I am going to hunt Mule deer in Utah with a friend this fall. My flights are from Europe to Chicago and the on to Salt Lake City.
Now, I have read a few things about the TSA and want to make an effort not to get my self in trouble. I'll be bringing two rifles and they will be riding in a Tuffpack. My Tuffpack does not have a TSA lock. Should I get a TSA lock for my Tuffpack and install it before going or is that not nessesary? Should my ammo container wear a TSA lock or is a regular padlock ok? I have about five hours in between flights in Chicago, is that going to be enough (assuming no late arrival) to get through customs and on to my next plane?

My permit for temporary import of firearms in to the US is completed and in my hand. Any thing else I need to know or prepare?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Get a TSA lock. Otherwise, you run the risk of TSA cutting your lock off, leaving you with no lock. It has happened to me.

My experience flying with firearms in the USA is contrary to the post above. A lock that can only be opened by the owner is what I have always used, and the gun case is opened in the presence of the TSA agents, and then closed in their presence after inspection. For normal baggage a TSA lock is required. I have never had a lock on a gun case cut by either customs or TSA.

You will go through customs at the first port of entry and will have to have your belongings inspected there. Do not leave yourself a short connection time to the domestic flight, as this can take time when you have firearms. I would give myself 3 hours between an international arrival and a domestic departure.

5 hours should be sufficient to get through customs. Can't help much with the rest, but want to wish you luck on your hunt here in Utah. Mature mule deer make for a very enjoyable hunt. Where/who are you hunting with?

My experience is between that of daniel745 and Wink. Use a non-TSA lock that can only be opened by you for your gun case, but use a TSA lock for your ammunition container. I had a non-TSA lock cut from my ammunition box once, and have changed to the TSA locks. On a trip to Namibia in July I found the note in my bag both ways that TSA had inspected my bag. I assume the x-ray showed it contained ammunition. I do not know if they opened the box, but the locks were fine.

Enjoy your trip to Utah. I hope you get to see a little of the country before or after your hunt. Utah is a beautiful state once you get away from the Salt Lake City area.

A TSA lock on your rifle case would be in violation of TSA and Airline rules.

The lock on your gun case must be NON TSA.

The lock on the guncase must be such that it can ONLY be unlocked by the owner.

Best of luck on your hunt.


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Klein,

My business is to send people to Africa. Use regular key or combo lock on your gun case, TSA lock on your ammo box and you'll be legal.

Mark

Five hours in transit in Chicago should be plenty, barring very unusual weather. When I lived there, over 20 years ago, there was one occasion when I was riding on a business jet from Seattle, where an ice storm closed Chicago O'Hare and all airports east of Denver. We ended up turning back to Denver after getting almost to Chicago.

Mule deer season is not likely to encounter that, though.

I agree fully with Dale, JTEX, & Mark.

Thanks every one for your quick response. Now I know how to prepare to minimize the risk of mishaps.

I am hunting with Bucks and Bulls of Ogden Utah and the area to be hunted is called Guildersleeve. I am after a management mule deer and Mr D'Arcy Echols will be my hunting guide and travel companion in the US.

I sure am looking forward to this. Again, thanks every one!

Klein,

Best of luck on your hunt.

Mark

Just wanted to add........ over and above the TSA issue...... I am guessing that the licence from the BATF for firearms is taken care of already or is that just for Canadians going hunting in the US? Thought I should stick this in here and enquire, just incase.

Possibly things have changed and I am unaware of it.......... and God knows that is possible.

Klien:
Other than landing in Chicago it sounds like you've gotten things well lined up.
Never knew Echol's to guide til this post though. He's a fantastic gun builder. Do you have any of his guns? IF not, you WILL take one home, or at least order one while with him. Want to bet?
Have a great hunt and do spend some time looking the country over while you're over here.
George