Hunters Guide

BC · topic practice

Field use practice questions for British Columbia

By Hunters Guide. Last reviewed September 18, 2026.

These 4 field use questions are drawn from the BC CORE Practice Exam. They are original practice items written from published Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education curriculum topics, with an explanation on every answer.

Field use questions

  1. 1You are hunting alone and need to cross a fence. What is the correct procedure?

    1. Carry it across muzzle first while climbing
    2. Unload it, place it under the fence with the muzzle pointed away, cross, then draw it through by the stock
    3. Sling it and climb over
    4. Hand it over the fence to the nearest hunter
    Show the answer

    Unload it, place it under the fence with the muzzle pointed away, cross, then draw it through by the stock

    Climbing with a firearm in hand is a leading cause of hunting incidents. Unloading and passing it under the fence keeps the muzzle controlled while both hands are occupied.

  2. 2When hunting in a group, which carry gives you the most muzzle control?

    1. Shoulder carry with the muzzle pointed behind you
    2. Trail carry at your side
    3. Two-hand or ready carry
    4. Sling carry with the muzzle forward
    Show the answer

    Two-hand or ready carry

    A two-hand carry lets you redirect the muzzle instantly. Trail and sling carries put the muzzle where you cannot correct it quickly if someone moves into your line.

  3. 3Three hunters walk abreast through cover. What must they agree before they start?

    1. Who carries the map
    2. The arc of ground each will shoot into, and that nobody swings outside it
    3. Who shoots first
    4. The return time only
    Show the answer

    The arc of ground each will shoot into, and that nobody swings outside it

    Dividing the ground into arcs before the walk is what prevents a swinging barrel crossing the person beside you. Agreed afterwards, it is already too late.

  4. 4When should a firearm be loaded relative to the vehicle?

    1. In the vehicle, before setting out
    2. Only after you have left the vehicle and are in the field
    3. At the trailhead while seated
    4. Whenever convenient
    Show the answer

    Only after you have left the vehicle and are in the field

    Loading and unloading happen away from the vehicle, pointed in a safe direction. A loaded firearm in or beside a vehicle is both unsafe and an offence.

Ready for the full set? Take the BC CORE Practice Exam.