Recovering firearms after SAR by Coast Guard

[EdP]

Has anyone had experience, or know others who have, with recovering firearms following extraction by SAR? Out of curiosity I Googled what happens to the firearms of hunters rescued by the Coast Guard in Alaska. What I found said the firearms are turned over to civilian authorities and the hunter has to provide proof of ownership to recover (Bill of sale or registration record). I have "a few" firearms but do not have purchase records for the majority of them and I suspect others have a similar situation (who has records for dad's favorite rifle?).

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Off hand I'm not sure what proof they would need, I mean they know who was in possession of them when they were extracted, perhaps just your ID would work rather than proof of ownership docs.

But in the big picture, if you have a SAR extraction I'm kinda thinking worry about a firearm is probably lower on your list.

 

[Weldor]

Interesting, I try to keep receipts but have plenty that don't. I heard it is the way on the reservations, have to provide proof of ownership to get it back????

 

[mgray]

This is a pretty specific question. Is there a story to go with it? Like, "my friend" was rescued.
I don't have any answers, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a pain in the butt to get back.

 

[Weldor]

I don't understand why the SAR operators would keep it anyway? Unless your hospitalized? Why would they seize it and turn it over to local LE unless your incapacitated?

 

[EdP]

Why would they seize it and turn it over to local LE unless your incapacitated?

I'm just relating what I found via my Google search, but that part makes some sense to me. I don't think the Coast Guard can take your firearms to their base, and if you are in the hospital, even just for a few hours to get checked out, they need to do something with them, hence local LE. I don't know about Alaska, but in other parts of the country getting legally owned firearms back from local LE can be a headache.

This is a pretty specific question. Is there a story to go with it? Like, "my friend" was rescued.

There is no backstory to this line of questions, just one guy's curiosity. I also think it is pertinent information for any hunter who might end up in need of SAR extraction far from home. Having some sort of ownership document for all firearms taken on the trip might be good advance planning.

 

[Steve300xcw]

but in other parts of the country getting legally owned firearms back from local LE can be a headache.

Depends on the cop. Years back I totaled a rig. Had the cop convinced to gimme a ride to a relatives house down the road. Ambulance saw their easy money getting ready to leave and threw a fit. I ended up riding with them, but that sheriff took a handful of rifles a few miles up the road and left them with my grandma.