I will be moving to Alaska this summer and am planning on taking several rifles (bolt action), one Marlin 1895 Guide Gun (18 1/2" barrel),a pump shotgun (Winchester Defender - wood stock-no pistol grip), two antique shotguns, ammo, and reloading supplies not exceeding the legal limits for Canada. I have called the CFC and Canadian Border Patrol to clarify the rules, but I have become concerned that the "authorities" in Canada my be somewhat less than honest after hearing some stories told by a gun dealer (I don't know if he is trying to instill fear in me so that I will ship ALL of my guns through him), and would like to get some input from those who have recently had dealings with the Canadian border crossing in Haines Alaska.
Will I be harrassed, arrested, or my property confiscated even if I am trying to obey thier laws? If I run into trouble who do I talk to? What are my rights (if any)? If anyone knows any individuals that work at the checkpoint perhaps you could PM me with the info, I would greatly appreciate it, it would hopefully relieve a LOT of anxiety.
Joe

If you have a residence already in Alaska, you could ship all that stuff via UPS and not have to even involve your dealer. What I would do is leave the stuff behind here with someone you trust and after you arrive have them ship it up to you. If you were to ship them up there first for someone to hold for you until you got there, there could be an issue of shipping the guns to someone other than the owner to hold them on the receiving end. If that would be considered transferring the ownership of the weapon, even if only temperarily, it would have to go through an FFL and all that jazz since it crossed state lines. If you get there first then have them shipped, since ownership is not being transferred they should not have to go through an FFL. Don't hold me to this though as I am not at all certain about this type of movement. If you can do it this way, none of that stuff has to ever set foot on Canadian soil.

You can ship to yourself, that is allowed under AFT rules. Check this carefully - but all of the regs are on-line. Do a search, shouldn't be hard to find.

I think the way you do this is to ship to someone else, c/o yourself.... Look this up and be sure, don't just take anyone's word for it.

Does sound like the dealer is shopping for your business.

I went through the same thing last summer. I drove from Alaska to North dakota. I'm in the Air Force. All you have to do is go to www.cfc-ccaf.gc.gov. Some where on that site you will find a declaration form to fill out all the info. When you get to the boarder tell them you have firearms and you pay $50 canadian. They look at them and you are on your way. Just remember NO .22 rim fire or hand guns. I wouldn't even bring ammo for these. They are big time no no,s. If you get a laid back border gaurd he may just tell you to have a good trip. If you are military you can always have them ship you guns in you house hold goods. I did that with the ones I didn't take with me. As a side note, B.C and the Yukon are AWSOME. My job took me all over Alaska during my 8 years there and these places were just as nice if not better. Hope this helps. Enjoy your time, you will never want to leave. I will be back. I still have my house in Eagle River. :)

Roady

roadkillak

What's the concern about 22 rimfires?! Handguns for chamberings other than .25 ACP and .32 ACP and with barrels over 2 1/2" (which are considered prohibited weapons - like full auto weapons, silencers, rings with 1/4" blades sticking out of them etc.) shouldn't be a problem but there will be a separate form for them, different from that used for the long guns. Ammo shouldn't be a problem either, but there may be a restriction on amounts.

I'd be curious about any hassles anyone has had crossing the border. Generally, it is wise to be up on the laws since the people working our borders aren't as highly trained (or paid) as our police officers - who have a hard time keeping up with the laws themselves.

My advise is to get the direction from the CFC via e-mail, print off several copies to keep with you and to give to border guards and any cops who might pull you over along the way and who ask questions, and follow the direction given you TO THE LETTER!

Check with your Post office(a major PO, not some podunk branch) . You can mail long guns to yourself, but you have to be the one to open the package. You cannot mail ammo.
I believe you are allowed 400 rounds of rifle ammo at Canadian customs, NO handgun ammo.
Reloading components, I don't know. I do know you can mail brass and bullets, but not powder or primers. It is cheaper to buy them here than pay hazmat fees on small quantities.

If you know someone here, you can mail the long guns to yourself, care of them. Remember, YOU MUST BE THE ONE TO OPEN THE PACKAGES.At least that is what the law says..
BTW Welcome to the great interior of Alaska. The outside temp right now is in the upper 80's. On our deck it is over 100....

You know you might give Canadian custums a call and find out what they will and won't allow. I drove truck from Seattle to Alaska and things have changed since 9-11.

good luck on your move. Alaska's gotta be one of the most beautiful places on earth to live. I was up there in the service in the late 70's when the pipe line was going in.

Even though I was born, grew up and live in Idaho I really didn't like the winter's up there and was glad to get back to Idaho when my tour was over.

I know I kinda wimped out, but hunting and fishing down here in the lower 48 is still pretty good.

Kanuck

I was kind of in a rushed move and went to the CFC web site and was a little confused about the whole .22 rim and hand gun issues so I called the counselet (SP) and immigrations. Kept getting the prohibited and banned thing thown around. Seems I could never get a straight answer. So, I sided with caution and treated the things I couldn't get clarification on prohibited. I've learned that is best since I have been to many countries with the military. Anyway, I made it through that AWSOME country with no problems. I also had my most used and favorite rifles and shotguns in my posession. Thanks for the info. Hopefully I will have more time to get my S... straight when I go back to Alaska in a few years.

Roady

Incompetent federal government employees are the bane of our existence! It is a huge waste of taxpayer money to not be able to get a straight answer. While a large part of it comes from the complexity of the regulations, more of it comes from hiring people who don't have a schmuck about what their job is; to them it is just a paycheck.

Whenever I go to the Federal Government for an answer (whether it is on taxation or firearms regulations) I make certain I get the person's full name if they will give it or at least their first name if they won't (and then note carefully the date and time that I called) BEFORE I ask my question. Once they know that I know who they are (or claim to be) I find they are much less likely to give me the runaround and try to shuffle me off to some other government department. When the service is unsatisfactory I make a point of contacting the head of the department and letting them know. I likewise do the same when the service is excellent. In both cases it was appreciated and, although I didn't always get the answer I wanted, I felt like it was worth the trouble.

Roady, that's great news. Anything else about the trip you'd like to share, tips, etc..... might help some fellow travelers.

Aside from the run around I got from the Gov employees. I have nothing but great things to say about the people of Canada. Most of the ALCAN hwy is very remote. When you stop in to grab a bite to eat the people are realy friendly and love to talk and tell you there experiences. I would suggest when you get to the larger towns just gas up, get through and eat and stay at the road side places. I loved the good conversation with the people I encountered along the way. We also stayed at the provincial campgrounds. They are very nice and again you will find some good company after a long days drive. I traveled in late Jul/early Aug. When I do it next time I will go like a mad man until I reach B.C and then take my time going through there and the Yukon. Awsome places. ( I love the mountains) You might want to keep an eye out for wildlife. Deer, caribou, bison and bear were all standing in the road. Only other thing I can think of is to bring extra tires if you are towing a trailer. The ALCAN can be rough at times and their are alot of Km between service stations. However, it is not nearly like the stories I heard in the past . As said before Canada is an incredible place. One day I will expolre the central and eastern parts of Canada.

If you go, go to enjoy!!

Roady