Shotgun Thru Canada

J

John S

New member
I didn't want to hijack the 12 gauge selection thread going right now, so I thought I'd start this new one.

I read that you have to pay a fee to bring your shotgun into Canada.

We are trailiering our boat from Anchorage to Haines, Alaska transiting Canada both out and back. Could anyone give me more details on the fees and paperwork involved on having my shotgun aboard my trailered boat? Will they make me pay both ways? Appreciate any links you might have available.

Thanks,
 
Just out of curiosity I checked out these FAQs and none of the ones I found addressed the issue that I think is being asked: how to transit Canada with firearms that are illegal in Canada but legal in the U.S. When I drove the Alaska Highway in 1970 I had an mini-arsenal of handguns and other weapons the Canadians frowned upon, even then. The border folks sealed my firearms in heavy plastic bags and gave me an inventory list to be surrendered to Canadian customs on the Alaskan end of the Highway. I don't know if they still do that.

Warren
 
As long as the shotgun is a standard hunting weapon, I think that FAQ's address the relevant questions. As for a mini-arsenal including handguns, that's a different story.
 
Just my humble opinion, but not matter what the regs say, you are still at the mercy of the Customs Official that is there, on the spot, checking you and your vehicle, at that specific time. And that CO'sjudgment may change according to the time of day, the weather, the vehicle that just went through ahead of you, the color of your car, truck, boat or face. You should know that he/she has probably already looked at your car registry, drivers license, passport photo, carry permit, and most anything else he is curious about, and that's before the polite but perfunctal greeting.

This is one time to remember the adage, (slightly reworded) "If they didn't ask, then I shouldn't tell." I am not advocating trying to hide anything, just that volunteering info, or being chatty, does not get them or you where you want to be. This, from dozens of crossings, and every thing from a 3 question check to a full vehicle search (I might add, in response to a wise crack that was made by the driver, thinking it would be funny. Not a good choice of wording or timing.)

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Well the Canadian website was helpful and thorough. I will have the paperwork ready in case it's asked for (in triplicate). Hopefully I don't need it, but......I've never passed thru Canadian Customs without being asked if I had firearms with me.

My wife recommended hiding the shotgun in the boat, but I am not up for going that route. Although they have always been friendly previously, I'm sure they can be thorough ocassionally and know all the likely hiding places.

I still can't tell if it will cost me $25 or $50 since I will transit Canada twice with the boat in tow. I tried there 1-800 number but they weren't open this evening.

Thanks,
John
 
I would suggest following the rules on the site the other poster named. Our customs officers can be really brutal. I like the idea of just hiding it in the boat and nobody knows idea but if you get caught they will be very difficult. I know our laws are quite strict up here regarding firearms but the best route is to do your homework, do your paper work, know your rights and good luck :wink: .
 
I think that the only way to move non-allowed guns thru Canada is to ship them across Canada from a licensed US gun dealer to another licensed gun dealer at your destination.
 
the permit is good for a number of days-30 IIrc declare it by all means the barrel needs to be LONGER than 18" an 18 1/8 will do just don't do what I did and write 18" and think it was fine.
No gun paper work needed for the US re-entry.
It's not worth the hassle to try and bring pistols through Canada.
More PW MORE permits, 6" adjusto sighted "target" pistols only. You still might loose em.
A lever action carbine and a shotgun and a pleasant attitude will not raise the Canadians ire.
Rob
 
I visited the site Rogerbum linked. The permit is 60 days and can be renewed while you are in Canada (by phone, I think.) Or you can pass the same test that Canadians must take and get a permit good for 5 years. Seems like that would be the way to go if you wanted to take a rifle or shotgun when heading north from Puget Sound because otherwise you have to sign the permit in front of a Canadian official each time.

Warren
 
I forgot to post again after I called the Canadian Customs people.

I called and they told me that I can go in and out of Canada with the registered gun for 60 days for the same $25 fee.

Now I just need to fill out the paperwork in triplicate for the border.

John
 
They must have lowered the fee. I understood the cost was $50 and you could carry as many approved guns as you want.
Last time I carried a 410 Snake Charmer which has an 18 inch barrel and a 12 ga riot gun. I could not give them the serial number on the 12 ga. It was covered by a shell holder. They said that was ok but he had to check on the 410. It cleared. They issued the permit.
Coming back into Prince Rupert the were going to take it away from me. They were not going to refund my $50. It took two hours and I forced them to call their equal to our ATF. They told local Customs, a snake charmer was legal in Canada. The local head honcho had made the ruling on his own. It was written in the local guide to confiscate the gun. We had checked with internet for that gun before we left and I wasn't about to let them have it.
I think I have told that story here before. From now on lets just call this one # 42.

The snake Charmer is a wonderful halibut gun. Stainless single shot with slugs.
captd
 
That must have been the same customs agent who noted that I had my Buck knife by the companionway in a sheath which was covered--and decided I must have a hand gun in a simlar sheath, since it looked like a "police" item. He then asked what I did for a living, and I made the mistake of saying I was a retired MD--at that point he wanted to know if I had any drugs aboard--and was just about to shake us down, when fortunately the ferry arrived and he had to leave. This guy seemed to just be having a bad day...or maybe he was always that way!
 
Anyone have any experience with carrying a 12 guage flare pistol across. I haven't seen much, and would like to know if I need to pull it off the boat before crossing. Don't like that idea much.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Harvey,

I think you are referring to a 12 ga flare LAUNCHER. It is not a pistol! LOL

Seriously, I have crossed the border by boat many times and the flare launcher has never been questioned. Those 12ga flare launchers are sold in Canada.

When Canadian customs asks "Do you have any firearms aboard?" The answer is "No." (Assuming, of course, that you do not have any actual firearms!)

Answer the exact question that you are asked, and don't volunteer any extra information.
 
Larry H":3rhrxu4n said:
When Canadian customs asks "Do you have any firearms aboard?" The answer is "No." (Assuming, of course, that you do not have any actual firearms!)

Answer the exact question that you are asked, and don't volunteer any extra information.
Click to expand...

Correct! Answer their question and then W.A.I.T. (Why Am I Talking?).
 
"Harvey,

I think you are referring to a 12 ga flare LAUNCHER. It is not a pistol! LOL

Seriously, I have crossed the border by boat many times and the flare launcher has never been questioned. Those 12ga flare launchers are sold in Canada. "
Click to expand...

Larry, Thank you. Why how absolutely silly of me to get that little piece of plastic confused with a firearm. It is not even close to that other plastic one (Glock 40) is it?

And Boris and Mark you are both right too, One word answers, and no extra info.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
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