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Old 06-21-2014, 12:14 PM   #1
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Carrying weapons through Canada ???

I don't intend to re-hash the debate / discussion. It has been discussed and argued plenty and we all are probably tired of it. I'm fully aware of the handgun issue with traveling through Canada. I'm a retired police officer and do have a concealed carry permit that covers me here in the states. I choose NOT to carry the darn thing because I don't want to. I have in future plans to make the adventure trip through Canada to Alaska that many others before me have made. Not this year with some luck maybe next. I don't recall seeing any talk here of carrying a shotgun for both personal security and protection from wild critters along the way. For the most part I have not felt the need but being in remote areas for that long I'm beginning to put more thought to it. Canadian restrictions are more lenient and permits are available so I would appreciate hearing some ideas and opinions.

Please lets all remain civil so as not to give the moderators and indigestion.

ThanX all and see ya'll on the road sometime.
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Old 06-21-2014, 12:23 PM   #2
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From what I understand it is a major pain in the a** to get any gun into Canada. You can file for the proper paperwork and make it all legal but it is difficult and time consuming to get through. In some cases the local official confiscated the gun even though paperwork was filed.

Don't try to get a gun in illegally. If caught you are facing jail time and significant fines.

I have heard that most people ship their guns to a post office at their port of entry in Alaska. As soon as you enter Alaska you pick up your gun and it is legal since you are back in the US and Alaska allows a citizen to carry a gun.
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Old 06-21-2014, 12:30 PM   #3
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The info is here. Firearm Users Visiting Canada - Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Just make sure the firearm meets the specs. The barrel on my Glock is like 3 mm too short.
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Old 06-21-2014, 12:44 PM   #4
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We are planning to cross the border later in July. If the crossing at Sault Ste. Marie is not to congested I just may take a break and make some inquiries while there. Just to get the feel for what to expect if and when. If it looks to be a hassle I will just forget the thought.
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Old 06-21-2014, 01:01 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by RVDreamer View Post
I have heard that most people ship their guns to a post office at their port of entry in Alaska. As soon as you enter Alaska you pick up your gun and it is legal since you are back in the US and Alaska allows a citizen to carry a gun.
If you do this you will need to ship it from one FFL to another FFL. You can't just ship it UPS or the Postal Service.

This is a great question, one I've been wondering myself for when we travel. Eventually we want to visit both Canada and Alaska.
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Old 06-21-2014, 01:03 PM   #6
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For the reasons you listed I took a shotgun with me last year on a trip through Canada on the way to Alaska. I got the information from Canada on what was required to transport a shotgun ( or rifle) through their country, followed the instructions as written, and had absolutely no problems. Transporting a handgun through is considerably more involved and I have not tried that. When I arrived at the border I was asked the standard questions about what I was carrying, fruit, meat, etc., and the answers were no, then about a firearm. I answered yes and he sent me to park out of the way and come inside the building. When I got in there an officer was already on the computer checking me out and the original officer asked me questions, one of which was when was the last time I was in court, the answer to which was, never. The officer on the computer came to the front and I gave him the three copies I had filled out. He suggested we use only one and then make copies. They collected $25.00 and sent me on my way. I do have a Texas CHL and no blemishes on my record. I had the gun in a case with a trigger lock on the gun and separated from the ammunition but they never asked nor checked it. Others may have a different experience but mine was very smooth. The reason I checked on the form for having the gun was to transport it through to Alaska. On their form I did not mention any other reason.
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Old 06-21-2014, 01:25 PM   #7
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I'm not a gun fan but the question that comes to mind is why a gun? Unless to hunt. Bears and cougars run with bear bangers or fireworks. Unless one is planning a camping trip to the Ghetto Creek
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Old 06-21-2014, 01:34 PM   #8
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I'm not a gun fan but the question that comes to mind is why a gun? Unless to hunt. Bears and cougars run with bear bangers or fireworks. Unless one is planning a camping trip to the Ghetto Creek
I think OP clearly stated why. And also stated he didn't want flack for his question. There is a member here who had a bear attempt to come in her AS window about 3 years ago. Her AS now wears the scars. It can and does happen.
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Old 06-21-2014, 01:52 PM   #9
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Along with the potential wildlife encounters I have had only 1 single encounter with
2 legged wildlife that could have been unpleasant while camping. So that is not a strong enough reason for any firearm, in my opinion that is. However they also do occur. Don't ever voice it at the border but personal safety can and is always in the back of our minds and travel in remote areas is no exception. The odds are in our favor but THEY are out there.
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Old 06-21-2014, 02:16 PM   #10
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Yes, it doesn't have to be in "Ghetto Creek" either.

