Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska In an attempt to be frugal

I am thinking it would be much less weight, and therefore less cost, if I tore my rifles down so that the barreled action with the SS# was the only parts to be mailed to myself there - from the lower forty-eight.

The rest of them, stocks, bolts, mounts, magazines, screws, floorplates, etc I am thinking I'll pack on my truck.

There shouldn't be any issue at justine's border if I'm just hauling the pieces, but not the numbered parts - should there be.?

probably lots of questions...

Yes, there will be problems. The US border agents are wonderful. In 3 decades of of border crossings, i can only recall one dirt-bag. But he wasnt even respected by his u.s. border higher-ups or fellow co-workers.

The Canadian agents are aweful. The most demeaning, belittling, direspectful little fks ive ever dealt with.

Privately record your conversations with them and keep handy, contact info for their bosses as well. If you are harrassed excessively, file complaints to the upper management.

They need to root-out the bad apples at the border, BIG TIME.

U.S.Army Engineers built that fkn road to Alaska, only for future generations of Americans to be harrassed by boarder dudes who are bored, and watch too much crime t.v.

As a former Army Engineer, only had to be part of one aweful road building mission: annete island near ketchican. Could only imagine what the old school army engineers went through, opening that route to Alaska.

Dont take their bllsht, be legal with your personal possesions, and cross that border with some American Pride.....

When I crossed the border into Canada 6 yrs ago that Canadian border guard could not get it through his head I did not have any pistols. I told him I shipped them in household goods. He asked several times where my pistols were at. Dude all I want is to get through Canada back to Alaska. He finally stamped off on my paperwork, but right before he did it he looked at me one more time asking “do you have any pistols” because I declared some rifles and me and the daughter got the hell out of there. Crossing into the US got a hearty welcome back to the United States... People don't realize how good that sounds.

The best when my daughter asked why they have a pictures of queen Elizabeth ..

John,
I feel your pain brother. Youve done over 20 yrs serving this country, you shouldnt have to deal with that bullsht.

My brother in law has a gold claim in Hyder, goes up annually, the interrogations and grillings he goes through are unbelievable. The main takeaway form this is Canadian Border personnel know exactly which firearms he owns as a resident of Arizona. Descriptions, serial numbers, all of it on newer guns with a paper trail. There is only ONE place where they could get that...from 4473's he filled out, voluntarily ( I assume) given to Canada. Four years ago they literally tore apart his truck and trailer at Peace Arch, 2 1/2 hours of constant searching and interrogation. Undid the trailer spares and rolled them around and wanded them. He hates them now.

Hey..

Thanks...been less than an hour and you guys have been all over it.


Yeah, I think I just need to to clarify and perhaps say that
I am not going to be advertising of volunteering any unasked info.
I am not going to bring any firearms.

This way I can eliminate one variable, of having to declare anything.

Just boxes of tools, gear, random households...that's it.......we'll, besides those boxes with the 'parts' in them.


I'm just trying to flow like water over that line,
and not draw attention to myself as anything but some dude bringing my belongings back home, and to live, to work after a season south.

The chances of them searching your vehicle and finding those parts are very high- 6 crossings in 30 years and searched 5 times… same experience as the others “we know you have guns, where are they? Who can we call at your house to verify your guns are there?”

When they do find gun parts, prepare to not reach Alaska on schedule.

Even “parts” of a semi-auto are restricted, and the Canadian Border guard likely doesn’t know the difference between a bolt rifle magazine and a BAR magazine.

Crossing in to Canada, and I have used different crossings.

What I have done was have a typed list of what was placed in each bag, cooler or box.

After they looked the list and then laid out a few boxes and they matched 100% they did not search the others.

They asked and I said that they could look at any item that was in my pickup, a list was in each one.

The cab, was an easy search for them.

Just answer the questions and usually you will be fine.

Where are you from?
Where are you going?
Where do you plan to stop?
How many days do you think you will be in Canada?
Do you have any alcohol or drugs?

If you have to stop and straighten up your interior, before you are going to cross the border do so before you come into the line of sight of the border.

The only time i have been searched was at beaver creek in a empty motor home, apparently no one drives anywhere in a empty motor home. Disassembling firearms sounds like a pita and will undoubtedly raise a red flag.
The way Canada is right now i would probably ship everything except a shot gun

Know a fella few yrs back crossed into beaver creek. Pulling a rv trailer, they give him the 3rd degree. He gets smart with them, you guessed it tore his trailer apart. They found a 30rd magazine now they are really on him, wanting to know where the AR15 is at.. When they didn’t find anything, they walked off and left him to repack his trailer..

