Policy 6.3 - Firearms - Forestry Use

Effective Date: 01-Oct-93
Responsible Branch: Human Resources Branch

Management Services Volume Table of Contents | Amendment Log

Scope

This policy covers the use of firearms by Ministry employees.

Policy

Only trained, certified, and authorized staff are permitted to handle firearms. Firearms will be used in a safe manner and only when required in the course of Ministry duties, or for the protection of employees. Handguns are prohibited for use within the Ministry.

Branch Directors, Regional Managers, and District Managers are accountable for monitoring the issuance and use of firearms within their branch, regional, or district offices.

Authorized Use

Ministry and privately-owned firearms are authorized only on the following projects and in the following circumstances:

• the collection of cones, scions, branches, twigs, and foliage
• the control of animal and/or bird pests in forest nurseries and seed orchards
• the temporary immobilization of animals as part of ecological-wildlife research
• the protection of employees and property where wild animals are a threat or a harassment to field parties and fire suppression camps
• signaling to or from people lost or overdue in the field

Ministry employees will be authorized to carry and use firearms when they:

• successfully complete an approved firearms training program and have a valid certificate of training
• show a demonstrated ability to safely use a firearm to the satisfaction of the Branch Director, Regional Manager, or District Manager
• have a British Columbia Firearm Licence
• have a Ministry Firearms User Authorization Certificate signed by the Branch Director, Regional Manager, or District Manager

Training

Approved firearms training programs will consist of a Rifle Qualification Course or a Shotgun Qualification Course. Recertification is required on an annual basis. Courses are available through:

• Ministry of Attorney General, Police Services Branch
• Justice Institute of B.C.
• private training contractors or agencies (e.g., police or conservation officers) proficient in firearms training

Note: Conservation, Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) Program is not an acceptable training program, as there is no demonstrated firing of firearms included in this program.

Authorization Certificate Record

Where a privately-owned firearm is to be used, the owner's name, the firearm make, model serial number, and type of ammunition will be recorded on the Ministry Firearms User Authorization Certificate.

Storage

Ministry firearms will be stored out of sight in a locked container. Ammunition, when not being used, will be safely and securely stored in a locked metal container separate from the firearm container. Both firearms and ammunition will be accounted for at least once a month, with records maintained for audit purposes.

Firearm Safety

Firearms will be made safe and inoperable by complete removal of the bolt, firing pin, or by installation of trigger locks or other means of making firearms inoperable when:

• in storage
• not in use
• authorized for transportation by vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or by other authorized forms of transport

Firearms will be maintained in clean, serviceable condition. If found to be incapable of safe and accurate use, a firearm will be:

• made inoperable as described above
• tagged as unserviceable
• transferred for repair or replacement to a warehouse employee who is qualified in firearms repair and disposal

Authorized Users

Employees designated as Authorized Firearms Users will be familiar with hunting regulations and "No Shooting" areas outlined in federal and provincial regulations.

Before shooting, employees will check logging activities and industrial or recreation areas in the area. The Forest Officer will inform hunters, road crews, and other members of the public in the vicinity of any intended shooting.

Traveled Roads

Firearms will not be discharged across traveled roads unless traffic is closely controlled at each end by Forest Officers.

References

• Criminal Code of Canada, s. 84(2), 95(1), 106.5(1), and 98(1)(b) - Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC) exemption and definitions
• Firearm Act, s.134 and pursuant BC Regulations
• Wildlife Act, s.433 and pursuant BC Regulations