Where in Thunder Bay can I take the CFSC and get a Hunting License?

Answer: I recently want to register for the CFSC (Canadian Firearms Safety Course) in Thunder Bay, and also want to get a hunting license. But I searched online for several "official" training providers and didn't see any upcoming course schedules. I want to ask if any friends know where I can take the course or exam? Any teacher or organization recommendations? Thanks everyone!

Here is a summary of the information I found myself:

1. The hunting license can be done online first

1.1 Currently, the Hunter Education course can be completed online through official platforms like Huntercourse.com. Although the process is a bit boring, it's said to be relatively simple. After completing the online course, you'll get a certificate that you need to print out and bring to the local Ministry office (on James Street) to register.
1.2 If you don't have an Outdoors Card yet, you can also get one there. It costs about $10, and you can link your hunting qualification to the Outdoors Card.

2. PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) requires in-person learning and exam

2.1 The CFSC, which is the course for getting a PAL (non-restricted), requires classroom instruction and a hands-on exam. Some people mentioned the following instructors/places you can contact:
2.1.1 Ben Prince: Some say his course content is more than the "required hours," but the advantage is that it lets beginners get more hands-on experience with various firearms, so you learn more solidly.
2.1.2 Darren Lentz: It's said he also offers CFSC and hunting courses. You can contact him directly to confirm scheduling.
2.1.3 Ross Johnston (email: [email protected]). Many people say Ross is also good, so you can try emailing him.
2.1.4 D&R (a local outdoor store) is said to occasionally list instructor contact info on their website. Keep an eye on it.

3. Why can't you see recent courses in many places?

3.1 It's currently the off-season for hunting, and many instructors schedule courses based on the season. Some say they didn't get a course until March, and after passing, it took about 6 months to get the PAL, just in time for the tail end of that year's hunting season.
3.2 It's recommended to register early and complete the online hunting course as soon as possible, so that once a PAL course is available, you can take it right away. If you want to get some experience in the meantime, you can try bow hunting or using an air rifle with <500fps to hunt small game birds.

4. Course experience and exam tips

4.1 Some people have reported that some classmates in the course have no safety awareness at all, which is scary... But from another perspective, these "negative examples" can help you better understand which points are deducted on the exam.
4.2 Generally, the instructor will bring different types of firearms (like bolt-action rifles, break-action shotguns, pump-action, lever-action, etc.) so you can practice safe loading/unloading and inspection. As long as you practice more and follow safety rules, passing the exam is not a problem.
4.3 Some instructors will secretly observe whether you are safe and reliable throughout the class, so you must follow the rules from start to finish and don't get distracted.

5. Process after getting the course certificate

5.1 After completing the PAL course and passing the exam, the instructor will submit your information to the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) for filing, and you'll get a stamped document back.
5.2 Next, you need to submit that certificate to the RCMP to apply for the official PAL. Be sure to use online upload or electronic methods as much as possible, because mail is very slow. Some people waited 6 months or even longer by mail, while online uploads usually take 3-6 weeks.
5.3 Some also say that approval times have been getting slower recently, so sometimes it depends on luck, but overall online is relatively faster.

Summary:
1. If you haven't started the hunting license part yet, go online and finish the hunting course first, so you have more flexibility.
2. For the PAL course, try contacting Ben Prince, Darren Lentz, or Ross Johnston, or check D&R's website for new course info.
3. If that doesn't work, call, email, or leave voicemails for instructors, and wait for them to reply. Some people waited 2-3 months before getting notified about scheduling.
4. After getting the certificate, be sure to upload it to the RCMP first, don't use mail, it saves a lot of time!

If there are other reliable instructors or course channels, or if anyone has recently successfully registered for a course or gotten their license, feel free to comment below and share with me! Thanks in advance~