Entering Alberta Canada and returning to the US with Rifles and harvested Black Bear

[Hollow Point]

Good morning...I am planning a black bear hunt with an outfitter in Alberta Canada in 2027.

1-Looking for others onions and advise on the difficulties of entering Alberta Canada from the US by truck with regular non modified hunting rifles?
2-Difficulties re-entering the US from Canada with the same hunting rifles and harvested black bear in 150 quart ice chests?
3-The outfitter I am going with has advised we could use his guides services rifles for the hunt to eliminate gun problems with customs at the border. Obviously I would be more comfortable with my on rifle, but should I just go this route to avoid all the hassle?

On a note, I have already emailed Alberta Chief Firearms Office, he sent me so much information, it looks like it would be complicated for a lawyer to understand!!!

 

[MallardSX2]

It’s not difficult at all in my opinion. I watched 30 guys flying back to the United States with rifles in their cases and a bear strung over their shoulder in a duffel bag.

 

[Steve O]

Are you a US citizen?

It is simple. You fill out a form for the rifle before you go in. They inspect it and collect the fee at customs. Your outfitter fills you out a form for the bear before you return.

If your outfitter is making it out to be more complicated than this you may have picked the wrong place to hunt bears.

 

[hiker270]

Make sure your paperwork is in order and pray you don't get a customs agent on either side US or Canada that is anti gun or anti hunting. Been there done that and you either breeze right through or they can be real pricks. I have had both. If you have had a DUI its a felony in Canada and without a special permit you will not be allowed to enter.

 

[Frozenlead]

Good morning...I am planning a black bear hunt with an outfitter in Alberta Canada in 2027.

1-Looking for others onions and advise on the difficulties of entering Alberta Canada from the US by truck with regular non modified hunting rifles?
2-Difficulties re-entering the US from Canada with the same hunting rifles and harvested black bear in 150 quart ice chests?
3-The outfitter I am going with has advised we could use his guides services rifles for the hunt to eliminate gun problems with customs at the border. Obviously I would be more comfortable with my on rifle, but should I just go this route to avoid all the hassle?

On a note, I have already emailed Alberta Chief Firearms Office, he sent me so much information, it looks like it would be complicated for a lawyer to understand!!!

RCMP form #5589 should be what you need to declare your gun. It needs to be signed in front of the border officer when you cross. As long as it’s a regular bolt action hunting rifle you should be fine.

https://rcmp.ca/sites/default/files/doc/5589e.pdf

 

[Hollow Point]

Are you a US citizen?

It is simple. You fill out a form for the rifle before you go in. They inspect it and collect the fee at customs. Your outfitter fills you out a form for the bear before you return.

If your outfitter is making it out to be more complicated than this you may have picked the wrong place to hunt bears.

Outfitter is saying all should be good as long as all the paperwork is done right.

 

[Frozenlead]

Us customs form #4457 should be what you need going back with your gun. It’s not a mandatory requirement, but will save a fight with a problem border officer.
Also, our gun laws suck. So no silencers, big mags, scary looking guns etc. It will need to be in a locked cased, trigger lock, blah blah.

 

[chizelhead]

• For sure do a #4457. Just in case, do a separate #4457 for other expensive items like your spotter and binos if bringing them. Some border guards believe you need an ATF form as well. That isn't true. If they're asking, ask for a supervisor.
• You can download RCMP form #5589 and fill it out ahead of time. It's 11x14 so make sure you print it reduced on a 8x11 sheet. Otherwise, it won't print correctly and you will need to fill out a new one at the border. It's not that long of a form so it doesn't take much time. The fee is ~$25 and you can pay by credit card.
• Work with the outfitter on what needs to be done to bring meat home. I just brought a caribou back and the outfitter had to get an export license since it was above 50 lbs. That may only apply to cervids like moose and caribou only.
• It takes about an hour. Smaller border crossings may go quicker. They have you park, give them the keys, have you sit in the office and they will go inspect your rifle in your vehicle, so make sure it's easily accessible in your vehicle.

 

[bhovda]

It's been over 10 years since I last went hunting in Canada. If you have a DUI on your record there's a process and fee to get into Canada before hand. Fill out the form for your guns prior. Dont bring citrus fruit. If you bring booze or tobacco there is limits. Getting back home has always been more difficult. Make sure to declare that you have guns when coming back home, don't assume that telling them that you were hunting implies that you have guns. If you take multiple vehicles with a group make sure you are in the same vehicle as your animal. Most of these we're lessons I learned the hard way......