Target Shooters

This fact sheet explains how the Firearms Act applies to you if you wish to use a firearm for target shooting. If you are a non-resident who plans to target shoot in Canada, also refer to the fact sheet for firearm users visiting Canada.

Shooting Range Requirements

As set out in the Shooting Club and Shooting Ranges Regulations, a “shooting range” means a place that is designed or intended for the safe discharge, on a regular and structured basis, of firearms for the purpose of target practice or target shooting competitions. All shooting ranges need approval from the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of the province or territory in which they are located unless:

1. They are on the premises of a licensed firearms business and are used only by licensed owners and employees of that business; or
2. They are only used by public officers, such as police officers, in relation to their lawful employment duties.

To find out if a club or range that you want to join is approved, call your CFO at 1 800 731-4000.

If you are thinking of setting up a place on your own property to target shoot, check with your municipality to make sure there are no restrictions on discharging a firearm in that area. Also check with the CFO of your province to find out if you need approval and to get recommendations on how to make your shooting range safe.

Licence Requirements

You need either a valid firearms licence authorizing you to possess the class of firearm you will be using, or you must remain under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed adult (18 or older) while you are target shooting. (An amnesty may protect you from penalties under the Criminal Code for possessing a non-restricted rifle or shotgun without a valid licence until May 17, 2007 if your licence has expired.)

If you are 18 or older, you may apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) by completing form CAFC 921. To be eligible for a PAL, you must meet specific safety-training requirements.

If you are between 12 and 17, you can apply for a Minor’s Licence after meeting the safety-training requirements. This licence will only allow you to borrow non-restricted rifles and shotguns. You may use handguns and other restricted or prohibited firearms only if you are under the direct and immediate supervision of an adult licensed to possess that class of firearm

To get an application form for a Minor’s Licence, call 1 800 731-4000. Before applying, you must take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and pass the test.

Authorizations to Transport Restricted Firearms and Prohibited Handguns

You need an Authorization to Transport (ATT) from a CFO to be able to transport a restricted or prohibited firearm anyplace in Canada. An ATT can be issued for a term of up to five years or the expiry date of your licence, whichever comes first. It is only valid for the locations indicated on it. A separate ATT will be required for any other locations. To apply, call 1 800 731-4000 or complete form CAFC 679 and submit it to the applicable CFO.

Non-Resident Target Shooters

If you do not have a valid Canadian firearms licence, a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form 909) that has been confirmed by a customs officer at your point of entry has the same affect as a firearms licence for up to 60 days. If you are bringing a restricted firearm, you will generally need to wait until you arrive in Canada and a customs officer has confirmed your declaration and then apply by phone for an ATT. All of the CFO offices can be reached from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., by calling 1 800 731-4000.

Information

For more information, contact us by one of the following methods:

telephone: 1 800 731-4000 (Toll Free)

web site: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca

e-mail: cfc-cafc@cfc-cafc.gc.ca

This fact sheet is intended to provide general information only. For legal references, please refer to the Firearms Act and its regulations.

Provincial, territorial and municipal laws, regulations and policies may also apply.

Revised May 2006