IHF

Introduction to Hunting with Firearms
introduction to hunting with firearms (IHF)

It is the responsibility of every shooter to know the federal, provincial and municipal laws, which apply when practicing this activity. Ignorance of existing laws is not an acceptable defence in a court of law. When people decide to shoot, they are expected to know the laws governing this activity and must obey them.

There are many hunting enthusiasts in Québec. In the last five years, close to 502,000 licences have been purchased annually by hunters. The relative complexity of sport hunting, the problems associated with this activity, the need to know wildlife, the regulations that protect wildlife as well as the hunting methods, and the adoption of a responsible behaviour have led to the creation of a general education program for hunters (PESCOF).

This module has two goals:

  • to prepare for the acquisition of the firearm hunter’s certificate (code F)
  • to train safe, responsible and competent hunters

The participation in and successful completion of a course of this module are a prerequisite for obtaining the hunter’s certificate. To pass the course, you will have to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the firearm and its operation, of the hunter’s code of ethics, of wildlife and its development, as well as the regulations concerning the conservation of wildlife and habitats along with various other topics related to hunting such as boat safety, survival in the forest and hunting methods and techniques.

This module will not to teach you how to hunt. Rather, it is intended to provide those who wish to exercise their right to hunt with a firearm or a crossbow an understanding of their duties and obligations towards wildlife, the natural habitat and their fellow citizens.

Course topics

By the end of the course, participants will:

  • be aware of the social and ethical responsibilities that must guide the behaviour of hunters
  • know the regulations relative to the conservation and development of wildlife and its natural habitats in order to comply with them
  • have a basic understanding of some of the characteristics of Québec’s main species of wild game: reproduction, distribution and density, habitats, limiting factors, population development
  • have obtained an overview of wildlife management and development tools
  • know how to safely and responsibly use hunting equipment, namely hunting weapons
  • have learned basic safety regulations and will understand the need to routinely apply them;
  • be familiar with hunting methods and techniques, recovering a wounded big game animal, and handling of freshly killed game
  • have reviewed some of the ways to prevent risks related to hunting: boat safety, first aid, forest survival, etc.
  • have gained awareness of the social and economic importance of hunting in Québec, as well as, hunting accidents and the issue of the next generation of hunters.
Who is this training for?

This course is for hunters aged 12 and older (as of the date of the course) who want to exercise their right to hunt with a firearm in Québec. The course teaches safety as well as the responsibilities and obligations of hunters with regard to wildlife, habitats, and other people. To obtain a firearm hunter’s certificate, individuals are required to take this course as well as the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC).