This consolidation is unofficial and is for reference only. For the official version of the regulations, consult the original documents on file with the Registry of Regulations, or refer to the Royal Gazette Part II. Regulations are amended frequently. Please check the list of Regulations by Act to see if there are any recent amendments to these regulations filed with our office that are not yet included in this consolidation. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this electronic version, the Registry of Regulations assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have resulted from reformatting. This electronic version is copyright © 2015, Province of Nova Scotia, all rights reserved. It is for your personal use and may not be copied for the purposes of resale in this or any other form.
Firearm and Bow Regulations
made under Section 113 of the
Wildlife Act
R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 504
O.I.C. 89-837 (July 18, 1989, effective August 1, 1989), N.S. Reg. 144/89
as amended to O.I.C. 2015-239 (July 23, 2015), N.S. Reg. 284/2015
Citation
1 These regulations may be cited as the “Firearm and Bow Regulations”.
Definitions
2 In these regulations,
(a) “Act” means the Wildlife Act;
(aa) “big game” means white-tailed deer, moose and black bear;
Clause 2(aa) added: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(b) “bow” means a tool for projecting arrows which consists of a handle and one or more flexible limbs which are held bent by a string or cable which is drawn, pulled or released or held in a drawn position, other than as part of a crossbow, by hand or hand-held release and not by any mechanical device attached to any portion of the bow other than the bowstring;
Clause 2(b) amended: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(c) “broadhead” means a head attached to the forward end of an arrow consisting of at least two sharpened edges;
Clause 2(c) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(d) “closed season” means a period other than the open season for the hunting or fishing of a species of wildlife during which that species is protected by the Act or the regulations;
(da) “crossbow” means a tool for projecting arrows or bolts that consists of a bow fixed across a stock with a groove for an arrow or bolt and a mechanism for holding and releasing the bowstring;
Clause 2(da) added: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(e) “Department” means the Department of Natural Resources;
Clause 2(e) amended: O.I.C. 92-812, N.S. Reg. 176/92.
(ea) “deer hunting stamp (archery and muzzleloader)” means a deer hunting stamp (archery and muzzleloader) as defined in the Deer Hunting Regulations made under the Act;
Clause 2(ea) added: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(f) “encased” means a weapon that is secured in accordance with 1 of the following:
(i) it is in a case that is properly fastened,
(ii) it is completely wrapped in a material that is securely tied around the weapon,
(iii) it is in the locked compartment of a vehicle and the contents of the compartment are not accessible to the occupant of the vehicle from inside the vehicle,
(iv) for a firearm, it is rendered inoperable by attaching a trigger lock to the firearm,
(v) for a crossbow or bow, it is rendered inoperable by disassembling the weapon or by attaching a lock to the weapon;
Clause 2(f) replaced: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(g) “firearm” means any barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person, and includes any frame or receiver of such a barrelled weapon and anything that can be adapted for use as a firearm;
(h) “Minister” means the Minister of Natural Resources;
Clause 2(h) amended: O.I.C. 92-812, N.S. Reg. 176/92.
(ha) “muzzleloader” means a firearm in which the charge and propellant can be loaded only from the muzzle of the barrel;
Clause 2(ha) added: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(i) “open season” means a period specified by regulations during which time certain wildlife may be hunted, taken or killed;
(ia) “other harvestable wildlife” means other harvestable wildlife as identified in the General Wildlife Regulations made under the Act;
Clause 2(ia) added: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(ib) “primitive weapon” means a muzzleloader, a crossbow or a bow;
Clause 2(ib) added: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(j) “weapon” means a firearm, a crossbow or a bow;
Clause 2(j) amended: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(k) “Weapon Discharge Permit” means a permit issued to a disabled person to discharge a weapon in accordance with these regulations;
Clause 2(k) amended: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(l) “woods operation” means any of the following sites when workers are present on the site:
(i) a tree plantation,
(ii) a Christmas tree management area,
(iii) a special forestry study area,
(iv) an area where activity is taking place on woodlands for the purpose of harvesting forest products or for silviculture.
Clause 2(l) added: O.I.C. 2015-239, N.S. Reg. 284/2015.
Prohibited weapons and ammunition
3 (1) In addition to those items prohibited in Section 81 of the Act, no person shall possess any of the following at any time in a wildlife habitat:
(a) a swivel or spring gun;
(b) a shotgun greater than 10 gauge;
(c) a device designed to deaden the sound of the report of a firearm.
Clause 3(d) repealed: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
Clause 3(e) repealed: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(2) A person must not possess or use any weapon in a wildlife habitat other than a weapon they are permitted to use under these regulations for the licences and stamps they hold when hunting under that licence or stamp.
