Shoot2Hunt University

[philcox]

@Ryan Avery is there still any plans for an on-line version of the course?

 

[philcox]

For folks that have taken the class and flew, how did you get all your gear there. In particular rifles and ammo? Any air carrier better than another?

I’d be coming from Sacramento Ca area, is it worth it to drive to avoid all the hassles?

Thinking about grabbing a 2025 class, vice the 2026 I am registered for, but a bit concerned about logistics.


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[Nine Banger]

Flying wasn't a hassle. My class hunted and shot so I had a third bag. That seems pretty expensive but its just not relative to everything else going on. Packing for both activities and flying was strenuous but so worth it.

My goal is to bring one bag of stuff and one rifle case in June since we aren't hunting. If I need a third bag, so be it.

The car rental is impractical but necessary. I forgot I had one at my class. The last day I realized the car right outside my room was mine. I just forgot about it. Busy busy.

Jake had ammo in April but this trip we are mailing it to UM.

I had trouble with American Airlines in Bangor, Maine in October not following protocol and making us nervous with 2 guns. For this trip in June I anticipate no troubles on my route with Delta.

 

[2buffalo]

Flying wasn't a hassle. My class hunted and shot so I had a third bag. That seems pretty expensive but its just not relative to everything else going on. Packing for both activities and flying was strenuous but so worth it.

My goal is to bring one bag of stuff and one rifle case in June since we aren't hunting. If I need a third bag, so be it.

The car rental is impractical but necessary. I forgot I had one at my class. The last day I realized the car right outside my room was mine. I just forgot about it. Busy busy.

Jake had ammo in April but this trip we are mailing it to UM.

I had trouble with American Airlines in Bangor, Maine in October not following protocol and making us nervous with 2 guns. For this trip in June I anticipate no troubles on my route with Delta.

Be careful flying Delta. I have the Nanuk case with built in TSA locks. I was flying with it in January amd they wouldn't let me check it in because it also has four eyelets for locks that I didn't have locks in. They had to change my flight to twelve hours later so I could get locks. To make matters worse I had a lay over in Detroit for 2 hours and my plane pulled up right next to the plane that went from Detroit to San Antonio and my rifle never made it 50 yds to the other plane. On the way back my flight was delayed because of computer issues and we waited on the tarmac for 1-1/2 hours and missed my connection flight out of Detroit so had to spend the night. Delta is a mess.

 

[fwafwow]

Be careful flying Delta. I have the Nanuk case with built in TSA locks. I was flying with it in January amd they wouldn't let me check it in because it also has four eyelets for locks that I didn't have locks in. They had to change my flight to twelve hours later so I could get locks. To make matters worse I had a lay over in Detroit for 2 hours and my plane pulled up right next to the plane that went from Detroit to San Antonio and my rifle never made it 50 yds to the other plane. On the way back my flight was delayed because of computer issues and we waited on the tarmac for 1-1/2 hours and missed my connection flight out of Detroit so had to spend the night. Delta is a mess.

The TSA issue with locks has nothing to do with Delta. You can experience that pushback with any airline, as TSA makes that call - and it can vary by airport. But yes, the best way to avoid that outcome is to have a lock for every spot that can use a lock.

 

[Nine Banger]

The TSA issue with locks has nothing to do with Delta. You can experience that pushback with any airline, as TSA makes that call - and it can vary by airport. But yes, the best way to avoid that outcome is to have a lock for every spot that can use a lock.

Yeah, thats right in the regs...one per eyelet.

The issue we had in Maine is the gate agents mandated TSA locks and the federal guidelines mandate the use of non tsa locks.

The gate agents circled their wagons, gave us the "we work here, we know what we're talking about" story and I had a set of TSA locks just for this perceived risk. They loaded us on the plane but I was worried we were going to get dinged on connections or final destination with the TSA locks on the case.

Seems like once you're checked in no one else is looking or cares.

 

[fwafwow]

Yeah, thats right in the regs...one per eyelet.

The issue we had in Maine is the gate agents mandated TSA locks and the federal guidelines mandate the use of non tsa locks.

The gate agents circled their wagons, gave us the "we work here, we know what we're talking about" story and I had a set of TSA locks just for this perceived risk. They loaded us on the plane but I was worried we were going to get dinged on connections or final destination with the TSA locks on the case.

Seems like once you're checked in no one else is looking or cares.

This is a good reminder to me to look at the regs again, as they do change. I know that at one point the regs required the use of non-TSA locks, but the last time I looked they had been changed to permit either non-TSA or TSA locks. I don't remember the requirement of one lock per eyelet being in the regs, but IIRC there was something about not being able to access the contents, which at least some TSA agents interpreted in different ways.

