Canadian hunters rely on non‑restricted rifles more than any other firearm category — but the laws governing them are often misunderstood. This guide breaks down the legal requirements, transport rules, storage standards, magazine limits, and hunting‑specific considerations every Canadian hunter must know.
This is a professional, legally grounded, hunter‑focused guide with high‑authority references to Canadian government sources.
INTRODUCTION: WHY EVERY CANADIAN HUNTER MUST UNDERSTAND Non Restricted Rifles
For Canadian hunters, non‑restricted rifles are more than a tool — it’s the backbone of our hunting culture. From the boreal forests of Ontario to the alpine basins of British Columbia, non‑restricted rifles are the firearms we rely on for deer, moose, elk, bear, and small game. They are the rifles we carry into the backcountry, the ones we pass down to our kids, and the ones we trust when the shot matters most.
But the legal landscape surrounding firearms in Canada has changed dramatically since 2020. New classifications, evolving regulations, and increased scrutiny during PAL renewals have created confusion — even among experienced hunters. Many hunters still misunderstand what “non‑restricted” actually means, what they can legally do with these rifles, and how laws differ between provinces.
This guide cuts through the noise.
You’re about to read the most complete, hunter‑specific, legally accurate guide available online — written in plain language, backed by high‑authority Canadian government sources, and grounded in real hunting scenarios.
Whether you’re a new PAL holder or a seasoned hunter, this guide ensures you stay compliant, ethical, and confident in the field.
🏛️ 1. WHAT ARE Non‑Restricted Rifles IN CANADA? (FULL LEGAL BREAKDOWN)
Under Canadian law, a firearm is classified as non‑restricted if it is:
- Not listed as restricted
- Not listed as prohibited
- Has a barrel length of 470 mm (18.5 inches) or more, unless exempt
- Is not designed to be fired when reduced below legal length
Source: RCMP Firearms Reference Table https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/firearms-reference-table
This classification includes the vast majority of hunting rifles and shotguns used across Canada.
✔ Common Non‑Restricted Rifles Used by Hunters
Bolt‑Action Rifles
- Tikka T3x
- Savage Axis
- Browning X‑Bolt
- Ruger American
Lever‑Action Rifles
- Henry Big Boy
- Marlin 336
- Winchester 94
Semi‑Automatic Hunting Rifles
- Browning BAR
- Benelli R1
- SKS (still non‑restricted unless modified)
- Ruger 10/22 (rimfire, no mag limit)
Shotguns
- Mossberg 500
- Remington 870
- Stoeger P3000
- Browning BPS
✔ What Is Not Non‑Restricted
- AR‑15 platform rifles (restricted)
- Most handguns (restricted)
- Converted automatics (prohibited)
- Certain semi‑autos banned under the 2020 OIC
High‑Authority Source: Government of Canada – Firearms Regulations https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-462
🪪 2. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR HUNTERS (PAL REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED)
To buy, possess, or use a non‑restricted rifle, hunters must hold a:
PAL — Possession and Acquisition License (Non‑Restricted)
Source: RCMP – Individual Licensing https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/individual-licensing
✔ Requirements for a PAL – Non‑Restricted Rifles
- Completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC)
- Written and practical exams
- Background checks
- Spousal notification
- Personal references
- 5‑year renewal cycle
✔ Common PAL Mistakes Hunters Make
- Forgetting to renew (PAL expiry = illegal possession)
- Moving provinces without updating address
- Assuming a hunting licence replaces a PAL (it does not)
- Lending firearms improperly (must be supervised or licensed)
✔ PAL for Youth
Minors (12–17) can obtain a Minor’s Licence, but cannot purchase firearms.
🎯 3. MAGAZINE CAPACITY LAWS FOR HUNTERS (FULL LEGAL DETAIL)
Magazine limits apply regardless of hunting season and are enforced by both police and conservation officers.
Source: Magazine Regulations (SOR/98‑462) https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-462
✔ Centerfire Semi‑Automatic Rifles
- 5‑round maximum This applies to the magazine itself, not the rifle.
✔ Rimfire Rifles
- No magazine limit This is why the Ruger 10/22 can legally use 25‑round magazines.
