tomorrow I’m going out against the yellow field and fall colours of the to take you where there are moose.” This was the end surrounding foliage. He lumbered steadily toward of a long season, heavily hunted, and I got the us, left to right across the field. Kevin pointed to a impression that we might need to get back into the rock outcropping just below us: my shooting bench. bush a little ways to get it done.

I slid down and laid on the lichen and scrub, and The next part of our routine revealed itself well after pulling up a handful of shoots was nestled before dawn the next day: we gathered at the long prone and comfortable. table for a big breakfast before the ritual checks of For a full four minutes the bull steadily pack and guns, clothing, cameras, food and water. By approached, the bell swinging under his neck. For the end of the week I was getting up at 4:30 a.m. and the last minute of those four, Rob and Kevin were falling asleep at 9 p.m. muttering “take Into the boat; back him…take him” under down the pond. Rob their breath, but I pointed out something wanted the perfect shot, about Kevin I had and had noted a spot in already noticed: with his his trajectory where he compact agility, tireless would have to quarter pace and hawk-like away slightly to turn up a vision, he was our idea of small rise. the natural point man.

Two sets of binoculars We arrived after an hour and a 3 x 9 x 40 rifle of hiking to our hunting scope panned along the spot, another windswept landscape as the moose peak that commanded drew to within 250 the country around. It yards. I had perfect The author and his guide, the tireless Kevin Young, afforded a beautiful view confidence in the knockwith the author’s moose. of several lakes, rugged down power of the .300 granite hills on all sides, forest and fen, and far below Winchester Magnum. The crosshairs sank with my us the field-over-bog typical of plateaus in this breath and rose across the bull’s chest again and again landscape, stretching 600 yards to our left. Kevin as he approached the spot I had chosen. He paused, said this was the spot. He said it in a way that made then quartered right into the sight picture I had been one pay attention. waiting for. The crosshairs disappeared into the shot, I had won the coin toss and was to have first crack. and the shot disappeared into the center of the boiler If I didn’t want the animal, it was Rob’s turn. We got room. I jacked another round home and searched for comfortable, cinching hoods against the wind and the bull in the foliage. pulling from canteens. We had just settled when “He’s down,” said Kevin. They were higher than Kevin said “Oh, bull. Nice bull. Here he comes.” me on the hill and could see the bull; I couldn’t but There was no missing him. With the sun gleaming had faith in the shot. Still, I scanned 13

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

TO NEWFOUNDLAND FOR MOOSE cont’d and asked Rob to do the same in case a follow-up was needed. It wasn’t.

We grabbed our packs and began to descend.

We shared handshakes and a few hoots as we checked the downed bull: a nice animal with a heavy, solid rack of 16 points. This bull had very worn teeth—the old warrior had a lot of miles on him.

Kevin mentioned that the rack would have been larger at one time in the bull’s youth. I wasn’t worried about that: it was solid and symmetrical and would be a great reminder of our hunt.

The next day was Sunday, and I was happy that returning to pack out the meat wouldn’t interfere with Rob’s hunt. We shared the burden and left little behind—besides a gutpile, that is, which wasn’t where it had been when we had left the previous day: Rob followed the trail into the brush and came out shaking his head. Here we were in the backcountry without rifles, and we had just pushed off a bear that had a very clear three inches between incisors.

Following animal trails and brook beds back to the boat.

That left us with one meat tag to fill, and we found ourselves back on the huge granite lookout we had climbed the first day. Rob shares Kevin’s uncanny visual acuity: they spotted a moose, but it was across a lake and far up on a hill.

After a half-hour of working their way into a saddle directly across from the animal, they had shortened the distance to a mere 550 yards. Since Rob’s gun had been badly bumped the day before, he carried my .300, and from high on the hill I heard it bark and grinned to myself. His shooting was flawless.

After 15 minutes we found each other in the binoculars and exchanged waves, and I started down and around the lake. It was three-quarters of an hour before I crested the rise on the other side where Rob waited, and we shared a handshake of celebration that he had gotten his Newfoundland moose: his grandfather’s dream had found its way true.

Back at the lodge Mr. Ed Murphy worked his reliable magic with the tenderloins. There’s little certain in hunting, but one thing is certain at this lodge: you’ll eat as well as you ever have, anywhere. I don’t recall dining in a restaurant where the entire staff could equal Ed’s talents in baking, main courses, desserts, pickles… you name it. Rob and I were amazed at this food in the backcountry—including a full turkey dinner on Thanksgiving that included delicious stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce, yellow pickles (an eastern tradition), and several kinds of pies for dessert.

Besides Ed’s facility for matching the appetites of far-ranging hunters, he has a gentle good humour.

