I have a friend inquiring about procedures, airlines or any other helpful info for traveling to a hunt in Scotland from US. I know nothing about this, so would appreciate help.

Best regards, D. Nelson

I am hunting stag in Scotland with Mike McCrave this coming September. I sent him a good guy letter from my local police, a copy of my passport, and my rifle information (type/serial number etc.). Mike was going to get the permit in advance. Takes a month or so. Not sure how you would do this on your own.
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LB;

Thanks for info. Will your outfitter meet you at the airport to clear you there?

Thanks, D. Nelson

Once you get your paperwork from your sponsor, it is a simple process and you should not need anyone to clear you. You need to make sure your airline will carry a firearm to the UK. AA will not. I have flown British Airways and United. You just need to let them know in advance that you are checking a firearm. Check the airline website but I think it is a week advance. You will be charged a hazard cargo fee for the firearm handler charges but to me the charge is worth the peace of mind as they inform you that your firearm is on the flight and guide you through customs and check in. A hazard cargo carrier will recover your firearm on arrival and take you to a private room where paperwork and the firearm will be checked and you will be sent on your way. The reverse is done on departure.

That has been my experience arriving in the UK with a firearm in different cities. Everyone has always been very polite and professional.

I used the gamekeeper or stalker's rifle the last few times. Less worry if you plan to look about the country and everyone I have seen has excellent kit.

Safe travels..................Larry

Thank you so much for specific info. I will pass it along!

Best regards, D. Nelson

D,
Renting a local gun is an option. I do this regularly in other places. He may even get a Blaser!!!!

Ross;

I'll make that suggestion and then run!


But thank you though!

Best regards, D. Nelson

You cannot rent a rifle in the UK, as in pop into a gunshop and rent one for e a couple of weeks.

What we do have is the "Estate Rifle" facility whereby a guest is able to use the rifle that belongs to the occupier of the land, in practice the guide or "stalker", under their "close" supervision. There is no actual definition of "close" but in practice it means within sight and earshot - ie you are out on the hill together, and you can can creep forward and take the shot, but you cannot go off on your own with the rifle.

Indeed we have strict controls on rifles - as an FAC holder I can only use the rifles that are on my certificate - I can not just borrow one for the day (although I can use one under the "estate rifle" facility).

You can apply for a visitor permit and full details are here:

http://www.scotland.police.uk/...ges/firearms/146928/

In practice, your sponsor will be a good friend or the estate where you are stalking.

You do also need to consider storage whilst you are in the UK and not stalking. Often the estate itself can store, or a gunshop like Dickson's in Edinburgh (well worth a visit) will happily look after a firearm for a few days if needs be.

The more discreet the firearm the better. Takedown rifles are ideal, but if yours is a full length, simple unscrew the stock and use a shorter case. Ideally have one that fits inside a duffle bag and nobody will know you are transporting a firearm. But most country hotels are used to visitors coming for shooting, and indeed often have gun cabinets in which to store firearms.

Often overlooked is that we also have strict laws on carrying knives in public, without good reason. You can carry a small knife with blade of less than 3" long provided it is not a locked blade. Anything else you need good reason. No problem carrying a knife in the field - good reason - but remember to take it off your belt when going into a shop or restaurant. Penalties for carrying a knife without good reason are steep - 3 years eating porridge.

SFRanger $ Heym;

Thank you very much for the great info...on knives too!

Best regards, D. Nelson

Yes. My outfitter is picking me up at the airport with the firearm paperwork. I also had the option of using his rifles but its more fun to use your own equipment. Makes for memories when you pull the rifle out of the safe.
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I feel the same. Why do we have all of our custom guns, if we can use them in the field!

Thanks again for the info.

Best regards, D. Nelson

But then, you get to shoot other guns and calibers you would never use otherwise
Just as memorable, at least to me
Hunting is the memory I like
Anyway, each to their own

one other good thing to have with you is a cable lock so that you can lock the rifle to a firm object in your room if no other storage available. Also keep bolt and ammo seperate. If staying at a hotel, its often better and more discrete to leave the rifle its self locked in the boot (trunk in us vernacular), cable locked to the interior if possible, and have the bolt and ammo in your bag.

The law is strict - we have to take "reasonable precautions" to prevent unauthorised access to firearms. The conversation is much better - "officer our car was broken into and they have stolen an expensive piece of wood and metal. No its in operable as I have the bolt and ammo in my hand, and its a custom 275 wizzbang calibre, so no they are not going to find ammo easily" rather than "officer they have broken into the car and fully functioning rifle with lots of ammo".

Great point and thanks for passing that on to me!

Best regards, D. Nelson