✔ Shotguns
- 5‑round limit for semi‑autos
- No limit for pump or break‑action
✔ Case Studies Hunters Should Know
SKS:
- 5‑round fixed magazine
- Aftermarket mags must be pinned
Ruger 10/22:
- No limit (rimfire)
- But 10/22 pistol magazines are restricted
Browning BAR:
- 4‑round mags (legal)
- Aftermarket mags must be pinned to 5
✔ Enforcement Example
A conservation officer in Ontario can seize your rifle if:
- Your semi‑auto magazine holds more than 5 rounds
- Your shotgun plug is removed
- Your rimfire magazine is incorrectly labeled
🚗 4. TRANSPORTING NON‑RESTRICTED RIFLES (VEHICLE, ATV, BOAT, AIR TRAVEL)
Transport laws apply everywhere, including Crown land, private land, and remote hunting areas.
Source: RCMP – Transporting Firearms https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/transporting-firearms
✔ Legal Transport Requirements – Non-Restricted Rifles
- Firearm must be unloaded
- Must be secured (case, wrapped, or locked vehicle)
- Must be out of sight if left unattended
✔ Illegal Transport – Non-Restricted Rifles
- Loaded firearm in a vehicle
- Ammo inserted in the magazine
- Firearm visible in the vehicle
- Firearm accessible to passengers
✔ Transporting on an ATV or UTV – Non-Restricted Rifles
- Must be unloaded
- Best practice: soft case or scabbard
- Some provinces require a case (e.g., Quebec)
✔ Transporting by Boat – Non-Restricted Rifles
- Must be unloaded
- If boat is used as a vehicle (motor running), same rules as a truck
✔ Air Travel with Firearms
High‑Authority Source: CATSA – Firearms Transport https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/firearms
Requirements:
- Hard case
- Locked
- Declared at check‑in
- Ammo stored separately
🏕️ 5. STORING NON‑RESTRICTED RIFLES AT HOME & HUNTING CAMP
Storage laws apply even in remote camps.
Source: RCMP – Safe Storage https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/safe-storage
✔ Legal Storage Requirements – Non-Restricted Rifles
- Unloaded
- Locked (trigger lock OR locked case OR locked room)
- Ammo stored separately or locked up
✔ Practical Hunter Setups – Non-Restricted Rifles
- Bolt removed
- Trigger lock + soft case
- Locked Pelican case at camp
- Rifle stored in truck with cable lock (if legal in your province)
✔ Shared Hunting Camps – Non-Restricted Rifles
If multiple hunters share a cabin:
- Each firearm must be individually secured
- A communal gun safe is legal if locked
✔ Theft Prevention – Non-Restricted Rifles
- Use a cable lock through multiple rifles
- Store ammo in a separate locked container
- Never leave firearms visible in vehicles
🦌 6. WHERE HUNTERS CAN LEGALLY USE NON‑RESTRICTED RIFLES (PROVINCIAL BREAKDOWN)
✔ Crown Land – Non-Restricted Rifles
High‑Authority Source: Natural Resources Canada https://www.nrcan.gc.ca
Hunters may discharge firearms on Crown land unless restricted by:
- Municipal bylaws
- Provincial regulations
- Safety zones
✔ Private Land – Non-Restricted Rifles
- Permission required
- Written permission recommended
✔ Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) – Non-Restricted Rifles
Each province has its own WMU system:
- Ontario MNRF
- BC Wildlife Federation
- Alberta Fish & Wildlife
✔ National Parks
Firearms are prohibited unless:
- You are transporting them unloaded and encased
- You have a special permit (rare)
✔ Municipal Discharge Bylaws
Source: Ontario Municipal Act https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/01m25
Municipalities can restrict:
- Where you can shoot
- What firearms you can use
- Minimum distances from dwellings
✔ Provincial Differences
Ontario:
- 400 m from dwellings (unless permission granted)
- Strict discharge bylaws
Alberta:
- 200 m from occupied buildings
- More Crown land access
British Columbia:
- 100 m from dwellings
- Extensive Crown land hunting
🛑 7. WHAT HUNTERS CANNOT DO WITH NON‑RESTRICTED RIFLES
❌ Use a firearm for self-defense
Canada does not allow firearms for personal protection.
❌ Transport a loaded firearm
Even on private land.
❌ Hunt with prohibited ammunition
Tracer, AP, incendiary.
❌ Discharge in restricted zones
Municipal bylaws override provincial hunting laws.
❌ Modify firearms illegally
- Removing shotgun plugs
- Unpinning magazines
- Shortening barrels
🔄 8. RECENT LEGAL CHANGES HUNTERS MUST KNOW (2020–2026)
✔ 2020 OIC (Order‑in‑Council)
Banned 1,500+ models of semi‑automatic rifles.
