Change in varmint hunting regulations is good news for NB's shooters

With new forms of gun control mentioned practically on a monthly basis, not to mention the squabbling in our ongoing federal election, Canadian firearms enthusiasts could use some good news. So, here you go: Thanks to a recent change in New Brunswick's hunting regulations, the province's shooters will now have more freedom to use firearms on public or even private land. As of September 1, 2021, the calibre restrictions are removed from varmint hunting licences.

Why is that good news for shooters?

Like every other province on the east coast, New Brunswick has tough fish-and-game laws written as a deterrent to poaching. These laws include restrictions on what firearms are legally allowable to hunt the province's four varmint species (crow, coyote, cormorant, groundhog). Throughout New Brunswick's varmint season, which generally runs from the start of March to the middle of September, varmint hunters are only allowed to use rifles of .22 calibre or smaller (rimfire or centrefire), or shotguns with birdshot. The idea is to cut down on illegal big game hunting by disallowing higher-powered weapons in the woods (although it seems to have little practical deterrence, as locals will tell you).

Hunters found the rule frustrating, as it limited them from using popular rounds like .243 or 00 buckshot on coyotes.

It was also frustrating to shooters who simply wanted to use their firearms on public or private land, without visiting a range. Unlike other provinces, New Brunswick's conservation officers can issue a fine if you're out in the woods "plinking" without a valid hunting licence and outside of hunting season, even if it's clear you're not actually hunting. To work around this, many NBers simply bought a varmint licence; it was low-priced (under $20), and allowed them to go plinking or sight in their firearms throughout most of the year, without going to a range.

The trouble was, with varmint hunters restricted to .22-calibre rifles, it was illegal under previous laws to use "big game calibres" like .308, .30-06, even a 9mm PCC under that varmint licence. Without a valid deer, bear or moose licence, shooters ran the risk of fines and firearm seizure by taking their guns to the woods. The only alternative (besides a gun range membership, which wasn't practical for many NBers) was to travel to a ranger station for a "sighting-in permit,' which came with several conditions attached. That was inconvenient, especially as many NBers live some distance from a ranger station.

That's changed, and now shooters can plink in gravel pits or other safe areas in varmint season with whatever calibre they want, as long as it's legal hunting hours (remember, restrictions on Sunday hunting in New Brunswick).

The move was announced by Minister of Natural Resources, Mike Holland, who's been instrumental in several positive changes since coming to his position. Recently, Holland posted on Facebook: “I know it has been a long time coming, however; today I am here to let my hunting friends know that we are officially eliminating calibre restrictions on September 1rst 2021. That means that when one is hunting varmints in NB, they can use any calibre that is legal in New Brunswick. There will be a couple more changes coming by the end of September as well.”

It's still a good idea for NBers to join a gun range, as there are other benefits besides simply finding a place to shoot. However, that may not be an option for many, and others might prefer to occasionally enjoy their firearms in a non-range setting. For all of you in that position, it seems the eased restrictions on varmint calibres are exactly what you needed to hear.