Dear All,

I applied for a MT oufitter sponsored license (elk/mule deer) for this year. The outfitter submitted my application, and presumably the license is guaranteed.

Does anybody know if the license will be forwarded directly to me or to the outfitter once it is issued?? And when will the licenses be issued??

Reason I ask, I need at least a copy of the license to apply to BATF for my temporary firearms import license. Ah, the joys of dealing with bureaucracy...

- mike

Mine was sent to me last year, the outfitter did his part when I arrived in MT. I don't remember just when I think it was May or June.

mho

Send them an email and ask. They are usually very helpful and respond fairly quickly.

I have a firend from Africa that wants to come elk hunting with me in MT. Was there any other issues other than the rifle importation that were a problem?

Thanks Guys, much appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by Ivan:
I have a firend from Africa that wants to come elk hunting with me in MT. Was there any other issues other than the rifle importation that were a problem?

Getting the temporary import license out of BTAF can be a bit tricky. Once you have managed to fill in the papers from: http://www.atf.gov/firearms/form6nia/index.htm, you have to send in the application with a copy of your valid hunting license or an invite to a shooting event. Doing so to a certain extent is like sending papers into the VOID. You address them to ATF, but if no answer is forthcoming within the prescribed 6-8 weeks, then what?? Did your papers get lost on the way there, were they mislaid at ATF, or did the license go missing on the way to you (fax)?? Still, I have managed to get my import license every year, although last year I had to phone ATF up and re-send them my papers for an emergency license issue. I do have to say, ATF were actually very helpful when that panic occurred.

Other than that, license in hand, it is usually pretty painless to enter the US with your rifle. You have to plan a LOT of time for your connecting flight, though. With your rifle, you are a sure target for Customs perusal in your US entry airport, and that usually takes a couple of hours.... But if you know in advance and plan enough time for your onward connecting flight, it is probably more of a hassle than a panic. License in hand, US Customs have always been very friendly and forthcoming towards me.

Also, make sure you have reported the firearms to your airline in advance, and re-report them when you check in. Apparently, in the US there is a requirement for some documentation that your rifle is unloaded be added to the case your rifle is in. Make your friend requests the information about the rifle be forwarded to the airports in the US which he will pass through. I had my suitcase (rifle in break-down case inside) pulled off the luggage line in Denver, opened by security etc - they claimed they did not know about the rifle, yet it showed up on their x-ray. They finally managed to get me located in the airport, so I could explain that I HAD reported my firearm at check-in and here were my ATF papers... In the end, the security people were very nice, AND my rifle made it onto the connecting flight! Travelling with firearms is a bit of an adventure these days...

- mike

thanks for the info. I think we'll be bow hunting so the rifle thing shouldn't be a problem. Does you have to jump through any special hunting license "hoops" because you're an alien? Or for instance if you had your tag just show up and go hunting if you didn't bring a rifle?

I usually receive my MT license in June. They are indeed guaranteed (or supposed to be) and that's why we have to pay, pay, pay more $$. There is another solution to gun importing: borrow a rifle from your Outfitter. I know that's like asking your wife to stay home while you go to Las Vegas for a week of partying with your buddies, but you won't have to fool with the Airlines (coming or going) nor the ATF or Customs. Now, if your real particular about what you shoot, ask your Outfitter if he's friends with any of the local Gunsmiths or Sporting Goods/Gun Dealers in town. Chances are, he is. Ask him if he can check and see if they have a used model XY orZ in stock that they might rent you. You'd be surprised what's hanging in those shops. Just a thought. Good hunting, LDK