Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation continues Guns for Habitat program despite new federal restrictions

Bill C-71 may prove a hindrance to firearms owners looking to buy and sell their shotguns and rifles, but it won't put an end to one of Canada's more useful firearms buyback programs. The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) will continue its Guns for Habitat initiative into 2022, turning unwanted firearms into cash to benefit its programs.

Normally, when you see a firearms buyback program run by law enforcement in an urban setting, those firearms are destroyed, with no thought to their worth to collectors or sportsmen. The SWF runs things differently, since it's a non-profit organization aimed at conservation and preservation of wildlife and its habitat. Instead of giving out a token amount of cash for firearms, it gives a tax receipt. Then, the firearms it collects are auctioned off, and the proceeds benefit the SWF.

The Guns for Habitat program seemed like it might be endangered, due to the new restrictions on firearms transfers that C-71 soon brings into place (previous coverage here). However, the SWF posted this to its Facebook page, indicating the program is still on:

In response to the announcement of the newly released Federal Firearms Regulation, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is reminding people that they can turn firearms into habitat for wildlife across the province, while receiving a tax-deductible receipt for their generosity by donating to our Guns for Habitat Program.

The SWF would like to remind the public about our Guns for Habitat Program, and encourage anyone with unwanted firearms to contact Central Office to arrange pickup prior to May 18th. After this date, the SWF can still accept non-restricted firearm donations, and will work with the public to facilitate requirements of the new regulation.

The SWF will gladly arrange for pickup of these donations anywhere across Saskatchewan.
For more information on this or any other SWF programs, please contact us at 306 692 8812 or email sask.wildlife@swf.sk.ca

In our area, you can also send a message to Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation through this Facebook page or by email to MJWildlife.federation@gmail.com

Effective May 18, 2022, individuals and businesses transferring or selling a non-restricted firearm will need to confirm the recipient’s identity and check the validity of their firearms license with the Registrar of Firearms prior to completing the transfer, including providing the recipient’s license number and any other information requested.

So, although the SWF acknowledges C-71 will make things more difficult, it's intent on continuing this program through, despite new federal regulations.

Smart stuff indeed, turning unwanted firearms into a benefit for a non-profit and allowing those who will responsibly care for the guns to purchase them, instead of hauling them off to the smelter. For more info on how you can help this program, check out the SWF's Contact Us page here.