Don and I will be going on a Canadian Moose hunt in British Columbia in October. In order to prepare for that trip we were wondering : 1. What are the regulations for getting guns into Canada and; 2. Getting game meat back into the USA. Here is what we found out:
Canada classifies firearms into three catagories:
Non-restricted: (Most long guns and shotguns) These may be generally imported for purposes of hunting or personal protection from wild animals in remote wilderness areas, target shooting They may also be taken in transit through Canada by a reasonable direct route.
Restricted: (long barrel handguns, some types of long guns) These are allowed for certain purposes, such as target shooting at an approved club or range, but they are not allowed for hunting or personal protection.
Prohibited: (shorter barrels handguns and automatic weapons) These can not be brought into Canada.
Check Canadian Criminal Code regulations for details. For information regarding Canadian firearms laws, visit the Canadian Firearms Center (CFC) website at: www.cfc.cafc.gc.ca
US firearms requirements are detailed at the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) website: www.atf.gov
Bringing guns for hunting into Canada requires a Non-resident firearms declaration form: cafc 909, which will declare up to 3 guns. Current fee for a firearms registration/license is $25 (always subject to change) good for 60 days while in Canada. You must be at least 18 year of age to bring a gun into Canada.
Bringing game meat back into the US requires it be accompanied by the appropriate license, the carcass must be eviscerated and have the head removed. Antlers, bones, hide and horns can be brought back in to the US but must be free of any un-dried meat or sinew.
Clarification on importing game meat and trophies into the US can be obtained by calling the US Fish and Wildlife Department at (800)344-9453 or the US Customs and Border Protection at, (877) 227-5511.
As a reminder all laws are subject to change and I have only given you material to find out for yourself what is required.
Mike (NIMROD) Tusow