And, on Thursday we got a tap on our cabin door, with Ed saying “come on out, slowly now: Daisy’s here.” Daisy turned out to be a nine-year-old female caribou that Ed had tamed as an orphaned fawn. She lives in the harsh mountain wilds of Newfoundland’s west coast, a land where, for a caribou, wary alertness means life. In the fall though, she visits the hunting camp. The boys had been glassing the far hills for her for days, but she had turned up by surprise.

A half-hour of gently tossing bread and ginger cookies slowly brought the wary animal closer and closer. One slight quicker movement meant we had

14

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

TO NEWFOUNDLAND FOR MOOSE cont’d

Ed Murphy and his pet caribou Daisy.

Sharply alert, but a pushover for Ed’s ginger cookies.

to start over, but eventually she was sniffing a cup of tea between my feet as I laid back on the deck steps.

Ed warned us against trying to touch her, but she finally—very, very slowly and carefully—took a cookie from my mouth and from Rob’s. It was a wonderful moment.

That left only two pieces of business to be concluded during our visit to the Rock: the finale of the Newfoundland vs. Nova Scotia crib championship, which was tied at that stage, and the voyage back to a busier world. I won’t say who won the tournament, except that it wasn’t us.

Then it was time for one of the most memorable treks of my life: a 15-minute boat ride to the first short “carry” (portage); a 20-minute boat ride to the next; 45 minutes of hiking to the next boat, while gear was hauled with ATVs. Then a long and magical boat ride down a pond that was a perfect mirror of the trees and heavens, crisply painted in brilliant fall colours. Finally, an hour on ATVs over glorious autumn hills and valleys put us at the trailhead and the trucks.

In that travel and in our hunting we had seen and felt a landscape that would make us smile with longing every time someone mentioned Newfoundland, and we had spent time with men of

the wilds who knew how to make a hunter part of that land.

Rob summed it all up when someone mentioned getting “back out to reality.” Rob replied of the wilds “this is reality, not the world out there.” And after a week of rising before the sun and walking as a hunter in the ancient paths of the moose and caribou, I knew exactly what he meant.

Story courtesy Realtree-ca.com

s m r a Fire t Fac The firearms community contributes 1.2 MILLION DOLLARS to wildlife conservation programs and events 15

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

CFI IN ACTION Burlington, ON - The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Ontario—some 40 chapters— held their annual convention and awards banquet in Burlington on the weekend of January 15, 16 &17.

The Canadian Firearms Institute’s staff were invited to attend and introduce the CFI to their organization. Other invited quests included Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield and Bob Fountain, Vice President of Operations for NWTF, from South Carolina.

CFI Chief Executive Officer Jim Newman addressed the afternoon session and spoke briefly at the banquet. He later commented, “The reception was overwhelmingly positive. During the afternoon session I was scheduled to make a 20-minute presentation communicating our aims and objectives, and how we planned on implementing to achieve those goals, with 10 minutes for questions.

The Q & A session went on for nearly two hours.”

In response to a question, Pyper Unitt, the CFI Assistant Executive Officer stated “We see the Canadian Firearms Institute as the hub of a wheel,

with the various members of the firearms community—hunters, gun clubs, retailers, outfitters, and wildlife federations—forming the rim: the spokes come into the CFI to facilitate and coordinate communications, firearms advocacy and the sharing of resources and expertise, and to get those services back out on the spokes to the rim. The more spokes the greater the strength of the wheel.”

Pyper Unitt of the CFI; Chris Patty, Eastern Ontario Regional Director for the NWTF; Tammy Falk, Western Ontario Regional Director, NWTF; Bob Fountain, Vice President of Operations, NWTF; Jim Newman, CEO, Canadian Firearms Institute.

DONATE A GUN Most of us have a gun or two that we don’t often carry. Now, here’s a chance to help another shooter get started with affordable gear—or own a special firearm—while giving strength to the organization that protects your rights.

We make it easy for you. Your donated gun will be sold by John Simpson Auction, and you can donate all the proceeds to the CFI or put half in your own pocket. We do the work, and it’s a great chance to support your watchdog on firearms issues.

Honour your Mentor or Partner.

Do you have a keepsake gun that you don’t often carry, one that you keep because of someone who owned it? Through our Legacy Gift Program, their memory is honoured with support for firearms advocacy. If that gun would see more use in someone

else’s hands, you can donate it in the name of the person whose memory you want to honour. You can donate one of your own guns in the name of a special person too. We’ll publish their name in the Legacy Charter of Canadian Shooter – the Magazine of the CFI – a permanent record of their commitment to hunting and shooting sports.

