Canada

[Ronald Roberts]

Going on my first trip to Canada to hunt at Stickflingers this coming May. Is it a big deal to cross  border into Canada ? I have a passport and clean record. What can I  expect when I reach the border? Thanks for  information !

[STICKBENDER98]

My wife and I crossed over this spring going to New Brunswick, being from Michigan we both have enhanced licenses, which is basically your passport info on your drivers license. However it's only good crossing the border between Michigan and Canada.  I was hunting bear and she was along for the ride.  We had to answer the basic questions, what's your purpose here, how long will you be here, any firearms, any alcohol, or tobacco.  Since I was archery hunting, did I have a crossbow, told them no, his response was what are you going to use then, told him I had two long bows, and my compound.  (Sorry about that  ) No problems going in, and no trouble coming out, had to pull over, and go into the office there and fill out a paper for bringing my bear back into the states.  Was very easy for us, I think as long as you give them the answers they want and don't have an attitude with them you wont have any trouble.  Good luck on your upcoming hunt.


Jason

[LBR]

In my (limited) experience it depends on who you are dealing with, and what kind of day they are having.  I've have more headaches with TSA.  Flying into Canada several years ago, customs officials were asking my buddy about his recurve bow (I'd shipped my bow ahead of time).  The lady asked him if it was a "semi-automatic".  Oh man...there were three customs officials, two of them men, myself and my buddy...four out of the five of us cracked up.  Just couldn't help it.  It's a wonder we didn't wind up in jail...the lady official did NOT find it amusing...but we went on without a snag.  This was before you needed a passport to go to Canada.

[MnFn]

No guns, no bullets, if you have bear spray, tell them.

Be sure you have cold weather clothing.  May can be cold up there.
Good long johns, stocking cap, gloves. I also had a lightweight down jacket under an Asbell wool pullover.

I’ve been there twice, pm me if you have other questions.

[McDave]

I’ve been in and out of Canada a number of times.

Make sure your dog's shots are up to date and you have a current certificate from your vet.

They will take away your small protective canisters of pepper spray, both coming and going.

They will take away certain food, which changes from time to time.  Check before you go over to see what food restrictions there may be.  Of course, the US will have it's own different restrictions when you come back.

DON’T TAKE ANY PISTOLS INTO CANADA!  If you take hunting rifles or shotguns, be sure you have the proper papers in order before you cross the border.

Trad bows and arrows don't seem to be a problem either way.

Have a good time.  I've always found the Canadians to be friendly and welcoming.

[BrushWolf]

I'll tell you what others told me when I went for the first time. Answer there questions don't joke with them or add anything to the conversation. All in all it's pretty easy. Good luck on your hunt.

[goingoldskool]

I'll tell you what others told me when I went for the first time. Answer there questions don't joke with them or add anything to the conversation. All in all it's pretty easy. Good luck on your hunt.

X2!!!!  Do not joke with them at all....  some of them will joke, but as a norm, they are all business!  Always remember,  they don't have to let you in.......!!!!

Another thing..... limit your alcohol & tobacco.  You should be able to find out what is allowed.  No potatoes or live bait!
Take lots of pics!

Good luck, shoot straight and God bless,

Rodd

[Terry Lightle]

I just answer the questions with as few words as possible,have had more trouble with our customs agents than the ones getting into Canada.
Terry

[John3]

Every other time I have cleared customs going into Canada I get an agent that does not like Americans.. This is especially true in Quebec... Say NOTHING other than to answer their questions.  Don't joke or make small talk.  Make eye contact and be polite and professional.  I have even had a custom agent smart ass me coming home because he didn't like the fact that yet another American came up there to "murder bears"..  I will say that away from customs EVERY Canadian I have ever met and hunted with has been great and loves Americans!

[Joeabowhunter]

Archery equipment will be very straight forward.  Non-restricted firearms will also be fine too but suggest you call ahead for specifics.  A non-restricted firearm in your State may be restricted or prohibited here.  Pistols are restricted and you cannot bring one to hunt with or for personal protection...On a side note plenty of us own pistols for competition and collecting purposes.  Buy your "bear spray" when you get here.  You can get it at Cabela's in Winnipeg if you're going that way.  I'm sure Ryan can give you more specifics and good luck on your hunt.  I've bear hunted up in that area many times.  You'll love it!

[McDave]

  I have even had a custom agent smart ass me coming home because he didn't like the fact that yet another American came up there to "murder bears"..  I will say that away from customs EVERY Canadian I have ever met and hunted with has been great and loves Americans!

It always amuses me when people allow their own personal prejudices to interfere with their jobs.  Since it is legal to hunt bears in Canada, why shouldn't you hunt bears?

Reminds me of the time we were in Oregon for a few days, and stopped by a local grocery store to buy some things.  Some Oregonians have a particular dislike for people from California, and this clerk at the grocery store must have realized somehow that we were from California.  She said, “Don't you realize that everything you're buying (chips, dip, beer, etc.) other than toothpaste is junk?”  My response, “Then why are you selling it?”

Wouldn't recommend that with the customs agent.  As stated, keep mouth shut and smile.