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Has anyone ever taken a gun into Canada??

A television show that I was watching said that we MUST place all guns in a "hardcase" with trigger locks. But, the outfitter wants the guns in softcases to ease loading on the helicopter. If I was flying, I would definitely use a hard case. But, as we're driving, I don't mind using a soft case. But, I don't want to have a problem at the border. Any advice would be appreciated.

P.S. Doscosil makes an awesome fusion type soft case with hard panels by the scope areas. I have one for my scoped rifle and a 32" shorty for my takedown shotguns. Price is about $70.00 each.

Been through this one before, PGG.

Here is the easy way. Since you are driving and will have room, take the hard case with the lock and put your gun in it for the border crossing both ways. Roll up a soft case and put in with your other hunting stuff.

In Canada, just put the gun in the soft case for the trip to the wilderness and leave the hard case in your locked car, outfitters office or wherever. On return to the states just go back to the hard case/locks for the crossing.

Another word of caution. You are not going to have problems getting into Canada. They are matter-of-fact at the border, realize a lot of Americans hunt there, and generally are not too bad to deal with.

The reverse is true coming back home. Even before 9/11 it seemed to me that US Customs went out of their way to pick folks with somewhat surly attitudes for border duty. Since 9/11 most of them have become, in my experience, grade "A" assholes.

Make sure the gun is secure. Make sure your DL and passport are in order. Even though passports are temporarily not required, having a firearm on board will single you out if it is discovered and you likely will be asked to disclose it as you go through. Deny it, and if discovered, you are a felon, so do NOT kid around about this business. Have your act together!

Good hunting and good luck!

OSL

Member Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 216 Location: Tennessee

I hunted snow geese on Hudson Bay out of Churchill, Manitoba in 2003. I drove up from Tennessee to Thompson, Manitoba. I carried two semi autos in a lockable hardcase with trigger locks on the guns. The guns stayed this way when I boarded the train in Thompson for Churchill. At the motel in Churchill I switched the guns over to a double softcase and left the trigger locks in place. I took the trigger locks off after the plane ride to the lodge. Reversed the procedure on the way home.

I wonder if they were talking about flying on commercial airlines. Your outfitter should be able to clear this up for you.

Guest

The last time I was in Canada (admittedly some time ago).....I was stopped at the border and asked "Do you have anything in the car we should know about?" I correctly answered "No (nothing you should know about)".....and passed on over.

Before the flames start.......This was a long time ago, I really had nothing at the time, and we had a good laugh over a Molson about their phraseology...... Wink

Thanks guys. Great advice from all, especially OSL wirh regards to dealing with my own people on the return trip.

We're going for Moose, Caribou, and Ptarmigan , up to Newfoundland next month. Between 1 Ford Expedition, we need to fit rifles, shotguns, big game gear, small game gear, rain gear, libations, more libations, and four full size adults. And some of us are fuller sized than we'd like to be.Coming home may not be as bad, as we are planning to rent a trailer from U-Haul, tape up some styrofoam insulation, add dry ice and tow a big freezer (with, hopefully, 3,ooo lbs. of meat in it).

Guest

That sounds like a great trip....how long will it be?

Member Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 258 Location: Nordern MN

I've only crossed the border once - ND/Sask - in 2005 - and had no problems either way.

Just make sure you and your buddies know your stuff, keep your ducks in a row, and be courteous. We were duck hunting and my buddy used a hard case, I did not. No trigger locks. Neither way did anyone want to see the guns. We breezed through and I assume it's cuz we were friendly, serious, knowledgeable.

Good luck!
NR

Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Northeast Oklahoma

Just a owrd of caution about the border. They have made it mandatory to have a passport now. A retired Lt. I worked for just took his son back to his mother who lives in Canada. He had to have a passport to go both ways. By the way the Lt. just got back last week. Thought I would throw that out there for you.

Member Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 665 Location: Louisiana

If you decide to fly, you may pre-register you firearms with Canada's 'ATF' by faxing a form JUS909 to the airport firearms people along with your fee ($25). That for can be sent to you via your fax by the Canadian agency. It will dramatically reduce your time in customs.
The same form is often required at vehicle border crossings. It is simple and brief--take the time to get one. Ammunition for shotguns is limited to 200 rounds.
I am unfamiliar with a requirement for trigger locks but the guncase must be lockable for airline approval. No handguns period. Libations are restricted to one case of beer, 2 liters of wine--not sure about distilled spirits but you can be sure that there are restrictions. At times if you are over the limit you will only be required to pay a duty on the excess.
Just as OSL says, Barney Fife will be on duty at the US side of the border. Be very non-assertive. The farther west you are when you enter Canada the less problem you will have.

Prussiangunguy, try this web site. It has a bunch of information, hopefully some of it will help you.

http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/factsheets/visitin_e.asp

I think I did it right to make it clickable.

Have a good trip.

Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Northeast Ohio

I find the need for a hard case and trigger lock perplexing. I've been crossing the border every year now for a long time with double barrel shotguns. They are simply in the maker's leather case, broken apart. Customs sometimes has a look at them, other times they just collect the money and wish me well. I took the Weatherby two years ago in a leather case with no lock and no trigger lock - they never said a word and sent me on my way.

I just visited with the Border Patrol today and you DO NOT NEED HARD CASES NOR TRIGGER LOCKS you need to have the shells seperated from the guns ( ie not loaded ) and able to lock the guns and shells up when you are away from them ( ie in the vehical when your getting a Coffee)

I am leaving for Canada with Ben, Scott, and Terry on the 13th of Sept , for ten days of load and gun testing with the Marlin 90's and the Darne's

Will let Ben give you the report when we get back , he is the Educated one of the bunch , Terry and I are just dumb ole Machinist , Scott is just a Doctor so that leaves us all out so its up to Ben to tell you all about the Load develpment and gun testing , Oh what did Ben do you ask ???

He Ran Hospitals for 25 years and has those papers you put on the wall enough to paper the White House .

Sorry to pick on you Ben but you ask for it with your load development.

Regards Charles