I admit I am confused as to how gate agents were involved, but maybe at a small airport the gate agent is the same as as the agent at the check-in counter? With respect to the check-in, I've never had anyone ask me about the locks - they just pointed me to the TSA security, or (in Omaha) they took my case into a secure area and the TSA agents back there made the call.

 

[Nine Banger]

Lots of stuff was a “lil bit different” in Bangor.

 

[fwafwow]

Lots of stuff was a “lil bit different” in Bangor.

I could not find the "one lock per eyelet" rule in the regs, but I did find

• "Locked cases that can easily be opened do not meet the requirements for transporting in checked baggage and are not permitted."
• Reddit post (fwiw) that says the following: "TSA considers a case not using all positions to be "easily opened" because the manufacturer of the case put a lock position there because it is needed. There used it be a statement to this from TSA, but I can't find it now."
• The TSA short video on their site, however, does mention "be sure to use all available lock tabs...."

The advice to cover every eyelet therefore is still prudent, even in absence of something more clear in the reg.

Interestingly - at least to a regs geek - and since I argued (and lost) this point with a TSA agent years ago about giving up my key to her - the TSA guidelines seem to be more permissive than the actual regulation.

• The TSA website says "Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks." (Emphasis added.)
• 49 CFR § 1540.111(c)(2)(iv) still says "The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination."
• But my personal favorite inconsistency is found in the "Traveling With Your Firearm Is EasyWhen You Prepare, Pack, Declare" document referenced above, which first says "Only the passenger may retain the key or lock combination." but three paragraphs later states "Under TSA screening procedures, if requested, passengers are required to provide keys or a combination to TSA personnel conducting security screening of checked baggage. This requirement is consistent with TSA’s statutory responsibility for screening of passengers and property. 49 USC 44901."

Yes, I need a life.

 

[philcox]

I guess this is nothing different than if you are flying to hunt somewhere. Might be interesting dealing with this coming out of Cali ...

 

[Formidilosus]

Alaska Airlines has no equal in flying with firearms (or at all).

 

[jzeblaz]

I guess this is nothing different than if you are flying to hunt somewhere. Might be interesting dealing with this coming out of Cali ...

Not really. We flew out of SJC in February. We had a hiccup with the gate agent not processing the gun cases properly and they paged us and got the key to check one of them. They opened the TSA locks no problem (needed the key for the non-TSA lock). My note would be to make sure when you check in that they notify TSA and not rely on them "know the procedure". It's really not different from place to place, but their familiarity might not be the same as flying out of a different place where firearms are more common. Give yourself some extra time before your flight, but it'll be fine if you're prepared and understand their regs.

 

[philcox]

I am about to pull the trigger and swap to a this year class. Is there ANYONE who has attended that did not feel it was worth the time/money/hassle to get there? If so, PM me. At this point, I have heard nothing but positive reviews (which honestly scares me a bit, as nothing is perfect).

 

[philcox]

Alaska Airlines has no equal in flying with firearms (or at all).

Was going with them, but I have United points ... so United it will be ... I am in hopes it is not a mistake.

 

[jzeblaz]

I am about to pull the trigger and swap to a this year class. Is there ANYONE who has attended that did not feel it was worth the time/money/hassle to get there? If so, PM me. At this point, I have heard nothing but positive reviews (which honestly scares me a bit, as nothing is perfect).

1000% worth it. Getting there is the challenge, but once you're there with all your stuff, you'll be very happy you did. Most important item to bring is an open mind and be prepared to drink off of a firehose as they'll throw a lot at you, but you'll have fun and learn at lot. At least our group did!

 

[philcox]

The June 9th class: I have to fly into Bozeman, if anyone wants rent a creeper van and pile in together let me know.

I'll join you if that works. I'll PM.

 

[Wprinkle]

I'll join you if that works. I'll PM.

Sounds good

 

[philcox]

Anyone have a discount code for Palmeto?

 

[Wprinkle]

Anyone have a discount code for Palmeto?

Right!

 

[2buffalo]

The TSA issue with locks has nothing to do with Delta. You can experience that pushback with any airline, as TSA makes that call - and it can vary by airport. But yes, the best way to avoid that outcome is to have a lock for every spot that can use a lock.

The way I understand the TSA website is as long as it is locked and they can't get their hand in it you are good. I even talked to the TSA agent who was watching this and they said it's Deltas policy not theirs. I travel with rifles through airports a minimum of twice a year and never had this come up. To be fair Delta does have this rule on their website. No other airline or TSA has ever had a problem with the case and built in locks.