Taking weapons through Canada

[JPD350]

Next Sept I will be flying and my friend will be driving from NM to Fairbanks for a moose hunt, after the hunt we will both drive back to NM. We are discussing how we are going to get our weapons to Fbks and back to NM.

How much of a pain is it to get the Canadian papers in order to transport our weapons through Canada and do they hassle you at the border? (PAL and ATT papers) This way seems to be the easiest way if there aren’t any issues with Canada.

One additional note; my friend is driving up a few weeks early and would be taking my weapons with him, are there any issues with him transporting my weapons through Canada?.


Anyone have any thoughts?

JP

 

[Matt Cashell]

Here you go:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm

It wasn't much of a hastle really. I believe your friend should be able to take your rifle, as long as he has it properly designated on the form. remember, NO HANDGUNS. I printed my form off ahead of time from the above website, and had it filled out when we got to the border. They just took my fee and processed the form. they never even checked my weapon, but I would have it easily available in your rig.

I did get hassled about my Cold Steel folder (not automatic opening) when re-entering Canada from Alaska. The border guard whipped it around a few times until it finally ... slowly ... opened. He said it was "inertia" operated and therefore illegal, so he confiscated it. I think he just wanted my knife. Just keep your knife in your luggage, and you should be fine.

Remember also you have to declare your trophies when travelling through Canada also. If your forms aren't filled out right, they WILL confiscate the game (both Canadian and US authorities). Every shed or deadhead needs its own trophy declaration filled out as well.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[actionshooter]

Here you go:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm

It wasn't much of a hastle really. I believe your friend should be able to take your rifle, as long as he has it properly designated on the form. remember, NO HANDGUNS. I printed my form off ahead of time from the above website, and had it filled out when we got to the border. They just took my fee and processed the form. they never even checked my weapon, but I would have it easily available in your rig.

I did get hassled about my Cold Steel folder (not automatic opening) when re-entering Canada from Alaska. The border guard whipped it around a few times until it finally ... slowly ... opened. He said it was "inertia" operated and therefore illegal, so he confiscated it. I think he just wanted my knife. Just keep your knife in your luggage, and you should be fine.

Remember also you have to declare your trophies when travelling through Canada also. If your forms aren't filled out right, they WILL confiscate the game (both Canadian and US authorities). Every shed or deadhead needs its own trophy declaration filled out as well.

Good luck and have fun!

On the firearms, exactly what Bitteroot said, but they checked my firearms both times I have drove North of the border. The last time they left the backseat of my truck a mess and went thru our duffle bags.

As far as the game forms, the 1st time I went through the Canadian forms were filled (goat) out and there were no issues. My 2nd trip thru Canada (this year) I brought 3 caribou through from AK and and was told I didn't need any paperwork (by US customs) because they weren't fur bearers. When I got into Canada and I declared the Caribou they didn't say a word.
I thought I had tol fill out forms also, so not sure about what went on there.

 

[TEmbry]

Is there a limit on the amount of ammo you can drive through Canada with? I plan to move up to Alaska in June 2015 and will be pulling an enclosed trailer of everything I own with me. I'd like to stock up on ammo here before leaving, but not if I can't drive it all up at once.

 

[JPD350]

Thanks for the info!

I am amazed that you can't take your hand gun with you across Canada, they have a bad case of liberalism!

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

^^^^ You got that right. The east is ultra liberal ( make Pres. Obama look like Reagan ) while the west is conservative. The trouble is the population base is in the east so their values and ideals rules the roost.

 

[VernAK]

Canada is improving as they have thrown out their firearms registration system......our politicians could learn something there!

I live close to the border and frequently enter/exit with firearms thus I have a Canadian Possession & Acquisition License which requires some doing......for a one time transit, stick with the one time fee of $25 for the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration.

Forget the handgun....not worth the hassle....we have eastern states that don't allow our handguns either so it's not just liberal Canadians.

Because Canada has done away with firearm registration, your next hassle is entering into the US where Homeland Security will want you to prove that the firearm was not purchased in Canada.....thus before leaving US, stop at US side and complete form: OMB No.1651-0010 [Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad]....this is good forever......on my most recent trip two weeks ago, US border folks added scope S/Ns......

