Driving to Alaska

[c.latrans]

I havn't driven to Alaska in over 20 years, but will be doing so again this summer. I know the rules have changed, but does anyone know where to find the legalities of traveling through Canada with firearms? The last time I traveled with firearms in Canada was in the '90s on a caribou hunting trip, and I wasn't even required to stop at the border. Anybody have a link or info? Thank you!

 

[Carne Frio]

I would start with the following link. If your coming up here via
the road, you can always send your firearms to a local FFl and
they will hand it over to you when you get here. That info, I
got from my local FFl, who does it all of the time for hunters.

http://www.anchorage.net/724.cfm

 

[NavyLCDR]

I would start with the following link. If your coming up here via the road, you can always send your firearms to a local FFl and
they will hand it over to you when you get here.

Bad idea for a couple of reasons. If they are handguns, the Alaska FFL will not be able to transfer them to a Montana resident.

If they are rifles/shotguns, there will have to be a form 4473 done and NICS check. If there is a hiccup in the system, the FFL may not be able to transfer the guns to the owner.

A person is allowed to ship guns to themselves (handguns or long guns) in care of another person and that other person must hold the package for the addressee without opening it.

However, that other person should NOT be an FFL, because if an FFL receives the guns, he has to log them into his bound book and then use the standard transfer procedures to remove them from his book. The only exception is guns sent to the FFL for repair or customization with subsequent return to the original owner, which this is not the case, unless the guns are going to be worked on by the FFL.

Here's a couple more links that might help:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm
http://www.panda.com/canadaguns/

 

[Cosmoline]

I've done the long gun shipment going the other way, from Alaska to Oregon. Worked very easily Priority Mail. You can't mail handguns and the only hangup I could see with them, apart from the outrageous overnight fees, is some squabble with the common carrier. Stick to long guns is my advice, and if you have an address that will accept your package then mail them up to yourself. Mail them back down to yourself in the same packages when you go back.

 

[c.latrans]

Good info, guys............thank you!

 

[razorback2003]

You should be able to drive across Canada with a long gun to take to Alaska for hunting. I believe they require some sort of temporary license and declaration at the border. Some handguns you can take into Canada for target shooting matches if the barrel is at least 4 and a quarter inches, but I have no idea about transport to Alaska. Might want to check with the police up there.

Here is a link to the RCMP for importing a firearm into Canada for visitors.

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

 

[Shadow 7D]

There's lots of paperwork, why do that when you can send it to a FFL up here, or just ship it via slow boat or even priority to yourself and avoid the questions.

 

[zxcvbob]

How far can you get driving up from Portland or Seattle taking the coastal ferries without ever crossing into Canada? (just curious)

 

[rodregier]

I don't recommend taking any firearms with you via the Canadian land route because of the hoops you'll have to jump thru. {sigh}

Read here if you decide differently, it's *very* well researched and has excellent real-world advice about dealing with the folks at the Canadian border.

Canada's Gun Laws for Americans


http://www.panda.com/canadaguns/

one of my favourite extracts:

"Canadian Customs may try to bait you, e.g. by asking you to agree that this all is a good thing. Don't rise to it. Canada is not our country; we have nothing to say about their laws. Remember that you're being subject to the "attitude test." "

RR: I don't agree with such tactics, but it's good to know what you could be subjected to.

 

[Shadow 7D]

To the road system
you can catch the direct fairy in Bellingham to Wittier.
Haines still requires you to drive though the Yukon Territories.

 

[hermannr]

Canada is getting ready to repeal the 1994 gun act that has caused US hunters so much trouble. My cousin says the repeal is in the works right now.

If you go before the repeal actually takes place you might want to read this: http://www.panda.com/canadaguns/#att

I have had my rifles in Canada many times prior to that stupid 1994 law, afetr only once...not worth the effort.

The big problem now is getting them back into the US...Remember your passport and have some documentation that you owned them before you left.

 

[Sunray]

"...Canada is getting ready to repeal the 1994 gun act..." Nope. Just the long gun registry ison the chopping block. Nothing else.
"...enter Canada with ordinary long guns without a license..." Nope. However, the declaration becomes a temporary licence. Read the RCMP's 'Firearm users visting Canada' page.
Absolutely no CCW or handgun hunting here.