Night of terror in BWCA still haunts family | Star Tribune

I have never packed on the 13 canoe trips before because another 3 pounds is a lot when portaging and paddling. The stuff in the article is rare, but obviously happens. I have had 2 non-threatening encounters with bears and 2 encounters with wolves. The wolves bother me more than the black bears....something about animals who hunt in packs gives me the creaps. I should start carrying up there. I go again in Sept.
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Old 06-21-2014, 02:28 PM   #11
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That didn't take long.
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Old 06-21-2014, 02:55 PM   #12
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It didn't take long for a simple question about how one legally brings a gun into Canada to turn into opinion-giving instead...
including mentions of "Ghetto Creek".

Disappointing to see that one get past the moderators.....
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Old 06-21-2014, 03:19 PM   #13
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That didn't take long.

No it did not and we appreciate those who keep threads such as this one on topic.


<< Mod Mode >>

Please heed the original poster's request to keep this thread on topic. The staff will intervene if required, however we would prefer not to have to.
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Old 06-21-2014, 06:10 PM   #14
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Quote:
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The info is here. Firearm Users Visiting Canada - Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Just make sure the firearm meets the specs. The barrel on my Glock is like 3 mm too short.

This seems reasonable, easy, and logical. Just like almost everything else in Canada. Very adult.
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Old 06-21-2014, 06:26 PM   #15
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Simple answer is that it is no problem to carry a long gun through Canada to Alaska, or while in Canada. I've had several very bad experiences with bears and moose and would not think of going "out" for very long without a slug gun or large-bore rifle very close at hand. Others might. Fine for them.

Get the forms in advance and fill them out, but don't sign them; has to be done in front of the officers at the border - they're available on Canadian government website. Google "CAFC 909" and you'll find it. They tell you that you need them in triplicate, but I've only ever been asked for one copy (they scan it) and then when stopping at the border, be sure to tell the officer early and clearly that you have a firearm to declare. One of the acceptable reasons on the form (check the box) is "Protection against wildlife". They will then have you pull over and go into the office and pay the fee (maybe $25?) and you will get issued a permit that's good for something like three months. Only once have I had them go into the Airstream to look at the weapon ... I think they mostly were bored and wanted to see the inside of an Airstream!

The guides upon whose knowledge I rely in Canada and Alaska tell me that IF one has a bear or moose encounter that requires you to stop it, it will be sudden and stopping power is everything; they recommend slugs or a large bore rifle such as a .45-70. I've never needed to actually use the firearm, but have had several very close calls. Hasn't stopped me from going back over and over again, but I take what seem to me to be sensible precautions. Others do what they deem sensible. Ya' pays yer' money and ya' takes yer' chances.

Bon voyage!
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Old 06-21-2014, 07:16 PM   #16
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I agree with AirsDream.We went last summer thru Canada to Alaska and back we experienced exactly as he described. No problem at all,had to fill out a form pay $25.oo and on our way.Pleasant fellow to deal with.Remember to take the serial number in with you,you will need it for the form
Enjoy your trip we loved every minute of it and would love to go back.Most of the time no cell phone service with three different carriers!
Sings on the roadside"Emergency Call 911" i guess they mean roll down the window and yell! Service is available in the citys
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Old 06-21-2014, 07:29 PM   #17
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A question for those who have carried: What is the process returning to the US?
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Old 06-21-2014, 08:30 PM   #18
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Thanks for bringing that up Alan. Haden't thought about it but hopefully someone will tell us how uneventful it is.
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Old 06-22-2014, 07:57 AM   #19
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Question, what kind of storage did you have to use? Separate lock blocks for weapon and ammunition? Was looking at the forms.
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Old 06-22-2014, 08:30 AM   #20
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has anyone thought of the Rossi Circuit Judge as a carry? It's a 45/410 cal with a cylinder and short and compact and classified as a rifle/shotgun. I don't know what the Mounties or feds would class it as.
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