Can someone fill me in on the rules for a foreigner like me, bringing my rifle and ammo into and then out again, in Alaska.
Yep I'm one of those aliens.

Thanks in advance

It's the same as for the rest of the US. Somewhat painful, and rather slow!

See
here for a State summary on this issue - no real problems. You will need an Alaska hunting license, if that's what you're taking the firearm/s for. Pricing is here, along with online purchase links etc.

But the Feds are a different story - though at least there's now a 'streamlined' form version for hunters and such - info/ form download is here. Once approved, the ATF Form 6NIA firearm/ammo import permit is good for a year. You must have State [any State] hunting license first, to get the 6NIA approved, and also to be able to purchase ammo in the US.

Here's another website with some up-to-date changes, and experiences, with this system: Lost Target. Seems there are some gotchas, like not being able to take ammo purchased in the US out, without an export permit. And a changed ATF fax number, that hasn't been updated on their website!

You're a legend mate!!!
thanks for that.

I'm landing Anchorage 6th Oct. Looks like I'm out of luck as the ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) takes 6-8 weeks to process.
Man you guys sure have some bureaucracy to tangle with.

TrackersNZ,

We dont have the bureacracy to tangle with, you do.

We can buy whatever we want when we want it in our own state without asking big brother for a thing.

Are you going with and outfitter? I think you must be. If so, I am suprised the outfitter hasn't inform you better and kept you updated on regulations. That would rub me wrong.

It's been a few years since I hunted Alaska, but I think if your not a US citizen, you must hire an outfitter even if only hunting caribou, blackies, deer, etc.

Even US citizens who live outside Alaska have to hire an outfitter if we choose to hunt brownies, sheep or goats.

Good luck, you'll love Alaska hunting!

quote:

Originally posted by TrackersNZ:
I'm landing Anchorage 6th Oct. Looks like I'm out of luck as the ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) takes 6-8 weeks to process.
Man you guys sure have some bureaucracy to tangle with.

I did mention it was rather slow! The 'Lost Target' site info says up to 10 weeks for the 6NIA. That's why I pointed you there. Real-world experience, not departmental wishful thinking.

Here's the Alaska F&G FAQ on guides:

Do I need a guide?

Resident Licensees: No

Nonresident Licensees: Yes if you plan to hunt brown/grizzly bear, sheep or goat. You may have a resident spouse or relative within & including the 2nd degree of kindred be your guide.

Nonresident Alien Licensees: Any hunting of big game animals requires a guide.

Man I was *this* close to getting my permit before my hunt! I sent it in on the 22nd of August. I got the form faxed back this weekend saying that they did not receive the second page and I would have to resend. I watched that thing go through myself and have the fax confirmation and everything. I sent the forms, my itinerary, my gun registration and firearms Possession License. I sent everything! Oh well. Maybe next time! I tried on short notice, and I appreciate their help getting to it quickly but it really is a shame that they were missing part of it. What luck.

I requested on my fax, that confirmation be sent back. So far have heard nothing.
Different story with the State of Alaska Department of Fish & Game. Bought the License "On-Line" , printed out the approved licence immediately and also got an original in the mail within a week.
Seems like Alaska is very keen to have overseas hunters, up there to hunt, but just haven't figured out a simple way to get guns in.

I've more or less written off my chances.
Us Kiwi's aren't used to planning so far ahead, as our local system is so simple.
Down here you can arrive at the airport with your gun, fill out some easy paperwork on arrival, part with NZD$25.00 (Less than USD$20.00) So long as you have a license in your home country (Either a Gun Licence or a hunting license) Then you are immediately issued with a 12 month visiters gun permit.
This permit allows you to use a gun for hunting and sporting purposes, as well as enables you to obtain free hunting permits for all public hunting land in New Zealand.
No tags, no bag limits.
Hunt to your hearts content, take as many big game animals as you please, at any time of year.
Sounds too good to be true, but it is.

Have heard from someone else that 6-8 weeks would be bare minimum, allow at least 10 weeks, and preferably 6 months.
In future guess I'll apply at least 6 months in advance.

Not too much of a problem as my Guiding Buddy has plenty of Rifles to loan, however would be nice to have my own gun, along with my own reloads and know just how it shoots.

Trackers NZ, if i came from Southern Ireland, with my .223 permit i have, what game am i permited to hunt?
Is it that simple, i just arrive at the airport and fill out a form?
Thanks.

Yes it is that simple.

You can then hunt all NZ Big game Species found on Public land, except Sambar deer which require a special license.
Red Deer, Sika Deer, Fallow deer, Wapiti, Whitetail, Rusa deer.
Tahr
Chamois
Wild Boar
Goats
Feral Sheep
Feral Cattle (Scrub Bulls)
Wallaby

Small game
Hare Rabbit
Possum
Ferret
Stoat
Feral Cat
Hedgehogs

There are no bag limits, nor seasonal restrictions on any of these species.

I'm not suggesting your .223 would be the best choice for all these species, just telling what you are allowed to hunt.
.223 is widely used on Deer species and smaller game in NZ.
Many will argue that the .223 is a varmint calibre, however they are extensively and sucessfully used by many experienced NZ hunters, especially in meat recovery operations.
not my choice, but it's happening here.

Mik,you could any aniaml you wanted,you could go and hunt Elk or Thar with a 223 if you wanted it would not be a good idea but you could.

Unforutnately the permitting for the guns is run through our federal government, not our state government. I have a feeling if it was up to the state, you wouldn't be required to have any paperwork to bring a gun in.

Did you end up cancelling your hunt, or are you going to use a loaner gun?

I suspected as much, when I had to apply to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives. West Virginia. (Not Alaska)

I'll use a loaner. No big problem. sure won't take away from the experience. looking forward to it.

For those who are interested in the NZ Gun import rules:

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/importing.php

Thanks Guys for the info, you have been very helpfull.

Miracles happen, it seems!!!!
I have in my hot hands an approved ATF 6NIA.
Yeahah!!!!
Submitted 27/8/05
Approved 22/9/05

My faith is restored.

Great outfit, that Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives from West Virginia.

Man that was so easy.
The customs guy's in Anchorage were more intertested in talking hunting than giving me the once over. papers worked fine.
Again nomproblems on the way out, had a great yarn with the guy checking out the gun on it's way home.
I did get told off in Taiwan, for having 21 rounds of ammo, when my paperwork said only 20. But other than that they were quite happy that I left the airport with a high power rifle in hand, with no local licence and only the USA paperwork.
Biggest problem I had was Air New Zealand loosing my bags (Including my gun) on the last leg of the journey Sydney to Christchurch. It did turn up on my doorstep by Taxi two days later, along with my Goat Horns, so was most releived.
Was quite surprised, how you can get about in Alaska with a gun, most places. Took mine hiking, just in case of a bear problem, no one battted an eyelid on the hiking trails. Half the guys I met out hiking had sidearms on.
Quite a different scene to my country.