Yes, there is a limit on ammo and gun powder as well as magazines of higher capacity. Mace and stun guns etc are also banned but bear spray is acceptable

When leaving USA with game meat or trophies, stop at US side again and get USFWS Form 3-177 [USFWS Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife].......I suggest getting these form on-line and filling out ahead of time.......these critters must be listed in Latin and weights in Kilos.....go figure....

The above forms need to be stamped by US Customs prior to entering Canada......many of the new/young officials are not aware of many of these forms so be patient.

Transporting another person's firearm could be a problem. To transport property of another party, you would usually have to be a common carrier with supporting documentation or have a Power Of Attorney from that party for that specific item. If they would allow a POA for a firearm?.......I'd sure check first.

Having said all that......the borders of the world are in disarray and both the USA and Canada have been hiring and training in an attempt to catch-up with new security problems.......so keep in mind that the regulations change with the shift change ......there's a lot of new folks interpreting complicated laws.

AND.....never offer more information than you are asked for......period!

Good luck with your hunt.......are you driving Alcan all the way or Cassiar 37?

 

[Shrek]

Anyone here looked into shipping your personal possessions by sea to Alaska and picking your stuff up at a freight forwarder or having it delivered. I pick up and deliver containers to people's residences often. To and from all over the world. It would seem easier than trying to make sure it all can pass through Canada. Having to deal with only one government sounds better but I may be very wrong.

 

[actionshooter]

Good info Vern................and JDP350, holy crap NM to Fairbanks is going to be a serious haul!

 

[Elc1973]

Don't take any handgun ammo across the border. If they find it they can tear your trailer and truck apart looking for the handgun even if you don't have one. I just crossed the boarder in June and if your paperwork is not filled out they will search all of your guns. It can be a nightmare if your not prepared.

 

[JPD350]

Can I just take all the guns as luggage when I fly up then send them all back through an FFL dealer and drive back with no weapons?


Abq to Fbks is 3561 miles! I believe we will take the Alcan all the way back since it seems to be the fastest route, although I don't think it is the most scenic way to go. The plan is to take it fairly easy even if it takes a full week, I am actually looking forward to the ride home.

 

[actionshooter]

Can I just take all the guns as luggage when I fly up then send them all back through an FFL dealer and drive back with no weapons?


Abq to Fbks is 3561 miles! I believe we will take the Alcan all the way back since it seems to be the fastest route, although I don't think it is the most scenic way to go. The plan is to take it fairly easy even if it takes a full week, I am actually looking forward to the ride home.

Back in Sept I drove from W-Wash to Fairbanks and did the Alcan up and the Cassiar back. It is scenic but I feel the Alcan is faster and easier. For scenery the best was in the Yukon for sure. Also there aren't as many acomodations on the Cassiar and ended up paying $7.50/gal for diesel in one spot. It will be a trip you won't forget!


And yes, You can fly up with the guns and ship them back, no problems. Just read the airlines specific rules before.

 

[VernAK]

Fuel can be a problem on the Cassiar especially in late fall. My favorite part of the Alcan is around the Muncho & Toad River areas.....the diversity of wildlife is especially interesting. You'll have enough daylight to really enjoy it. I just got home on Thanksgiving from a pheasant trip......40+ Alcan trips.....but getting too dark this time of year to really enjoy the sights. Cheapest fuel was Contact Creek and highest was Pink Mountain & Fort Nelson areas where there is a lot of oil activity.

 

[swat8888]

I believe the ammo limit is 200 rounds. I've traveled twice down/up the ALCAN. Both times I had handgun ammo with me, however, I never declared ammo and I think they only asked me about it once. It was never checked. However, in retrospect I wouldnt travel with handgun ammo again. I had a buddy have his trailer torn apart because he had a handgun holster in his vehicle. If you even have handgun ammo to bring up I would fly with it. If you don't use it I'm sure you could sell it within a few hours on Craigslist.