I was hoping some of you could help me with a few questions I have in planning my Saskatchewan deer hunt. Both Canadians and it seems there are more than a few Americans than read this forum that have done this trip.

- Given the Air Cananda extra handling charges, I would prefer to fly another carrier. I have heard only good things about WestJet. It seems I can fly to a number of major cities on one of our domestic carriers (and maybe use points) then transfer to WestJet for the final leg to Saskatoon. The prices to Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, etc are all comparable. Is there a preferable city in regards to customs, etc considering I am carrying a firearm? Is there any issues with landing, going through cutoms, then carrying my firearm around the airport and rechecking on WestJet.
- I can't determine from the airline information if a trigger (or bolt) lock is required. I typically remove my bolt and place it in a cutout in my guncase. Is this considered inoperable or should I buy a lock to prevent reinsertion of the bolt? This question applies both to checking at the airport and driving. The online firearms regs state some thing to the effect of making the firearm inoperable but alway have the note (or remove the bolt).
- I will have to rent a car and drive 4 hrs or so to camp. My gun case often is a tight sqeeze in a trunk. Am I interpreting the regs correctly that leaving the firearm in the locked guncase would suffice if I leave the vechicle unattended, such as if I grab a bite to eat or use the bathroom? Should I cover it with a sheet or something to make it out of sight? If the gun case doesn't fit in the trunk, should I place it in the trunk in its soft case?
- I will likely have to overnight in Saskatoon upon arival. My comprehension is the locked gun case in the room suffice for the storage? I would think that is better than leaving in the car.


Probably some dumb questions, but was wondering what you do when traveling. The last thing I want to do is make a stink while I am a guest in your country.

Thanks for yout time.

quote:

I can't determine from the airline information if a trigger (or bolt) lock is required

You do not need a trigger lock.I hunt in several Canadian provinces and don't even own a trigger lock.A locked gun case is acceptable,as long as no ammunition is stored in the same compartment as the firearm.

When traveling in the country by car, if the regs are the same for you as a visitor, then storing the firearm out of sight, e.g. in the trunk would be fine, in fact prefered. If the vehicle doesn't have a trunk then storing it out of sight is sufficient, provided the vehicle is locked. There is no requirement of it being locked in a gun case, or having a lock on it. The gun is "in transport", and different rules apply than when it is in storage.

For the price of a trigger or cable lock, I'd just put one on, to make everybody more than happy, when flying. Some of our (and likely yours, and those of Germany, Thailand, and Bokiwokistan's) border officials may have there own interpretation of the rules, and feel they are in power to enforce it.

Frans

,Last fall a friend almost missed connecting flights because the gal at Westjet here in Regina insisted he have a trigger lock despite having removed the bolt and having the gun in a locked case. She showed us a Westjet memo to that effect. In seems ridiculous to refuse a gun minus the bolt in favour of one with the bolt and wearing a cheap trigger lock but thats the way she and the airline view things. Luckily I was able to run home and get one of mine for him as their were no stores open at 5:30 A.M.

Even though my daughter works for Jazz, the Air Canada subsiduary, I'll fly Westjet if I am taking guns.


Another question is have you contacted the Canadian Firearms Center re. the permits to get your gun(s) into Canada? The forms are available on line so they can be filled out ahead of time but DO NOT sign until in the presence of a Customs officer.

As a matter of principle, I hate to go beyond what is required by law unless I want to..But in your case, flying, I would do it.

Trigger or cable lock the gun, put ammo in other checked luggage. And Westjet wants it to be in FACTORY boxes, and they may wish to examine it.

I had mine in a securely taped MTM caseguard box, and they let it go. They dont' want loose ammo in your bag. If you are taking handloads, make a sticker for your cases that say "metalman ammo factory" or soemthing, and stick it on th plastic cases.

Make sure that you have your customs paperwork in order.

I'd put the gun in a soft case in your trunk. And DEFINITLY take it into your hotel, along wiht all other gear.

I would not store the bolt with the gun inside the hard case. if you gun is stolen you are providing a working gun. i travel with the bolt in my duffel bag.

note: it can not go inside your carry on.

never leave the gun inside the car unattended.

stumbblejumper, says a trigger/cable lock is not required. welcome back

murf says it is required.

can we get some clarification on that please?
is it a canadian law or an individual airline policy?

