How far from road to shoot ducks?

[Buckshot82]

this is what I have found,
It is unlawful to:

8. discharge a weapon within 183 m (200 yards) or cause a projectile from a weapon to pass within 183 m (200 yards) of any occupied building. Owners, occupants, or persons authorized by the owner or occupant are excepted, subject to local bylaws.

9. discharge a firearm from or cause a projectile from a firearm to pass along or across:
a) a provincial highway,
b) a road that is paved, oiled, graded or regularly maintained, unless
- the road is held under any active disposition under the Public Lands Act or under an order under the Surface Rights Act, or
- the person is hunting game birds with a shotgun under the authority of a licence.





So, based off this information, does this mean if I am on a backroad, and am passing a field I have permission on that has ducks/geese on a pond within shooting range from the roadway, can I hop out of my truck, load my shotgun, and engage the birds from the dirt road? I know that I’m going to get people asking why I would want to do that as it’s not real hunting, I’m just wanting to know the legal aspect of it. Thank you in advance!

[-JR-]

Very good Question !

[MyAlberta]

Yes, assuming you are legal with everything else. You may be challenged on retrieval if shot on a pond with no method of recovery. Back road ditches often make excellent cover.

[Buckshot82]

Originally Posted by MyAlberta

Yes, assuming you are legal with everything else. You may be challenged on retrieval if shot on a pond with no method of recovery. Back road ditches often make excellent cover.

Sweet, yeah I have my upland and migratory bird, and the pal of course, being 18,working full time to support myself, I can’t afford to throw money at stuff decoys and blinds and what not as it’s not 1st priority. Although I love the hunt, I end up just jump shooting birds, usually not super successful haha, after a couple tries I’ve got enough for a nice dinner. I’d love to get into owning a setup, but for now I have to use the resources I have. Being able to shoot from the ditch or gravel road will make my life a lot easier then trying to park on the opposite side of a field and trying to crawl across stubble. So I appreciate the feedback!

[Buckshot82]

Originally Posted by MyAlberta

Yes, assuming you are legal with everything else. You may be challenged on retrieval if shot on a pond with no method of recovery. Back road ditches often make excellent cover.

And my recovery method is pretty technical. A fishing rod and a 5 of diamonds spoon usually does the trick haha, very complicated I know

[MyAlberta]

Originally Posted by Buckshot82

And my recovery method is pretty technical. A fishing rod and a 5 of diamonds spoon usually does the trick haha, very complicated I know

I found a floating plug works better.

[Buckshot82]

Originally Posted by MyAlberta

I found a floating plug works better.

Never would have though of that… might have to throw one in the glove box and give it a shot

[KegRiver]

Originally Posted by Buckshot82

Never would have though of that… might have to throw one in the glove box and give it a shot

It works well.

I've used it for over forty years to retrieve dead Beaver. Never tried it on bird though.
I have no place here to hunt birds over water, but I see no reason it wouldn't work.

My setup is a collapsible rod loaded with 20 pound line.
My float is 4 inches x 1 3/4" of willow branch with a 1/8" hole from end to end.

I run a length of light hay wire through that, twist one end to make an eye, and attach a 2" wide treble hook to the other end. Held by an eye in the wire made by twisting that end.

That's all there is to it. I made a hook protector by cutting a slot for the wire/line in the cap of a 2 1/2" wide medicine vial and I'm good to go.

[Big Grey Wolf]

Buckshot, you could also try to get a dog, they work well. Good luck on your pond hunts.

[Buckshot82]

Originally Posted by Big Grey Wolf

Buckshot, you could also try to get a dog, they work well. Good luck on your pond hunts.

Some day in the future I would love to, I’d like to get myself all situated to insure I can afford to give a dog the best life they can. Unfortunately that time hasn’t come yet. I’ll just have to stick to my Walmart fishing tactics

[4x4bowhunter]

Originally Posted by Buckshot82

this is what I have found,
It is unlawful to:

8. discharge a weapon within 183 m (200 yards) or cause a projectile from a weapon to pass within 183 m (200 yards) of any occupied building. Owners, occupants, or persons authorized by the owner or occupant are excepted, subject to local bylaws.

9. discharge a firearm from or cause a projectile from a firearm to pass along or across:
a) a provincial highway,
b) a road that is paved, oiled, graded or regularly maintained, unless
- the road is held under any active disposition under the Public Lands Act or under an order under the Surface Rights Act, or
- the person is hunting game birds with a shotgun under the authority of a licence.





So, based off this information, does this mean if I am on a backroad, and am passing a field I have permission on that has ducks/geese on a pond within shooting range from the roadway, can I hop out of my truck, load my shotgun, and engage the birds from the dirt road? I know that I’m going to get people asking why I would want to do that as it’s not real hunting, I’m just wanting to know the legal aspect of it. Thank you in advance!

I believe you have to be in the ditch, not actually still on the road. But as long as you are shooting away from the road and not along it, you are good to go. lots of people walk the ditches looking for grouse or partridge and pheasant. One thing I am not sure about is how far from your vehicle you must be. I believe that is a federal firearms requirement and not in the hunting regulations. Something worth looking up.

[Buckshot82]

Originally Posted by 4x4bowhunter

I believe you have to be in the ditch, not actually still on the road. But as long as you are shooting away from the road and not along it, you are good to go. lots of people walk the ditches looking for grouse or partridge and pheasant. One thing I am not sure about is how far from your vehicle you must be. I believe that is a federal firearms requirement and not in the hunting regulations. Something worth looking up.

Did some quick searching,the only thing I can find is that you cannot be touching the truck, unless hunting antelope , when hunting antelope you must be 50 yards away.
“not discharging a firearm while in or on any motorized land vehicle or
trailer" is another line I found. So by the looks of things as long as I’m not touching the truck I will be okay. I’ll make sure to make my way into the ditch before I begin shooting just incase I can’t be on the gravel road. Better safe then sorry I guess.