Take a moment and think of what you have in the locker, and what you would give to keep our heritage and traditions alive. All proceeds go to fight the good fight!

We’ll also take ammunition, accessories and firearms paraphenalia.

Please contact program coordinator Jim Newman at (705) 252-0477 today, and we’ll do the rest.

You can also email jim@canadianfirearmsinstitute.ca

16

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FEATURE

DON MACLEAN

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE LEE ENFIELD RIFLE “The best infantry rifle ever built.”

Raymond Gregory didn’t mince words when I asked him for his opinion on Lee Enfield rifles and their place in history.

After spending several hours viewing his collection at his home in Pictou, Nova Scotia, I share his opinion of this fine rifle.

Raymond has a 40-year love affair with the Lee Enfield rifle and, from what I saw, the love affair isn’t about to end soon.

A man and his Lee Enfields. Note the rifle equipped with grenade launcher just below his hand.

Growing up in Nova Scotia I was very familiar with Lee Enfields and the .303 cartridge they fire. In Atlantic Canada the terms .303 British and Lee Enfield mean the same thing to most people.

Raymond told me the .303 British caliber has a long and illustrious history. It had its beginnings back in the late 1880's as a black powder cartridge before transforming to cordite and then smokeless powder. It served as the standard British and Commonwealth military cartridge from the 1890's up until the 1950's, and Lee Enfields were the main firearm used by Britain and Commonwealth

countries from 1900 up until the 1950's. It is estimated that during that time some 15 million Lee Enfield rifles chambered for the .303 British were built, and there is a good chance that quite a few of them are still in service somewhere in the world.

Sitting in Raymond’s gun room I was surrounded

by Lee Enfields. His collection stands at 75 right now—each one different—but this is a work in progress as Raymond trades, buys or sells as he comes across a rifle he needs to add to his collection. I asked him what sparked his interest in Lee Enfield rifles.

“Well, I would have to say that it goes back to when I was a young boy. When we attended Remembrance Day ceremonies the WW I veterans marched with their rifles, and I was fascinated by those guns. They were Lee Enfield Mk III—the Long Lee or Old Smellies, as they were known.” It was a new term to me so I asked Raymond where the nicknames came from. “The old Mk IIIs were long rifles and under rapid fire the barrel heated up and they used to smell.

The grease or packing they used would get hot and I guess it had a bad smell, hence the name.”

Raymond remembers admiring Lee Enfield rifles sold in the Eaton’s catalogue. “They sold for $11.00 but I didn’t have any money back then,” he laughs.

His first Lee Enfield had to wait until he started working. “I bought my first gun back around 1960.

I ordered it from S.I.R., a No.1 Mk III and I remember I paid $39.95 for it. That was the first one and I haven’t stopped since.”

I spent several hours with Raymond talking about his collection but I could have spent a week. Every rifle has a story related to its history or some aspect of its manufacture and it is usually a fascinating one.

He demonstrated how a “Volley Site” was designed to work. The site, found on the MkIII, elevated the gun to approximately a 45 degree 17

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE LEE ENFIELD RIFLE cont’d angle and sent a volley of bullets down on the enemy equipped with a fighting quillion—a hook at the from the maximum range possible. Raymond also base of the bayonet designed to catch the enemies’ demonstrated the correct firing procedure for a Mk bayonet and twist the rifle from their hands.

III equipped with a grenade launcher, placing the I asked Raymond if he had a favourite in his butt on the ground and angling the rifle away from collection. “If I had to pick one I would have to say the shooter. Rifles used to fire grenades fired a it is this No.4 Mk.I sniper rifle. It is complete— heavier charge and his rifle has additional windings every serial number, from the scope to the magazine of wire around the stock and barrel in areas which matches. I also have the case.” I asked him if it was could potentially fail. accurate. “It is. I am no marksman but in the right His collection included rifles for launching hands it could do the job. If I remember correctly the landing lines from ships; a qualifying test for a sniper model used for bayonet was five out of five shots in a training; rifles built for the two-inch circle at 200 yards, Royal Canadian Mounted and six out of seven shots in Police and on and on. I a 10-inch circle at 400 yards. was particularly taken with You needed an accurate his Lee Enfield built for rifle.” the King of Siam.

