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.

 

[24valve]

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?).

I cannot speak to the Coast Guard's procedures, but for local county SAR in the mountain west when there is a firearm on the subject, it is made safe and then transported out by a SAR team member. It is then turned over to the Sheriff's Office (which local SAR teams usually operate under), and can be recovered by the subject at a later time, assuming it is not needed for evidence for an investigation.

I have not heard of any subjects or family members having difficulty getting the firearm from the SO after an incident, but am ignorant to the SO's exact procedures for that. It also likely varies depending on local law enforcement's specific procedures.

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?

The short answer is to ensure the safety of you, themselves, and the rest of the SAR team.

They will remove it from your person if you are incapacitated and/or receiving medical treatment. The firearm is then turned over to SO as they are more qualified to have temporary possession and secure storage of a firearm until it can be returned to its owner.

In the case of being lost but uninjured, they might also ask to transport your firearm if you are physically able, but possibly have an altered mental state due to hypothermia, lack of sleep, etc. for the same reasons while you are extracted from the backcountry. People can be unpredictable while under duress, especially if they have been for an extended period of time, as well as neglectful of things like basic firearm safety rules when they are exhausted.

If you're physically able and of sound mental state, at a minimum they will verify the firearm is safe and will be pointed in a safe direction at all times during extraction. After returning to frontcountry, being evaluated and OK'd by EMS, and a brief interview with a deputy and/or SAR manager, the firearm will returned to the subject when the are released.

 

[Dan Carey]

Everyone should have a picture of their firearms with a readable serial number showing.

 

[Altiholic]

This doesn't address your question exactly, but it's very common for personal property (fire arms, tents, skis, snowmachines, boots, atvs, camera equipment, aircraft instruments, packraft, whatever) to be left behind. It is the responsibility of the person being rescued to recover their property later if they want it. The last thing the rescuers want to deal with in the helicopter is your rifle, particulaly if there is an injury and/or challenging terrain and/or weather. Clean-up for large items usually depends on location and land status (national park, etc)

Coast Guard rescue if for saving lives, not salvaging property.

 

[Smokey Bear]

This doesn't address your question exactly, but it's very common for personal property (fire arms, tents, skis, snowmachines, boots, atvs, camera equipment, aircraft instruments, packraft, whatever) to be left behind. It is the responsibility of the person being rescued to recover their property later if they want it. The last thing the rescuers want to deal with in the helicopter is your rifle, particulaly if there is an injury and/or challenging terrain and/or weather. Clean-up for large items usually depends on location and land status (national park, etc)

Coast Guard rescue if for saving lives, not salvaging property.

They would not leave a firearm behind. Other items that wouldn’t fit or don’t have the time for, yes. But a firearm? No way. That would be irresponsible.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

They would not leave a firearm behind. Other items that wouldn’t fit or don’t have the time for, yes. But a firearm? No way. That would be irresponsible.

Ya I don't buy leaving a firearm behind unattended for just anyone to find and take/use. All the other stuff makes sense tho.

 

[def90]

From Google for what it’s worth:

“SAR crews do not take a rescued person's guns or personal gear out with them during a rescue
. Their priority is the safety and medical needs of the person in distress, and carrying extra belongings would add risk and weight to an already difficult operation. All found property, especially firearms, is documented and secured for later retrieval by law enforcement.
Handling of firearms

• Secured by SAR: If a hunter or other individual has a firearm, SAR members are often trained to safely disarm, unload, and secure it at the rescue site.
• Turned over to police: Any firearms or potentially dangerous items are left in a safe location until law enforcement can arrive to take custody of them. Search and rescue personnel are typically not law enforcement and have no authority to transport weapons.

Handling of other personal belongings

• Gear is often left behind: Because SAR personnel must move quickly and efficiently, they do not bring out non-essential personal equipment, such as backpacks, tents, or other camping gear. The added weight and complication would slow the rescue down and increase the risk for the patient and rescuers.
• Arrangement for retrieval: The county sheriff's office, which manages SAR missions in Colorado, is responsible for arranging the retrieval of a rescued person's property. The process depends on factors such as the location, cost, and difficulty of retrieval.
• Unclaimed property procedures: If personal belongings are not claimed or are considered abandoned, law enforcement agencies must follow state and local unclaimed property laws. For example, in Colorado, municipalities must follow the state's Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (RUUPA) for handling lost and abandoned property. ”

 

[Boarmaster]

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.

This, you get snatch up out of the wilderness who’s firearm would it be other than yours. Possibly all you need for proof is your drivers license as those firearms would likely be cataloged in with your name or an incident number. Doubt you would need proof of purchase. That said I doubt I could produce proof of purchase for any of my 15 hunting rifles in my safe. And I bought every one new with the exception of three.

 

[Dan Carey]

As mentioned before there would be a real problem in some jurisdictions reclaiming your firearm. Proving you own it is a major ordeal. A complete listing of firearms and pictures is the only way I have to accomplish this, hope thats enough.

 

[CGSwimmer25]

We would make sure the firearm was unloaded and keep control of it while in the aircraft. Once we land, you’re free to take all your belongings from there. This is, of course, if we’re in an area where it’s safe to bring your stuff along. If I’m pulling you from the water or the side of a cliff your gear is probably staying behind.