Customs Questions

[D. Key]

I'm traveling in 2 weeks from Texas to Winnepeg Canada on a Black Bear hunt with a few buddies.  Do Customs Agents (in Canada) ask whether you are carrying any weapons and does trad equipment qualify as a "Weapon"?  We don't want to make any mistakes and be held over for any misunderstanding(s).  Also are there any other things we should be concerned about while traveling abroad?  I've traveled to Canada before but never on a hunt with archery gear.

We are all law minded Southern Boys and we want to ensure we say and do the right things.

Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

[aromakr]

Doug.
They will probably ask you if you have any firearms. Just make sure you declare them if you do this includes any amunition. If you say no and they find one cartridge they will tear you car appart. Make sure you have your passport! That is need now.

A couple tips on clearing customs. If you and your buddys are wearing sun glasses remove them when you arrive at the gate and make eye contact with the agent. Answer his questions quickly and truthfully and things will be fine.
Bob

[macbow]

Pretty much what Bob said. They will ask you why your traveling, just be honest. There might be questions about liquor your bringing into Canada.

I've only been across 3 times, going is much easier than crossing back into the USA. I've seen more searches comming home. We had no problems, Had to get out comming home and fill out a paper declaring the caribou, mostly they wanted to hear how our hunt went.
Ron

[Lechwe]

When they ask if you have firearms tell them no and that you just have archery gear. They will likely ask if you have pepper spray. Make sure you are not carrying any in the vehicle. Be careful about taking fruits and vegetables across the boarder as that is a no no. Bob has good advice.

Enjoy the hunt. This will be the first year in 4 or 5 that I have not gone to Canada on a bear hunt.

Good luck and post some pictures when you get back.

[Can Hahaka]

Also, anyone with an open D.U.I. or or such violation will not be allowed to enter.

[BobW]

All of the above is good stuff.  Tell them what you have, and your purpose of your trip.  Open all your windows as you pull in to the booth, no radio, eye contact, have your passports/documents ready, and let them be the boss (don't be grouchy).  Don't be in a hurry, don't crowd the vehicle in front of you while waiting, don't jump lanes, and DO NOT ENTER THE BOOTH UNTIL THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU HAS EXITED - they really get upset with that one.  I live at the border, and frequently am traveling back and forth.  Never with hunting equipment, though when I inquired about it (pre-911), even a compound was no problem.  There are 800 numbers for customs, and I suggest you try and talk with them early on to resolve any questions you might have.  Specifically the location you are crossing at (check US and Canada - so you know what to expect coming back - the US is tougher than Canada)

On a funny note, don't have any Grateful Dead (or other controversial) stickers on your vehicle..... made for an interesting crossing that day....

Others have done this, and I assume they will chime in soon.

[GR]

As already said, pay attention, follow the rules, be ready, be HONEST, and be humble, and all will go well. If your ask a question that you dont know or understand say so, most agents are pretty easy to deal with.

Do not try lighten the moment by joking, nothing is ever funny at a boarder crossing.

Good luck hunting,
grt

[Chas]

Before 911, four of us flew up to Lake of the Woods for fishing. Going into Canada was easy, but when we landed at International Falls on the way home, we were treated like we had a plane load dope. I expected something a little better from my home boys. We got back in the U.S. after our plane was searched. Now after 911 Homeland Security is real serious.

[hunt it]

All of above, plus buy your food north of the border if you have to. They will take almost all food, no dairy products, no meat, no veg or fruit. They will ask about firearms, booze and cigarettes. Handguns illegal, long guns you must get a permit for at border. Pepper spray is a prohibited weapon. If you need some ask your outfitter to get it for you and give it to him when you leave. As mentioned make sure none of your party has any prior convictions, even a DUI 25yrs ago means no go.

[BMN]

All good info above. You may also consider registering some or all of the high dollar items you are bringing with you by filling out CBP form CF4457 prior to your departure. Items such as your bow, camera's, binoculars, GPS, etc. can be registered at a Customs office before you leave as proof that you brought these items with you. It may save you some hassle and paying a duty on these items on your return to the USA.

Bill

[D. Key]

Thanks guys.  We are flying into Winnipeg and our outfitter will pick us up there and return in the same manner.  We won't be driving at all, no Booze, food or heavy metal music.    

Just a bunch of Texans look'in for a big Black Bear.

[BobW]

If you are flying, then Passports are a MUST!!!!

[John3]

My first Canada trip was last May. Easy as it gets on the trip up. Have a passport. Don't have any felonies/DUI ect.. Answer questions with no hesitation at the customes window. Tell them you have archery equipment as checked baggage. State your business and things go easy. I did have a "911" type check of my bowcase with some type of cloth patch rub down. The customs lady then put the patch in a "sniffer" machine to check for explosives. No biggie, took all of two minutes.
Fly with a tuff cargo hold proof bowcase with your name,address, cell number on the outside and INSIDE the case as well. I leave three weeks from Saturday for Alberta this time to chase bears again. I could not have been more impressed with Canada. Checking in to come home at the small Prince George airport the woman kept grinning and then asked what part of America I was from. This was before I had given her any of my travel paperwork. I asked her how she knew I was American. She replied that, "only Americans call me ma'am." The people were great and the beautiful country even better.

John III

[GR]

Doug,
You should also make several copies of your passport. Carry one and leave one at home or with someone that could get it to you. It is much easier to get a replacement if you have a copy.

[BobW]

Look into getting the new "wallet card" passport - it is the size of a drivers license and easier to carry.  No good for flying, but great for other situations.....

[d. ward]

Man do not take any handguns or handgun ammo what so ever...or your stay may be a bit longer then you planned...Also do not bring the bear gual? blatter back unless you have the proper paper work for it....and as mentioned above no pepper spray.....bowdoc

[tippit]

If going bear hunting, you can NOT bring bear parts back.  That means don't cut off bear paws and no individual gall bladders...meat in cooler and full hide is fine!

Pass Port Question:
Are you sure they are now requiring a Pass Port?  That has been pushed back for the past 3 years.  Always good to have one though...Doc

[BobW]

Originally posted by tippit:
Pass Port Question:
Are you sure they are now requiring a Pass Port?  That has been pushed back for the past 3 years.  Always good to have one though...Doc

Drive crossings don't (yet) require it, but I am pretty sure (80%) flying crossings do.

[tippit]

Thanks Bob,  I know they didn't require it last fall for my annual salmon fishing trip to New Brunswick...Doc