Raymond doesn’t hunt Raymond told me the but he generally tries to fire King attended Sandhurst a few rounds through each Military College and came rifle he adds to his home with an admiration collection. “I have a few for the Lee Enfield. The rifles still packed in the The jewel of his collection: a No. 4 Mk I sniper rifle. rifle is one of 10,000 built original grease so I didn’t fire for the King’s body guard, the Wild Tiger Corp. them, but I like to shoot a few rounds through them Talking about that gun took us to another wall of if I can.” Raymond also likes to share his collection Raymond’s room where he displays the bayonets, with the community, and I’d often admired the swords and daggers he collects. After a quick search window displays he places in the windows of local he found the bayonet which goes with the Siam Lee businesses in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Enfield. “This is known as the ‘Pussy Bayonet’ Day. He also maintains a display in the Pictou Royal among collectors,” he told me. “It’s stamped with a Canadian Legion. He uses items from his own smiling tiger, as is the gun.” collection as well as material given or loaned to him The assortment of bayonets used on Lee Enfields by individuals. “I receive a lot of items from people is as fascinating as the rifles themselves. Raymond who want their fathers’ or grandfathers’ medals to be showed me how the original long bayonet for the on display rather than in a drawer gathering dust.

Mk III had been shortened over the years: the They lend them to me in trust and I ensure each is original was an impressive 17 inches in length. He displayed in a secure manner.” also demonstrated the correct technique for using a After looking at his collection, which looked fairly rifle mounted with a bayonet complete to me, I asked Raymond if there was one 18

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE LEE ENFIELD RIFLE cont’d particular Lee Enfield that he is looking for. He thought for a moment before replying. “Well, there is one gun that I would like to have. It is not a Lee Enfield but it is a .303, a P14 sniper rifle. I have the infantry model but I would like to find a sniper model I could afford.”

While Raymond specializes in Lee Enfields he also collects other rifles and I received a quick history lesson on armed contact, ranging from the Boer War and Zulu Conflict to the Korean War. His oldest piece, a flintlock tower musket, was used by the

big game in Eastern Canada in the last 50 years I believe the .303 British would top the list. I don’t know too many hunters of my generation who don’t have one or two Lee Enfields in their gun cabinet.

The Lee Enfield I own is a sporterised model which my brother and I bought in the late 1960's at Canadian Tire for the grand sum of $40. It was our first center-fire rifle and we figured that we had it made. Before that our deer hunting weapon was Dad’s single shot 12 gauge Cooey, loaded with a rifled slug. That was his only gun and he used it on

Every Mark Tells a Story: The “Smiling Tiger” markings on the wristguard and bayonet of this Lee Enfield show it was manufactured for the King of Siam’s Tiger Corp.

The author’s No. 4 Mk I * was built at the Long Branch Armoury in 1944 Nova Scotia 5th Battalion. His Martini-Henry, 57 Snider and Ross rifle gave me an opportunity to see, and handle, guns I had only read about. His latest piece is a Lee Enfield jungle carbine used in the Korean War. Raymond also educated me on the clues required to decipher the markings found on Lee Enfields. I had brought along my Lee Enfield, a rifle which has a special place in my collection. As the standard issue infantry rifle, Lee Enfields were built throughout the world; mine was built in Canada. After WW II thousands of Lee Enfields came on the market and were eagerly purchased by hunters. If you did a survey of which caliber has accounted for the most

everything from rabbits and grouse to deer. While Dad never had a problem harvesting his deer with the Cooey, my brother and I considered ourselves severely undergunned when we were in the woods!

The Lee Enfield was equipped with a sliding rear peep site and I harvested my first deer using that rifle. Since that time I have added a scope and the gun has accounted for a few more Nova Scotia white-tail bucks.

Commercial .303 British ammunition is widely available throughout Eastern Canada loaded with 150 and 180 grain bullets. My favorite is a 150 grain load which generates muzzle velocities of approximately 2,600 feet per second 19

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE LEE ENFIELD RIFLE cont’d As I was leaving I spied another Lee Enfield hanging in Raymond’s living room. “Oh, that is my gun of the month display,” he laughed. “Every month I take a gun from my collection and hang it there so I can admire it. Fortunately my wife humours me.” I left his home thinking that this is one 40-year love affair which is as strong as ever.

This bayonet has a “Fighting Quillion” tang. along with muzzle energy of 2,400 foot pounds, making it suitable for most medium-sized game.

The information I gained from Raymond also added to my own connection to this fine rifle. The markings on my No.4 Mk 1* show that it was made by the Long Branch Armoury in Toronto in 1944.

However, a closer examination with Raymond as my guide revealed that the safety lever was stamped with a broad arrow, an indication that it had been made for a British gun and probably replaced at a later date.

My time with Raymond passed quickly and I left with a new appreciation for the Lee Enfield rifle and the important role it has played in world history, a role which continues to this day, as Raymond reminded me: Inuit Rangers in Northern Canada still carry Lee Enfields, as do armies and militias around the world.

s m r a Fire t Fac

Reference Material There is an impressive amount of reference material available on the Lee Enfield rifle. (A Google search for Lee Enfield revealed more than 2,000,000 references.) However, there are three reference books Raymond recommends to the serious Lee Enfield collector: • Reynolds, Major E.BG.: The Lee Enfield Rifle.

