Column: New Zealand has firearm laws similar to those in Canada
Date: Apr 25, 2006 1:36 PM
PUBLICATION: Times & Transcript (Moncton)
DATE: 2006.04.25
PAGE: B7
SECTION: COLUMN
BYLINE: Everett MosherOUTDOOR LIFE
NOTE: Everett Mosher is a Sackville-based writer and avid outdoorsman.
Hiscolumn appears every Tuesday.
WORD COUNT: 569

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Spinning reels changed fishing forever;

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Despite the week of dry, warm weather prior to the start of the fishing
season and the subsequent week of rain, the word “average” likely best
describes the season so far.

Of course, each and every angler is an optimist. Even when they go home
with an empty creel, most are not the least discouraged.

Knowing when to go, and more importantly, where to go, is something
anglers only learn by going often, and trying the waters of as many
lakes, rivers and brooks as time permits. Almost always, the angler that
has spent the most time over the years on the water will be the one that
catches the most fish, given that all other circumstances are equal.

Of course, luck play a part, but having the right equipment and the
right lure or bait is all part of tipping the odds in the angler’s
favour.

At this time of year most local anglers are using spinning rods and
reels. When the spinning reel and rod first made their appearance in New
Brunswick back, if I remember correctly, in the early 1950s, they
changed fishing forever. A spinning rod and reel allowed, for the first
time, the angler with a relatively light lure to cast further and more
accurately that had ever before been possible.

Today, we have an enormous variety of spinning rods and reels to choose
from. In spinning reels at least one company, Daiwa, offers a series of
reels priced at over $400, while many other makes and models are in the
$150 range. Yet, for most folks, a combination spinning rod and reel
that is perfectly adequate for most situations can be purchased for less
than $100. As for lines, lures, tackle boxes and other accessories,
those choices are best left to the individual.

Key factors include the amount of money they wish to spend and what has
produced the best results in the past.

Although it’s not fall, with so many geese being seen these days most
waterfowl hunters will be interested to know that a goose calling
demonstration is be held this Saturday at the Penobsquis Fire Hall,
beginning at noon. Two professional goose callers from P.E.I. will be in
attendance. There is no admission fee, hot dogs, sausages and pop will
be available and there will be a 50/50 draw.

This event is sponsored jointly by the Sussex Fish and Game Association
and the Petitcodiac Sportsmen’s Club. For more information contact Dan
Byers at 433- 4926.

Many may not be aware that New Zealand has firearm laws similar to those
in Canada, with New Zealand’s laws coming into force as the Arms
Regulations of 1992. There are differences however, in that that an
individual’s firearms licence is good for 10 years.

Unlike our current law, New Zealand does not require firearm owners to
register their sporting shotguns and rifles.

However, individual pistols, military style semi-automatic and
restricted weapons are required to be registered with the police. The
owners of such firearms must obtain an endorsed (special) licence and
comply with more stringent conditions. Only about three per cent of all
firearms owners have this special licence.

In general, their rules and regulations are the same as ours regarding
the storage and transportation of firearms, such as requiring all
firearms not in use be locked in a secure rack or cabinet and that
ammunition must be stored securely and separately from firearms.

Out of a total New Zealand population of 4.1 million, about 225,000 have
firearms licences. They own an estimated 700,000 to 1,000,000 firearms.
In 1996, the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) was formed to
represent firearm owners. For further information on this organization,
and a guide to New Zealand firearm laws, log onto their website at
http://www.colfo.org.nz.