Subsection 3(2) added: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
Section 3 amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010; renumbered 3(1): O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
Big game hunting - permitted weapons
4 (1) Subject to the Act and regulations and to subsection (5), any person may possess and use any of the following weapons and ammunition in a wildlife habitat when hunting under a licence to hunt big game, other than a licence to hunt deer under a deer hunting stamp (archery and muzzleloader), during the open season for the big game:
(a) a rifle and ammunition of .23 calibre or greater;
(b) a shotgun, of .410, 28, 20, 16, 12 or 10 gauge, using a single projectile or shot having a diameter of .24 in. or 6.10 mm (AAA or No. 4 Buckshot) or larger;
Clause 4(1)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(c) a muzzleloader of .45 calibre or greater;
Clause 4(1)(c) amended: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(d) a bow with a draw weight of 50 pounds or greater within the draw length of the archer when hunting moose and 40 pounds or greater within the draw length of the archer when hunting big game other than moose and any arrow fitted with a broadhead;
(e) a crossbow with a minimum draw weight of 68 kg (150 lbs) and bolts with heads measuring more than 2.2 cm in diameter.
Clause 4(1)(e) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
Subsection 4(1) amended: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(2) A person may possess and use any of the following primitive weapons and ammunition in a wildlife habitat when hunting deer under a deer hunting stamp (archery and muzzleloader):
(a) a bow with a draw weight of 18 kg (40 lbs.) or greater within the draw length of the archer and any arrow fitted with a broadhead;
(b) a crossbow with a minimum draw weight of 68 kg (150 lbs.) and bolts with heads greater than 2.2 cm in diameter;
(c) a muzzleloader of .45 calibre or greater.
Subsection 4(2) replaced: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(3) During the open season for snaring bear, including Sundays during the season, any person who holds a Resident Bear Snaring Licence issued to that person may possess and use a rim fire rifle of .22 calibre or less or a weapon permitted in subsection (1) and transport it to and from that person’s bear snare sets.
Subsection 4(3) replaced: O.I.C. 90-841, N.S. Reg. 178/90; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(4) No person shall hunt big game with a weapon, arrow or ammunition other than the items prescribed in subsections (1), (2) and (3).
Subsection 4(4) amended: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(5) Except as provided otherwise in the regulations, during an open season for big game, no person shall take, carry, possess or use in a wildlife habitat a rifle, shotgun slug or ball unless the person
(i) is the holder of a hunting licence issued to that person which is valid for that open season, or
(ii) is the holder of a permit to possess or transport the firearm.
Subsection 4(5) amended: O.I.C. 90-841, N.S. Reg. 178/90.
Hunting small game - permitted weapons
5 (1) Subject to the Act and regulations and to subsection (2), any person may possess and use in a wildlife habitat during an open season for hunting small game any of the following items:
(a) a shotgun loaded with shot;
Clause 5(1)(a) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(aa) a rifle/shotgun combination firearm, provided the person does not carry or use rifle ammunition during a season in which the use of a rifle is not permitted;
Clause 5(1)(aa) added: O.I.C. 2003-186, N.S. Reg. 102/2003.
(b) a bow and arrows with or without broadheads;
Clause 5(1)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(c) a crossbow and bolts or arrows with or without broadheads.
Clause 5(1)(c) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
Subsection 5(1) amended: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(2) During the open season for hunting snowshoe hare, a person may possess and use a rim fire rifle of .22 calibre or less or a muzzleloader of .40 calibre or less.
Clause 5(2)(a) replaced and renumbered subsection 5(2): O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(2A) During the period of time that the open season for hunting snowshoe hare overlaps another open season or time period listed below, a person may hunt snowshoe hare with the items specified, in addition to the items listed in subsection (1):
(a) open season for hunting big game - any firearm permitted under Section 4, provided that the person holds a valid licence and a valid unused tag for hunting the type of big game that corresponds to the open season;
(b) the time period after the end of the open season for hunting deer under a deer hunting stamp (general) to March 31 of the following year - any weapon permitted under subsection 6(2), provided that the person holds a valid base licence and is hunting coyote in accordance with subsection 6(2); or
Clause 5(2A)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(c) open season for harvesting fur-bearing animals - any weapon permitted under subsection 7(2), provided that the person holds a valid Fur Harvester’s Licence, as defined in the Fur Harvesting Regulations.
Clause 5(2)(b) renumbered as subsection 5(2A): O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; replaced: O.I.C. 2002-268, N.S. Reg. 75/2002.