✔ Ongoing Magazine Regulation Proposals – Non-Restricted Rifles
Potential changes to:
- Semi‑auto limits
- Rimfire magazine rules
✔ PAL Renewal Scrutiny
More hunters report:
- Longer processing times
- More background checks
- Requests for additional documentation
✔ Future Outlook
Hunters should expect:
- More classification changes
- More scrutiny on semi‑autos
- More municipal discharge restrictions
🧠 9. SUMMARY: WHAT EVERY HUNTER MUST KNOW
A non‑restricted rifle is the foundation of Canadian hunting — but it comes with legal responsibilities:
- You need a valid PAL
- You must follow magazine limits
- You must transport and store firearms legally
- You must respect discharge bylaws
- You must follow provincial hunting regulations
- You must stay informed as laws evolve
This guide ensures you stay compliant, ethical, and confident in the field.
🧩 Top 10 Most‑Asked Questions About Non‑Restricted Rifles in Canada (Answered)
1. What exactly qualifies a rifle as “non‑restricted” in Canada?
A rifle is non‑restricted if it is not listed as restricted or prohibited, has a barrel length of 470 mm (18.5 inches) or more, and is not designed to be fired when reduced below legal length. Most bolt‑actions, lever‑actions, pump shotguns, break‑actions, and many semi‑auto hunting rifles fall into this category.
Source: RCMP Firearms Reference Table https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/firearms-reference-table
2. Do I need a PAL to hunt with a non‑restricted rifle?
Yes. Every hunter using or possessing a non‑restricted rifle must hold a valid PAL (Possession and Acquisition License). A hunting license does not replace a PAL.
Source: RCMP – Individual Licensing https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/individual-licensing
3. Can I carry a loaded non‑restricted rifle in my truck, ATV, or side‑by‑side?
No. It is illegal to transport a loaded firearm in any vehicle, including trucks, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and boats used as vehicles. The firearm must be unloaded, and if left unattended, it must be out of sight and secured.
Source: RCMP – Transporting Firearms https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/transporting-firearms
4. What is the legal magazine capacity for non‑restricted rifles?
- Centerfire semi‑auto rifles: 5‑round maximum
- Rimfire rifles: No limit
- Semi‑auto shotguns: 5‑round maximum
- Pump & break‑action shotguns: No limit
Magazine limits apply to the magazine itself, not the firearm.
Source: Magazine Regulations (SOR/98‑462) https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-462
5. Can I hunt anywhere on Crown land with a non‑restricted rifle?
Not always. While Crown land is generally open to hunting, you must still follow:
- Provincial hunting regulations
- Wildlife Management Unit rules
- Municipal discharge bylaws
- Seasonal closures
- Fire bans and access restrictions
Source: Natural Resources Canada https://www.nrcan.gc.ca
6. Can I store my non‑restricted rifle loaded at hunting camp?
No. Even at a remote camp, the firearm must be:
- Unloaded
- Locked (trigger lock, locked case, or locked room)
- Ammo stored separately or locked up
Source: RCMP – Safe Storage https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/safe-storage
7. Can I use a non‑restricted rifle for self-defense in Canada?
No. Canadian law does not allow firearms to be carried or used for personal protection. Firearms may only be used for:
- Hunting
- Target shooting
- Predator control (specific circumstances)
Self‑defense is not a lawful purpose for carrying a firearm.
8. Can conservation officers inspect my non‑restricted rifle?
Yes. Conservation officers have the legal authority to:
- Inspect firearms
- Check magazine capacity
- Verify your PAL
- Confirm your rifle is unloaded during transport
- Inspect storage at camp if they have reasonable grounds
Refusing inspection can result in charges.
9. Are semi‑automatic rifles still legal as non‑restricted?
Some are, some aren’t. Many hunting semi‑autos (e.g., Browning BAR, Benelli R1) remain non‑restricted. Others were reclassified under the 2020 Order‑in‑Council.
Source: Government of Canada – Firearms Regulations https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-462
10. Can I borrow or lend a non‑restricted rifle to another hunter?
Yes — but only if:
- The borrower has a valid PAL
- You reasonably believe their licence is valid
- The transfer is supervised or the firearm is securely stored until pickup
Lending to someone without a PAL is a criminal offence.