Arco Publ. Co., 1962.

• Skennerton, Ian: The Lee Enfield Story. Arms and Militaria Press, 1993.

• Skennerton, Ian: The Lee-Enfield. Arms and Militaria Press, 2007.

Raymond welcomes collectors who would like to talk Lee Enfields. You’ll find him at: Raymond Gregory P.O. Box 51, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0 Phone: home (902) 485-5487 cell (902) 759-1717 email: gregorrj@gov.ns.ca

Firearms owners contribute over A BILLION DOLLARS a year to the Canadian economy through their activities: hunting, hunting equipment, sports equipment, recreational vehicle purchases, travel expenses, etc.

20

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FIREARMS AND THE LAW

When I was recently asked to contribute an article to this magazine I had mixed feelings. I had never heard of the Canadian Firearms Institute (CFI) and the first thing that crossed my mind was that Canadian firearms owners did not need another upstart organization diluting efforts and scarce resources of the organizations already in the field. However, I kept an open mind and requested background information as to how this organization was constituted and what its “game plan” was. I am impressed with the vision of its organizers. Whether CFI can effectively achieve its objectives on an ongoing basis remains to be seen.

I have shared the successes, frustrations and in many cases the failures of the major firearms organizations of this country. I had the privilege of being the president of the Shooting Federation of Canada for more than 10 years. The SFC as the NSO for the shooting sports had a huge mandate in dealing with Olympic and Paralympic teams, coaches and officials; it interfaced with Sports Canada, the International and Canadian Olympic Committees, the International and Canadian Commonwealth Games Associations, the ISSF and on and on. Sport Canada and COC funding was always tight but in the mid 1990's the shooting sports and their organizations had to withstand a withering assault from many fronts. Allan Rock hit us with oppressive gun control measures. Funding to sports organizations such as the SFC was decimated.

When the going got tough, some firearms owners/organizations cut and ran and some stayed and fought.

In spite of overwhelming obstacles the SFC was one of those organizations that stayed and fought.

We were not alone: the Canadian Shooting Sports Association (formerly OHA), the

PAUL SHAW, B.A., LL.B. National Firearms Association and various wildlife federations all worked very hard on behalf of firearms owners from coast to coast. I personally helped organize rallies, spoke at the Ottawa rally, prepared and sent legal briefs to and attended before the (then) Justice and Legal Affairs Committee and the Senate. I was co-counsel at the Firearms Reference for the SFC (as an intervenor) both at the Alberta Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada. So what did all this hard work, expense and personal sacrifice for so many within the firearms-owner community actually accomplish? The nay-sayers contend we all wasted our time and money. I disagree. There emerged a commonality of purpose—a commitment to right the wrongs of the firearms legislation and put it on the track of targeting real criminals, while recognizing and supporting the legitimate ownership and use of firearms for recreational and sporting purposes. The only realistic way to achieve this objective is to ensure there is a majority of federal MP’s that will repeal and replace the existing legislation. Any organization that will help achieve that objective gets my support.

There are side issues. Politicians often exploit opportunities. If opinion polls show that Canadians want even tougher gun control it becomes a nobrainer. The Chretien Liberals did not need to consider reason, statistics, common sense, criminalization of otherwise law abiding citizens, and total ineffectiveness of the measures. They had a majority. They wanted their version of “gun control” and they / we got it.

Do you think that in the last federal election that very many of the MP’s in the opposition caucus who vowed to ban handguns from civilian ownership and ban semi-automatic weapons even knew what the latter entailed? Any organization that will help

22

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FIREARMS AND THE LAW cont’d inform and educate the public and the media as to the socially positive aspects of firearm ownership and use gets my support. Believe me, if and when the biased stigmatism is removed and the public and media insist on gun control measures that effectively impact on the criminal element—and further insist that the scarce human and financial resources of our criminal judicial system must not be wasted on diversionary tactics like long gun registration—the politicians will follow.

Meanwhile, Canadian firearms owners remain subjected to oppressive firearm laws. I am a full-time practicing lawyer engaged in many aspects of the law, including criminal and civil trial work. The gun laws are so complex and convoluted that few police officers, defense lawyers, crown attorneys or even judges have a solid grasp of the current law and its implications. I am constantly learning things myself, and I have been at this a long time.

Many defense lawyers continue to assist their clients in pleading guilty to firearm charges where defenses exist. And, firearms owners—who are generally a trusting lot—continue to provide police with verbal admissions that often become the Crown’s best or only evidence.