If you want the law, call the CFC at 1800 731 4000 or check the Firearms Act online.

If you want to get on the plane, check what the individual air carrier wants you to do.

quote:

Originally posted by cold zero:
stumbblejumper, says a trigger/cable lock is not required. welcome back

murf says it is required.

can we get some clarification on that please?
is it a canadian law or an individual airline policy?

I believe it is airline policy as what the gal showed us was under the Westjet letterhead. Reading the law it would seem a locked case would be enough. I believe it is just the same as Air Canada's requiring a special fee for checking firearms. Be aware this fee does not quarantee any extra care as the gun will likely come off the luggage belt along with your suitcase and anyone can grab it. I have seen gun cases left on the conveyor after all other luggage has been claimed. It seems to be nothing more than a money grap.

Of the three cities you mention Winnepeg or Calgary will be fine, although I had no issues at Pearson with my rifles.

Just by a trigger lock, both arilines in Canada want one.

Thanks for all the info.

I found Northwest flights direct from my home city to Saskatoon with Saskatoon being the first Canadian destination, so I booked that one direct so that I would not have to change airlines and can book my luggage all the way through.

In case anyone else is looking, I noted that a few outfitters recommended Uniglobe travel in Saskatoon. I did book through then and it was at a discount from what I found on Northwest's website, Expedia, Travelocity, etc.

I spent last weekend working up a load. I will call and see what is desired for packing it. Thats again for the tips.

Saskatoon is no problem for an entering hunter. By all means preregister your rifle to expedite your customs & immegration experience.

Good luck and bag a big one.

I use a combination trigger lock. Leave the combo on 000 and don't click the lock when you put it on the gun. I've never had one jam shut like that I suppose if I were stopped I'd lock it as I handed it over to the officer.

the chef

quote:

Originally posted by Gatehouse:
If you want the law, call the CFC at 1800 731 4000 or check the Firearms Act online.

If you want to get on the plane, check what the individual air carrier wants you to do.

Sage advice from Gates.

The catch in all this is that the airline is taking possession of, and transporting, your firearm for you. As such, and much to our chagrin, they have every right to place additional constraints on you.

If they want the firearm "deactivated" and "inside a locked case", then you're going to have to comply or risk missing your flight or arriving without your firearm.

The easiest solution, IMHO, is a locked case and a trigger lock. No-one ever questions it.

Is it really overkill compared to the strict interpretation of the law? Yah, probably. But remember that the law is about you transporting your firearm in your vehicle (or a friends, etc), and does not strictly speak to you handing your firearm to some 3rd party business for them to have handled by their luggage gorillas, and exposed to whatever kind of theft, damage etc that goes along with that.

Cheers,
Canuck

Does Saskatoon have a customs. Our hunters had to clear in Regina, Calgary or Wpg. then relaod to S'toon. This was a few yr. ago. Also I'd walk to Saskatoon before I got on a northwest plane. Mark

I have never flown into or out of "Toon town" but according to their web page they offer Customs andImmigration.


http://www.yxe.ca/facilities/services.php

quote:

Originally posted by 35404:
Also I'd walk to Saskatoon before I got on a northwest plane. Mark

mark;

what problems have you had with northwest. i know they fired their mechanics and now farm out the little maintenance that they do.

I am almost ashamed to admit that we kept going back for more. On a flight from Florida to Regina we were kept in Mpls for 5 hr. while they screwed in 2 seats in the exit aisle then waited for a stewardess as the ratio of passengers to crew was wrong. Flight from Hawaii we were left at the gate when their connecting flight was 1/2 hr. late. Our luggage made the transfer and we were there 20 min before the plane left but they had resold our seats and so no room for us.Their staff were rude arrogant pricks. We actually hired a lawyer and NW sent our $ back for the entire round trip. Even their letter of 'apology' was rude. We eventually flew Alaska Air to Anchorage then to Edmonton, then home. Memorable trip. About 10 yr ago we flew NW to Florida, and were to return in 2 wk. Wife called nw the day before we were to return to see if everything was ok and they said no, that flight had been cancelled. No call, no explaination just too bad for you. They arranged flight with Southwest to Pheonix then to Regina on a charter. My typing finger is wearing down but I have more bad dealings with them. Go Westjet. Mark