(2B) Despite clause (1)(aa), no person shall hunt a game bird with the rifle portion of a rifle/shotgun combination firearm.
Subsection 5(2B) added: O.I.C. 1999-367, N.S. Reg. 78/99; replaced: O.I.C. 2004-223, N.S. Reg. 163/2004.
(3) No person shall hunt small game with a weapon, and arrow or ammunition other than the items prescribed in subsections (1), (2) and (2A).
Subsection 5(3) amended: O.I.C. 1999-367, N.S. Reg. 78/99; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
Non-protected wildlife - permitted weapons
6 (1) Subject to the Act and regulations, any person authorized by the General Wildlife Regulations may possess and use while hunting other harvestable wildlife any of the following items:
(a) a shotgun loaded with shot;
Clause 6(1)(a) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(b) a bow and arrows with or without broadheads;
Clause 6(1)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(ba) a crossbow and bolts or arrows with or without broadheads;
Clause 6(1)(ba) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(c) a rifle of .23 calibre or less or a muzzleloader of .40 calibre or less from October 15 to the last day of March in the year following, both dates inclusive; or
Clause 6(1)(c) replaced: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007; O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(d) a rifle/shotgun combination firearm, provided the person does not carry or use rifle ammunition during a season in which the use of a rifle is not permitted.
Clause 6(1)(d) added: O.I.C. 2003-186, N.S. Reg. 102/2003.
Subsection 6(1) amended: O.I.C. 94-688, N.S. Reg. 145/94; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(2) In addition to the items mentioned in subsection (1), a person may, for the purpose of hunting coyotes, use a rifle or shotgun with rifled slugs or ball after the end of the open season for hunting under a deer hunting stamp (general) until March 31 of the year next following.
Subsection 6(2) amended: O.I.C. 91-836, N.S. Reg. 165/91; O.I.C. 96-460, N.S. Reg. 109/96; O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; O.I.C. 2002-268, N.S. Reg. 75/2002; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(3) In addition to the items mentioned in subsections (1) and (2), a person who is the holder of a valid licence may during the open season for big game or small game hunt other harvestable wildlife with any weapon, arrow or ammunition they are permitted to use under their licence under Sections 4 and 5.
Subsection 6(3) amended: O.I.C. 94-688, N.S. Reg. 145/94; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(4) No person shall hunt other harvestable wildlife with a weapon, arrow or ammunition other than the items prescribed in subsection (1), (2) and (3).
Subsection 6(4) amended: O.I.C. 94-688, N.S. Reg. 145/94; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
Fur-bearing animals - permitted weapons
7 (1) Any person who is the holder of a valid Fur Harvesters Licence may possess and use a rim fire rifle of .22 calibre or less during the open season for harvesting fur-bearing animals, including Sundays during that season, for the purpose of dispatching animals in traps.
Subsection 7(1) amended: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(2) Subject to the Act and regulations, any person authorized to hunt raccoon, bobcat, fox or weasel during the day may use any of the following items:
(a) a shotgun loaded with shot;
Clause 7(2)(a) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(b) a bow and arrows fitted with broadheads;
Clause 7(2)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(ba) a crossbow and bolts or arrows fitted with broadheads;
Clause 7(2)(ba) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(c) a rifle of .23 calibre or less or a muzzleloader of .40 calibre or less; or
Clause 7(2)(c) amended: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(d) during the period of time that the open season for hunting fur-bearing animals overlaps another open season or time period listed below, the items specified, in addition to the items listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c):
Clause 7(2)(d) amended: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(i) open season for hunting big game - any firearm permitted under Section 4, provided that the person holds a valid licence and a valid unused tag for hunting the type of big game that corresponds to the open season; or
(ii) the time period from the end of the open season for hunting under a deer hunting stamp (general) to the end of the open season for hunting fur-bearing animals in the following year - any weapon permitted under subsection 6(2).
Subclause 7(2)(d)(ii) amended: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
Clause 7(2)(d) replaced: O.I.C. 2002-268, N.S. Reg. 75/2002.
(3) Subject to the Act and regulations, any person authorized to hunt raccoon at night may use any of the following items:
(a) a shotgun loaded with shot not larger than number 2;
(b) a .22 calibre or less rim fire rifle; or
Clause 7(3)(b) amended: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007.
(c) a bow and arrows fitted with broadheads.
Clause 7(3)(c) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(d) a crossbow and bolts or arrows fitted with broadheads.
Clause 7(3)(d) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(4) No person shall hunt a fur-bearing animal with a weapon, arrow or ammunition other than the items prescribed in subsections (1), (2) and (3).