In addition to representing individuals, clubs and associations, I do my best to help other defense lawyers who have challenges on their firearms files.

Sometimes there is little or nothing that can be done, but too many individuals and the lawyers who represent them give up without even exploring possible defenses or sentencing implications.

There is often a significant difference in the way charges are laid by police and prosecuted by crown attorneys (Crowns). Jurisdictions vary. Even Crowns within the same jurisdiction vary in the way charges are dealt with. The same alleged offense in similar circumstances for a first time offender could result in a Court disposition anywhere from a conviction, fine, criminal record, and firearms prohibition to

donating money to Crimestoppers on a diversion program (where these programs exist). Some Crowns try to get convictions for failure to register long guns even though an amnesty period exists. Some Crowns are practical. Some are not. For instance, what should happen if an individual has used storage measures that far exceed the safety features of the Firearms Act regulations, but do not “technically” comply with them? Some Crowns prosecute and let a judge give credit on sentencing to these extraordinary safety measures. Unfortunately, there exists no minimum equivalency standards.

While Crowns have considerable discretion in prosecuting charges, just as police do in laying them, would it not be helpful for defense lawyers to have at their disposal helpful information and arguments provided by a defense networking system coast to coast?

At one point in time firearms references (to determine whether a person’s Possession & Acquisition License should be revoked for instance) were directed at individuals who had seedy histories of violence, criminal records, addiction, etc. Most of these cases are cleaned up now and the long arm of the law is targeting marginal cases—such as people who are suspected of association with someone who is prohibited. There is a bureaucracy in place that has to be seen to be doing something.

How do resources stack up on each side of the judicial equation? The police and crown attorneys are able (at public expense) to share case law (case decisions, whether reported or not). They have access to research, opinions, precedents, resource experts. This is all instantaneous.

Defense lawyers have very little access to anything other than what is already in the public domain or what has been accumulated by that lawyer—or by a few lawyers who network. There is certainly no national strategy to assist defense lawyers. Part of this is because some lawyers appear to 23

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FIREARMS AND THE LAW cont’d covet their own research, unreported decisions, successful strategies and approaches for their own future use, for their own clients, and for profit. One can look at this two ways: the lawyer spent time and money getting the experience and expertise; why give it away? However, if there was wider cooperation Canada-wide throughout the defense bar—where networking on all firearm-related issues occurred—it would make for a much better educated and informed defense bar to assist firearms owners. Dave Tomlinson of the NFA (before his passing) and I often shared case law and defense strategies. CSSA is also helpful. But, nobody has the time and expertise to do a credible job of defense lawyer networking.

Lawyers are too busy making a living. Any organization that can build and manage a defense lawyer networking system to match what exists on

the Crown side of the equation gets my support.

The firearms owners best informed in Canada about firearms issues are those who already belong to clubs and organizations. These people often belong to several. These people are visible and accessible. Yet they represent a small percentage of the firearms owners of this country. How does one identify and reach out to firearms owners who have never belonged to any club or organization? The organization that is able to reach out to this silent majority and engage them gets my support.

The Canadian Firearms Institute has its work cut out for itself, but there is clearly an untapped niche where hopefully efforts of other firearm organizations will not be undermined, but complemented. The Canadian firearm owner should be the benefactor.

24

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

FEATURE

ELIZABETH FLAVELLE

A DAY AT THE SHOOTING RANGE How I unexpectedly learned about handguns, gained respect for their power, design and appeal and found it was really fun to practice at a shooting range!

The next time you need to buy your loved one a present, think about something completely out of the ordinary—think wow, this is going to be a great gift! At the same time, just between you and me, remember that fair is fair: you are doing all of this work choosing the best present and making all the arrangements for your special someone. It is ok if the gift giver, as well as the receiver, benefits from all the thought and preparation!

A really good present can be many things: ridiculously expensive and completely useless (but decadent in its silliness); unbelievably practical— useful and needed—or a new, completely unexpected adventure. I find the mix of adventure and practicality a dynamic combination.

My husband David was nearing a ‘big birthday’ a few years ago, and we were both reading the newspapers over breakfast. As my husband quietly read, I pondered again what to give a man who is convinced he has everything he needs and wants (not a shopper, my David).

Luckily, I saw an advertisement in the paper selling novel gift packages—things like flying in helium balloons while drinking champagne, or screaming down nightmarish rapids followed by a luxurious meal at a country chalet. I was most intrigued by one offering a basic orientation of several handguns, with practice shooting at a range!

Bingo!

An adventure—and certainly a surprise. I set the wheels in motion.

