r/canadaguns • u/JumpyRing5839 • Jun 01 '26

Application / Regulation advice Are flare guns legal for minors? (16 y.o)

Hey. I was wondering if flare guns are legal to carry by minors in Quebec? I tried finding an answer but I couldn't find an answer regarding MINORS specifically. My dad keeps insisting on making me carry as many safety precautions as possible since I hike with friends etc. I understand that it is legal for adults to own but since I am a minor I wanted to know the legality behind that.

8 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

45

u/Dax420 Jun 01 '26

Unless you're on a boat, it's the wrong tool for the job. Make him buy you a garmin inreach instead...

5

u/NeoNova9 Jun 01 '26

This is the way .

11

u/hunterofsteelhead Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26

You can put together a signal kit with VS17 panel, glow sticks , some type of LED beacon, whistle, permanent markers and surveyors tape along with the Garmin people have already suggested

1

u/shadow6654 BC Jun 01 '26

VS17s are expensive as shit now

1

u/hunterofsteelhead Jun 01 '26

Could improvise with a orange tarp or hi vis vest

6

u/HappyCan7250 Jun 01 '26

Dog or bear spray is going to be your best bet if you're out in the woods. You do have to be 18+ to buy it I believe, at least out here in BC. not entirely sure on the legality of a minor carrying it either, but. That would be likely better than a flare gun. 

If you're deep in the woods outside of cell service, odds are no one is going to see your flare anyway. 

If you're concerned about wildlife, bear spray is going to be your best bet. Maybe bear bangers, but I personally don't see much benefit to carrying a flare gun in the woods. Maybe that's just me though.

If he's really concerned about your safety, just stick to areas with cell reception, and carry bear spray, a lighter, extra food, water, and maybe one of those survival blankets, for a worst case scenario.

1

u/Tricky-Locksmith-455 Jun 01 '26

Best answer so far

2

u/Mr_Nuclear1 Jun 01 '26

Not a good idea… flares r kinda useless for this, just get bear spray

5

u/airchinapilot Jun 01 '26

OP didn't specify it was for defense. I assumed it was for emergency signalling

1

u/flyingboatenjoyer Jun 02 '26

I'd recommend a signaling mirror. It's crazy how easy it is for aircraft to see you.

1

u/GarlicMafia Jun 02 '26

I hear the fluorescent black ones work best at night.

1

u/Perfect-Emphasis-211 Jun 09 '26

I hear laser pointers work great… even if not a search and rescue aircraft, the cops will find you and “save you”