Subsection 7(4) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
Possession and transportation of weapons
8 (1) Except when a person is lawfully hunting with a weapon permitted under these regulations, no person shall take, carry or possess a weapon at any time in a wildlife habitat without a permit to transport issued by the Department unless the weapon
(a) has been purchased and is being transported to the residence of the buyer;
(b) is being transported to or from a repair shop which has been approved or licensed by the Province;
(c) is being transported to or from an organized shoot;
(d) is being transported by the owner to a new residence;
(e) is being transported directly to or from a range approved by the Province;
Clause 8(1)(e) amended: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(f) is being transported to or from another province or state where that person holds or intends to buy a licence to hunt or where that person plans to shoot at a range located there; or
(g) is a shotgun being transported to or from an approved dog field trial, a designated dog training area or other area where a dog is to be trained.
Subsection 8(1) amended: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(2) The Minister or a person authorized by the Minister may, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, permit a person to transport and discharge a weapon during a period when, or at a location at which, it is otherwise prohibited by the Act or regulations, including use of a weapon on the first day of the week commonly called Sunday.
Subsection 8(2) amended: O.I.C. 90-841, N.S. Reg. 178/90; O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008, O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(3) Every person who contravenes any of the terms and conditions contained in a permit issued pursuant to subsection (2) is guilty of an offence.
(4) (a) No person shall possess a weapon in or on a vehicle at night unless it is encased.
Clause 8(4)(a) replaced: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(b) Clause (a) does not apply to a person who holds a valid Fur Harvesters Licence who is in possession of or transporting a .22 calibre or less rim fire rifle on an off-highway vehicle as defined in the Off-Highway Vehicles Act for the purpose of dispatching fur bearing animals caught in that person’s traps.
Clause 8(4)(b) amended: O.I.C. 90-841, N.S. Reg. 178/90; O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007; O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(5) For purposes of clause 80(4)(a) of the Act, the expression “in a case which is properly fastened” includes a trigger lock which, when attached to a firearm or bow, renders the firearm or bow inoperable.
Subsection 8(5) added: O.I.C. 96-460, N.S. Reg. 109/96; amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(6) Except as provided in these regulations, no person shall have a crossbow or bow in or on a vehicle or vessel that has the arrow or bolt in place for firing and the firing string drawn.
Subsection 8(6) added: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
(7) Subsection (6) does not apply to a person who holds a permit issued under Section 9 of these regulations and a valid licence and who is complying with the terms and conditions of the permit and licence.
Subsection 8(7) added: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
Section 8 heading amended: O.I.C. 2013-215, N.S. Reg. 238/2013.
Weapon discharge permit
9 (1) In these regulations, “disabled person” means a person whose mobility is limited as a result of severe physical disability caused by paralysis, lower limb amputation, heart or lung disease or other disabling impairment to the extent that
(a) the person is unable to propel themself without the aid of a wheelchair or walker, or a combination of two of a crutch, cane, leg brace, or leg prosthesis;
(b) the person has a significant cardio-pulmonary condition that results in severe shortness of breath with minimal physical activity; or
(c) the person has a severe neuro-muscular or skeletal condition, and, because of any of the conditions described in clause (a) or (b), is limited in mobility to 50 m or less in outdoor weather conditions.
Subsection 9(1) replaced: O.I.C. 1999-367, N.S. Reg. 78/99; amended: O.I.C. 2002-268, N.S. Reg. 75/2002;
O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(2) A disabled person who possesses a valid identification permit issued in accordance with the regulations respecting identification permits for vehicles transporting mobility handicapped persons made under the Motor Vehicle Act, may apply to the Department for a Weapon Discharge Permit to hunt wildlife during the open season from a vehicle.
Subsection 9(2) amended: O.I.C. 1999-367, N.S. Reg. 78/99.
(3) The Department may issue at no charge a Weapon Discharge Permit to a disabled person.
(4) A Weapon Discharge Permit may contain any special terms and conditions which the Minister considers necessary.
(5) The holder of a Weapon Discharge Permit is required to obtain a hunting licence before hunting and comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to the hunting or taking of wildlife.
(6) A Weapon Discharge Permit does not authorize the holder to shoot from any public highway as defined in the Public Highways Act.
(7) When hunting from a vehicle, the disabled person shall have the Weapon Discharge Permit on or near their person and produce it to any conservation officer upon demand.
(8) A vehicle being used by a disabled person for hunting shall be at a complete stop with the motor turned off whenever the weapon is loaded.
