HOW DO I GET STARTED?
This is a great question and there are a lot of answers. Here is a little bit about my story. My first passion was target shooting. I started out by going to a gun range across the border to try it. I loved shooting! I decided to get my licenses and my first firearm. I joined a local range and went regularly. I loved every aspect of the range and sport. Several years later I moved to the GTA where I lived now. When I moved here I was devastated to find out that no range within a two hour drive was taking memberships. You can’t fish in a desert and you can’t target shoot without a range. ( this isn’t the case anymore, but more on that later) I found myself asking how do I get started with a new hobby? How do I find my passion in a new city with no friends?
I first turned to the internet looking to see what was in my area. As I looked around I found archery but I was concerned about making an investment into something I might not like. I looked for ranges that rented equipment and didn’t find any in my area, so I kept looking. I found a big sportsman’s show that was coming up. It would be a great way to see many different outdoor sports at one time. I bought the tick, gathered up my courage and ventured out across the city on my own. When I got there I was overwhelmed. I wandered around a little lost. I picked up flyers and not really talking to anyone. Then I came across the archery demo area! I didn’t even know it would be there but it was 3 shots for 5 dollars. I waited in line for what seemed to be forever. I got up to the front and took a shot. I did horrible! I doubt the target was even 10 feet away and I was discouraged. The very nice man handed me another arrow and told me to try again, same thing. He looked at me again and asked are you sure you’re left handed? I said of course I am. Then he asked what my dominate eye was. I told him I was right eyed and he asked me again if I was sure. I was sure. I knew from target shooting what eye I use. He then handed me a right handed bow. I awkwardly drew it back, fired and hit a bullseye. I was ecstatic and overjoyed. The man than looked at the line and said here take an extra shot. Another bullseye. He explained that I needed to shoot right handed because I aim with my right eye and let me take one more shot. Another bullseye. This random man took a few extra moments at a sports show and changed my life. I found my new passion.
Update I am very happy to say that in the GTA there are now 2 new privately owned gun ranges taking members. This means I can dust off my firearms and get back to my love of target shooting.
Things to look for in your area:
Upcoming trade shows – Trades shows can allow you see a wide variety of gear and options. Two examples in the GTA are TACCOM and the Toronto Sportsman show
Local ranges – Some ranges let you rent equipment and is a great way to try before you buy
Local clubs – You can find like-minded people that can give you a few pointers and tips
Federations - another great way to find like-minded people, get research materials or new equipment
Special events – Look for special events in your area that are designed for beginners
Community Programs – with movies like The Avengers archery has become very popular and more communities are taking advantage by offering more programs
Licenses
Firearms
In order to apply for a firearms licence you must first successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course also known as a PAL Course. If you are looking to use hand guns you would need to take and pass a second course, the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course also known as an RPAL. After the safety education requirements are met you can send your application into the RCMP.
We offer both the safety courses, click the link in the below to check out up coming dates
Hunting
In Ontario, licenses are needed to hunt, fish, boat and own firearms and this is true of most places. Please check the regulations in your area for details. Ontario has a hunting education program that all hunters need to take before they can get their hunting outdoors card. This course allows people to hunt with a bow or with guns. If using guns an additional firearms safety course is needed. Once the Hunting Education course is complete you can purchase the tags needed for each species you with to hunt. These tags are purchased every year. There are two types of fishing licenses: conservation and sport. Sport license cost more but allow you to keep more fish. There are also free fishing weeks meaning you can fish without a license. Many tags and fishing licenses can be purchased at local pro shops, Canadian tire, some Service Ontario offices and online.