HUNTING GUIDE CAN CARRY GUN, JUDGE RULES

A man prohibited from having a firearm for growing dope will be
allowed to carry guns after all, but only when he is working as a
hunting guide.

Provincial court Judge Stella Frame granted a request from Wade Leroy
Hart, who told the judge he has a job offer to join a guide outfitter
up north if he can get his hunting licence.

The man was convicted in 2002 of growing marijuana. Such convictions
carry a mandatory 10-year firearm prohibition, but the law allows a
judge to make exceptions if prohibiting firearm possession would deny
the person his or her only opportunity to secure employment.

Hart told the judge he has been working to become a carpenter, but
persistent arthritis and a shoulder injury now make the chances of
succeeding in that field dismal at best.

Judge Frame agreed that Hart has little opportunity to find other
work, and agreed to the exemption. The firearm ban will be lifted
until Oct. 15, when his offer of employment ends.