Subsection 9(8) amended: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(9) Except when a weapon is to be discharged pursuant to subsection (8), it shall be an offence for a disabled person to transport in a vehicle a weapon which is not encased.
Subsection 9(9) amended: O.I.C. 95-499, N.S. Reg. 96/95; O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(10) A disabled person must satisfy a conservation officer, on request, that another person is available to help the disabled person retrieve any wildlife taken by the disabled person.
Subsection 9(10) replaced: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(11) No disabled person shall use a vehicle at any time to pursue wildlife.
(12) It shall be an offence for a disabled person to fail to comply with these regulations or any special terms and conditions which may be printed on the Weapon Discharge Permit issued to a disabled person.
(13) Upon conviction for violating any of the provisions of the Act or regulations made pursuant thereto, a Weapon Discharge Permit issued to a disabled person is automatically forfeited and shall be returned immediately to the Department.
Quantities of firearms/bows
10 No person while hunting wildlife shall possess more than one weapon unless the additional weapon is either unloaded and disassembled so that it is not readily operable, or is unloaded and encased.
Discharge of firearm/bow near buildings
11 (1) No person shall at any time hunt, take or kill or attempt to hunt, take or kill wildlife with a weapon or discharge a weapon within 804 metres of a school.
Subsection 11(1) amended: O.I.C. 96-460, N.S. Reg. 109/96; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(2) No person shall at any time hunt, take or kill or attempt to hunt, take or kill wildlife with a firearm loaded with a rifle cartridge, single ball or slug or discharge a firearm loaded with a rifle cartridge, single ball or slug within 402 metres of a dwelling, playground, golf course, athletic field, woods operation, place of business, agricultural building or public building other than a school.
Subsection 11(2) amended: O.I.C. 95-499, N.S. Reg. 96/95; O.I.C. 96-460, N.S. Reg. 109/96; O.I.C. 2015-239, N.S. Reg. 284/2015.
(3) No person shall at any time discharge a shotgun loaded with shot, a crossbow or a bow within 182 metres of a dwelling, playground, golf course, athletic field, woods operation, place of business, agricultural building or public building other than a school.
Subsection 11(3) amended: O.I.C. 90-841, N.S. Reg. 178/90; O.I.C. 96-460, N.S. Reg. 109/96; O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008; O.I.C. 2015-239, N.S. Reg. 284/2015.
(4) No person shall hunt, take or kill or attempt to hunt, take or kill wildlife that is within 182 metres of a dwelling, playground, golf course, athletic field, woods operation, place of business, agricultural building or public building other than a school.
Subsection 11(4) amended: O.I.C. 96-460, N.S. Reg. 109/96; O.I.C. 2015-239, N.S. Reg. 284/2015.
(5) Notwithstanding subsections (1), (2), (3) or (4), the owner or occupier of a dwelling or person authorized by the owner or occupier who holds a valid licence may discharge a weapon or hunt, take or kill wildlife within the distances stated if the point of discharge is not within the prescribed distances in subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4) from
(a) any other dwelling; or
(b) a school, public building, playground, golf course, athletic field, woods operation, place of business or agricultural building.
Clause 11(5)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2015-239, N.S. Reg. 284/2015.
Subsection 11(5) amended: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(6) Notwithstanding subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4), a person who holds a valid licence to hunt or trap and who has wounded any wildlife may discharge a weapon for the purpose of taking wounded wildlife within the prescribed distances in subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4), provided it is done in a safe manner and the consent of the owner or occupier of the land has been obtained.
Subsection 11(6) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
(7) This Section does not apply to an employee of the Department while discharging the employee’s duties.
Subsection 11(7) replaced: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.
Loaded weapon in vessel
12 (1) Any person may carry a loaded weapon in a vessel in a wildlife habitat during an open season provided the vessel does not have a motor.
Subsection 12(1) amended: O.I.C. 90-841, N.S. Reg. 178/90; O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(2) Any person may carry a loaded weapon in a vessel equipped with a motor in a wildlife habitat during an open season provided the motor of the vessel is not in operation and movement of the vessel caused by the motor has ceased.
Subsection 12(2) amended: O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), any person lawfully hunting migratory game birds may carry a shotgun loaded with shot having a diameter not greater than .24 inches (AAA or No. 4 Buckshot) in a vessel with a motor in operation provided the firearm is not discharged until the vessel is beached, resting at anchor, fastened within or tied immediately alongside a fixed hunting blind or movement of the vessel has ceased.
Section 13 repealed: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97.
Effective date of new regulations
14 These regulations shall come into force on, from and after the 1st day of August, 1989.