Hunting within the traffic pattern. Do pilots care?

[Woxof38]

I'm not a pilot but work at an FSS. The local airport authority has no issue with geese hunting adjacent to the airport. The hunting area is off airport property but within the traffic pattern. I don't agree with this myself and I can't find any CARS that doesn't allow shooting in the traffic pattern. I'm not a hunter and I don't know how high these shotguns shoot. Are pilots concerned with this?

[goingnowherefast]

Shotguns won't go high enough to damage a plane. Not sure what the lethal range of a shot gun is but, it's certainly not 1000' or even 500' vertical.

[nbinont]

I would hope that someone shooting a firearm (which should imply they have received some training) expressly for the purpose of bringing down fowl in the air would have some awareness of what is in the air and be aware of the harm their firearm can do. I find it highly unlikely that a trained and responsible hunter would fire at an aircraft, much less hit one at circuit altitudes.

[Redneck_pilot86]

There won't be anything in the CARs regarding this because hunting is not governed by the CARs. Hunting is provincially regulated, so it will depend what province/territory you are in, but I have never heard of any law expressly against goose hunting adjacent to an airport. The hunters have just as much right to be there as the aircraft, I would suggest if any pilots are that concerned that they fly a wider downwind or something to avoid disturbing the hunters.

In fact, in Ontario, according to section 13 of their Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act:

13. (1) A person shall not interfere with lawful hunting, trapping or fishing by,

(a) tampering with traps, nets, bait, firearms or any other thing used for hunting, trapping or fishing;

(b) placing himself or herself in a position, for the purpose of interfering, that hinders or prevents hunting, trapping or fishing; or

(c) engaging in an activity, for the purpose of interfering, that disturbs or is likely to disturb wildlife or fish.

it could be argued that pilots are violating both b and c. Of course federal aviation regs trump provincial hunting regs.

What exactly is it that you don't agree with?

[Woxof38]

Thanks for the comments. I guess I was over reacting a bit. All aircraft are of course advised, and if possible, the other type of circuit is done. It is entertainment (if you want to call it that) hearing the shots and then seeing these sacks of wet cement falling (WKRP) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf3mgmEdfwg

[photofly]

Section 77 paragraph (c) of the criminal code of Canada, if you want laws. Damaging an aircraft in service can get you life in prison.

[Redneck_pilot86]

Section 77 paragraph (c) of the criminal code of Canada, if you want laws. Damaging an aircraft in service can get you life in prison.

That would only apply if the hunter actually shot an aircraft, but doesn't make hunting illegal. Any hunter is obligated to use their firearm in a safe manner, and 99% of hunters do.

[goingnowherefast]

I'd bet the hunters are very aware of the airport, know the potential threat they could pose to aircraft and are vigilant to avoid them. They know the lethal range of their gun on the geese. If there's a plane anywhere near that, they won't be shooting.

Safety is deeply ingrained in Canadian gun culture.

[7ECA]

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the discharging of bird shot, for the most part it shouldn't get anywhere near an aircraft unless a hunter decided to do something malicious - in which case he/she would be heading to jail.

The thing I may be concerned about would be scaring birds into the air, they have a very real possibility of conflicting with traffic, especially with the erratic flight paths that are used when birds are frightened.

[Panama Jack]

I am concerned, not about getting shot at, but rather by yet another "well-meaning" regulation or restriction being introduced.

[I_Drive_Planes]

Absolute maximum range for bird shot is about 300 yards, average range is a fair bit less, and the range that it will actually do damage is well under 100 yards. The birds are far more dangerous to my airplane than the bird shot, the hunters can kill as many as they like!

[trey kule]

I guess I was over reacting a bit.

Not at all. Not at all

In fact, Geese from this cell have been under CIA scrutinty for years, and are known to have slipped across across the border to the US without clearance. They were also involved in the bringing down of an American airliner in New York. The Mecca for terrorist acts.
Canada, and the world is not a safe place as long as they bring their sucidal brand of terror to the skies.

I would not worry about the hunters. I have it on undisputed rumour that the "hunters" are, in fact special forces from the Sully Sullenburg task force. They are there to wipe out this terrorist flock before they can bring down another plane.

Your biggest fear should not be about collateral damage from long range shotgun blasts, but of innocent chicks being shot in their nest as a result of faulty intelligence. At least there are no hospitals, and the terrorists are able to be recognized because they do not cover their beaks and heads.

Rest well, my friend. Your vigilance and concern are appreciated by all of us who want a world void of these flying terrorists.

[Caracrane]

HPR I disagree having them around for long range and deadly force. Shotgun is not a problem at all above 4-5 hundred feet. A $2G drone is a lot more dangerous than the two previous ones.

[padre12]

Not to mention the free 'bird control' reducing the possibility of bird strikes at the airport...some airports spend an incredible amount of money on bird-strike prevention!

[rigpiggy]

from experience"#4 shot will just break the skin at around 150 yds, squeeze it like a pimple, out it pops

[TeePeeCreeper]

from experience"#4 shot will just break the skin at around 150 yds, squeeze it like a pimple, out it pops

I'm not sure if I am intrigued by this or your story, but sure as hell I know that I wouldn't want to learn it first hand!!!

To the OP;

I'd suggest that you enroll in a hunter education course. Even if you don't plan of hunting it's a great course to further your education/love for the outdoors and might also add some perspective...

All the best,
TPC

[Rookie50]

from experience"#4 shot will just break the skin at around 150 yds, squeeze it like a pimple, out it pops

Why do I not want to know any more of that story......