Many times, David had proudly talked about his experiences as a Canadian army cadet in the ’50s and early ’60s. During this memorable period, he mastered basic riflery and gained an appreciation and respect for rifles; he had not, however, shot handguns.

I have never owned nor used a gun. As a probation and parole officer in the Ontario Ministry of Correctional Services, I learned that if I were a probation officer in New York City, I would have been issued a handgun—but not in North York.

During the summer of 2004, Toronto began to have an alarming number of shootings. As a volunteer with the Toronto Police Service, I was particularly aware of the numbers of non-registered guns used for violent purposes. David and I have often discussed this frightening trend, asking—why did it happen? Who was involved? Were guns too easy to get? What were these guns like? What it was like to shoot a handgun? Neither of us knew. Maybe it was time to gain a basic understanding of the subject.

Opportunity to learn often arises when least expected. In addition to providing a unique gift to David, this experience would help us to gain some basic, practical understanding of handguns.

I contacted the agency listed in the newspaper and through them arranged for a visit to a private shooting club in Gormley, Ontario. The club uses an indoor target range in a sports facility; it’s entirely designed for handgun shooting with 10 stalls and individual electric target retrievers.

When we pulled up to the club, I asked myself “what have I done?” (I think all new adventures begin this way. We just don’t like to admit it.)

To my sheer delight and relief we were welcomed by a wonderful fellow, James. A retired Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer, he worked as a trainer for the club.

James ushered us into the orientation/training room. When he learned about my ‘session’ arranged though an agency, he smiled and suggested that all we had to do was call the club directly! He laughed and invited both of us to learn and practice.

Displayed before us was a large array of handguns, including a chrome-plated “Saturday night special”, .22 target pistols, a Smith & Wesson 25

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

A DAY AT THE SHOOTING RANGE cont’d .38 revolver and a 9mm Glock. We held each one. I was very surprised to feel how heavy some were! I found the size differences intriguing. I noticed also, that while some were very simple in design, others were intricate in their pattern—one was almost ornate. Several (and this may sound odd) were in their own way very attractive; a few small ones almost pretty. Each seemed to have its own character, its own feel. David felt the same.

James explained the history of each type of gun as well as its purpose, range and so on. His ability to clearly explain the intricacies of each handgun was excellent. Best of all, he shared with us numerous interesting stories about the various guns, and many of these accounts were based on his personal experience in the OPP. Some were legendary stories from our Canadian history. It struck me that each handgun was like a person with its own character, history, purpose and use.

An hour had vaporized! Time to practice.

I was given a .22 caliber target pistol. Now, before I tell you how I did, I would like to remind you that I had never done anything remotely like this!

I found it difficult to stand and hold such a weight and aim at a target that seemed very far away. James was very kind; he waved those great big hands again and graciously said, “No problem. Sit and be comfortable.” How good does it get?

I learned to load the gun, which was not as easy as I thought. Of course, my understanding of loading guns was based on the television shows Gunsmoke and Ponderosa! After a few pathetic shots, he graciously moved the target closer. (Ok, much closer). With a bit of practice, I thought I had done not so badly. I found I just wanted to keep shooting and do better. I really had fun!

Finally, the very patient birthday boy got his chance. The .22 was too easy for him and within a few minutes James gave him the Glock. David quickly learned to load it and fired off several magazines with stunning success. Later, David told me he found the experience exciting,

satisfying and rewarding.

And then we were done. With our targets in hand (we still have them), it was time to say goodbye to James and leave the range.

It was an experience we will always remember. We learned a lot about the different types of guns; their design, purpose, use and history. We acquired a new appreciation of handguns and respect for those who go to the range to improve their proficiency. It is a place to meet good people who enjoy mastering this unique set of skills and have a lot of fun doing it!

That’s a lot to learn.

It really was a great present for both of us.

Elizabeth Flavelle with husband David Windeyer Elizabeth Flavelle worked 27 years in the Government of Ontario in a number of ministries, including Treasury and Economics, Correctional Services, Community and Social Services and Management Board Secretariat. Now retired, she lives with her husband, David Windeyer, in the City of Toronto. In addition to writing for local community organizations, she volunteers for a number of groups, including 22 Division, Community Police Liaison Committee, Toronto Police Services, the Kingsway Park Ratepayers Association and the Kingsway Business Improvement Area.

26

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

A VIEW FROM THE CANADIAN OUTDOOR HERITAGE ALLIANCE Editor’s Note: The Canadian Outdoor Heritage Alliance and the Canadian Firearms Institute enjoy a mutually supportive relationship. Here, we present a view from COHA’s Field News editor Alison Beal.

