Gun Possession
With such a debate in the world about gun control etc., we never thought we would be in a position to decide on whether to have guns in the house. Well, that time has come since moving to this wonderful acreage.
One of the first questions from so many when they find out this is our first acreage is do we have a rifle in the home or do we have our gun license. The reason is not so much for the hunting aspect here in Alberta but for a personal safety aspect from the different predatorial or potentially aggressive animals that will come across the property. Coyotes are the biggest issue that we see us having encounters with. During some parts of the year, other animals can be aggressive in nature as well.
Having a gun in the house is something we did not; nor are taking lightly. We will definitely be getting a gun safe and making sure all the statutes surrounding gun possession here are followed. Gun Possession for us “city folk” was never something even considered but life on acreage especially where we are is so important.
Our first step was to learn how to do things the right way and who should go to the course. All the adults, Lisa, Sarah, and Colin should go through the process. We got ourselves placed on a waiting list for the PAL (possession and acquisition license) non-restricted safety course. The non-restricted basically is for long guns and not hand guns if you need a quick definition. A full 8 hour course with both written theory, safety and then a hands on safety handling aspect. To say the least, all 3 of us passed the course with flying colours.
Our trainers were really good and took the time with all the students to make sure everyone understood the safety of each gun we handled. We even learned about musket safety, so now we need a musket so we can practice with it! LOL! 1867 here we come!
After the training course, we took our completed course results and filed for the actual Possession and Acquisition License. It is quite detailed a process which is ultimately a good thing as it really does screen people. We paid our application fees, and now we will wait until the government sends out our licenses. One of the good things about our process was that the government just started this winter accepting license applications via digital mode and not just paper based. As we are digital folks, this was an awesome option. It is supposed to speed up the process.
From there, it will be about the purchasing process.
We will add to this once we get our licenses in hand and are ready for a visit to the local gun shop!
Gun Possession – the License, the Purchase
Well, Colin was the first to receive his license this past week. You know, they really should consider allowing people to smile or act naturally on government ID. We all look like criminals and seriously, on a gun license, you don’t really want to look like a shady character. Oh well. Now we will wait on Lisa to get her license in the mail then perhaps we will head to a local shop and look at getting a .22 rifle, nothing fancy, but I think our neighbour may be asked to partake in the festivities.