-MH

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

(Edmond Burke 1729-1797) The scene is Ontario around ten years ago, where the government under Mike Harris was preparing for election. Enter a wealthy Ontario industrialist with a strong sympathy for animal rights rhetoric and pockets deep enough to suggest defeat for the government if the annual spring black bear hunt was not immediately banned. After a major lobbying effort allegedly financed by the rich guy—and threats of a very negative advertising campaign that would blame the Harris government for the fictitious orphaning of black bear cubs—a completely irrational, non-scientific, and hugely offensive decision was made to ban Ontario’s spring black bear hunt. This, despite the fact that it was already illegal to shoot a cub or a lactating sow, and no evidence

Your $35 membership will get you a subscription to our newsletter and add your voice to a proud community of Canadians who are committed to the sustainable use of our wilderness resources.

ALISON BEAL

was ever produced to support the allegation that hunters orphaned even one cub.

One good thing did come out of this horrifying victory of propaganda over fact; a gathering of some 40 representatives of provincial and national hunting, guiding, angling, and trapping communities. The Canadian Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) emerged from that meeting. A fledgling organization whose founders were deeply committed to science-based management of hunting, angling, and trapping activities in Canada—and to protecting the rights and privileges of those who practice those honourable outdoor arts that date to the dawn of humanity.

During the intervening 10 years, the federal government has ratified the Canadian Outdoor Heritage Act and the government of BC has adopted a made-on-the-West-Coast version of the same. A fledgling COHA has evolved and adapted to the realities of finance over ideology, and struggled to respond to the changing priorities of numerous stakeholders. Like many organizations, COHA is taxed with high expectations and very limited human and financial means. The board struggles with demands from all corners of Canada with limited volunteer resources. Scheduling conflicts with employment, family, a hunting trip or a round of golf limit the extent of the contribution most can make.

These challenges can be overcome, but only if good folk stand up to the challenge by writing letters, voicing educated opinions, and supporting those very agencies that are prepared to take a collective stand, to move forward with an initiative, or to demand accountability from politicians and opinion leaders. COHA can help you do that, but we need to know your issues, and must have your support to get things done. If you can’t volunteer, maybe you can recruit three new members.

Whatever you do, we hope you’ll add your voice to the community of Canadians who support the honourable outdoor arts of hunting, angling, and trapping. Start with a COHA membership, and grow with us. And remember, in the words of Edmond Burke ... “No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

Contact COHA at www.coha.net 27

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

THE LONG VIEW

The patterns of nature are tried and true It’s late fall, early morning, and the rising sun is shimmering off the dewy grass of a large parkland along the south shore of the Thames River.

The morning ritual is about to start. I sip my coffee and watch with interest. The first flock—a group of about two-dozen Canada geese—rises from the river and lazily circles a couple of times just above the trees, checking the area for lurking dangers.

Finally one amongst the flock cups its wings; the others follow on cue and they glide in to feed. They land in a tight circle with an uproar—squawking, honking and feathers ruffled—all of them vigilant.

Every head is on a swivel checking for danger. The noise quickly subsides as the inner group settles and puts their heads down to feed, but the geese on the outside of the circle are still vigilant and on guard.

Soon, as the geese feel secure, there is but one sentry, head still swivelling. The rest seem content, relying on that sentry to look after them.

There will be another commotion on the river and another flock of geese will appear above the tree tops following the same routine, circling cautiously. As they land the volume of squawking and honking increases exponentially as the original flock is again at full alert, defensively protecting their space. The second flock will land at the other end of the green space; a safe distance away. The number of sentries will follow the pattern of the first flock.

Within minutes the two flocks will have grazed toward each other and merged together for protection.

This ritual continues through my second coffee as flock after flock leave the river and noisily join the group feeding; first landing a safe distance away and then merging with the larger flock. By the time my cup is done, the flock is nearing a thousand birds. In contrast to the original small group with all the birds on watch, now there’s a massive group

JIM NEWMAN contently grazing with only one or two heads aloft and swivelling, ready to alert the larger group to any danger or threat. When they do, the flock—without hesitation—reacts amass to a signal of danger. For survival this ritual is hard-wired into the species. Safety in numbers.

As I watch this instinctive behaviour I think about gun owners and the lesson we can take from the birds. As predators—hunters—we humans take advantage of this pattern by setting out decoys and harvesting a few birds as they come in to land. The rule of nature prevails, however and safety in numbers ensures the survival of the species. Just like them, it’s up to us individually and in small groups to keep honking and squawking but at the same time join together for our survival and the protection of all of us.

I am not asking you to leave your flock but to join with us in the larger flock.

If you are not a member, join today.

28

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN FIREARMS INSTITUTE

CFI ICAF

CFI ICAF