Know another guy gets to sweetgrass pulls up to Canadian check point, says he has firearm to declare. Gets inside says he has a pistol to declare, well needless to say pistol became property of Canada. Surprisingly they let him threw. He got bad intel, was told he could declare the pistol at the border.

Between biden and turdeau, bringing many parts across the border is getting to be a pain.

Stocks and screws should be fine with no hassle. Proof that the barreled actions with magazines and bolts are/were shipped would be best.

Our mag policy is (pinned to) 5 round max for semi autos. There are talks of new laws coming in, limiting ALL mags to 5 rounds. As someone pointed out, many guards probably couldn’t tell you the difference in mags so best to just ship them as well.

Firearms, especially handguns are a big issue for our dictator and his friends. Doesn’t matter who you are (civilian). There is a lot of paperwork to have done on BOTH sides before ever leaving home.

As far as crossing borders and being hassled. It’s the same for us. Miserable dealing with US border guards, good dealing with Canadian. It’s all about which side you live on when dealing with them.

Wouldnt think its worth the aggravation at the border, nor the issue of sure to lose a couple parts when you put them back together.

Once when I entered Canada at Haines, the border gal came up to me and started speaking french. I have no idea what it was about me or my vehicle made her think that was the thing to do. I answered her back in german, figuring that if spoken to in french at any international border the best way to get though quickly would be to speak german. Things became uh, awkward at that point. She began using our common language pretty quickly and I got the standard 50 questions about "Where are your handguns and pepper spray?" routine.

As another mentioned I have heard plenty of stories of concerns over stocks, scopes, magazines, bullets (not ammo) and anything military firearm related.

My experiences run heavy to issues with the US rather than Canadian sides... but even that has been extremely minor.

Yeah....well......it's one thing to be frugal, quite another to have to deal with Justina's minions, coupled with the potential of confiscation.

The thought of that alone bout makes me sick...

After having listened to you gents, it just sounds like a Really Bad Idea...

.....a foolish move, an unnecessary risk.

I brought my holster's pistol ammo and accy. with me a major hassle convincing them I did not ship them. Bud had to produce a receipt that he shipped his guns.

Because I cross the border frequently for canoe and fishing trips, I took the training to acquire a PAL [Possession and Acquisition License] for firearms in Canada.
It has saved me a pile of questions and I've even received a few positive comments from Canadian Customs folks.

I wonder why they don't bother pilots like that. Spent a fair number of years off and on ferrying airplanes to and from lower 48 and never got hassled. Just two or three questions.

And of course, your required to have a firearm onboard, they just ask what it is. Never had them even ask to see it. Typically, just carried a old cheap single shot, break action shotgun.

In an attempt to be cheap this is what is likely to happen.

Anything associated with a firearm that they find will warrant a complete unloading and itemized search.

In the end after they have your personal possessions strewn all over the place, they will not bother to pack them up all nicely and neatly like they found them.

Nope.

They will pretty much walk away and you are left with a giant mess and the feeling of being completely violated.

Good luck.

I haven't been thru Canada in 12 years or more, but my experience has been that the Canadian border people are good folks and the US Gestopo on te northern border are not. It may be ( probably) is different now under Castro Jr.

About 30 years ago, we drove Outside for 6 weeks. On the way back north, I had my wallet stolen in Winnemucca, so no ID. The Chev 3500 with topper was packed to the gills with antique furniture from my deceased MIL. Kids aged 5 and 6, no documentation.... This was July - my wife's DL had expired in December....

We hit the border at the main border crossing in WA at noon, which, as the CAN customs guy explained to us, was the exact time and place drug dealers, smugglers, non-custodial parents who are on the run, and other miscreants hit, thinking it will be more lax being so busy. (They aren't!).

The cab was searched, and a couple shotgun shells and a rifle cartridge hiding under the seats were found. They wanted to know about the guns to same (still in AK) tho I had taken a different rifle south with me, for my CO brother. No problem (they asked about the rifle I had declared going south).

They asked what was in the bed, and we told them antique furniture, household goods, and travel supplies. Opening the topper, the CA customs guy pointed to the ears of corn (picked up with a bunch of other produce in the Napa Valley) poking out of a paper bag and said we had to eat them there or dispose of them, (we set up the Coleman stove in the parking lot and ate them, using water from the customs building to boil the corn- lunch!)

He asked what was in the cooler, and I told him breakfast and lunch supplies. He opened it up and there it was - bacon, eggs, bread. He closed it up again (Napa valley produce filled the rest of the cooler, :)). He poked around the back some more, and kept looking at a foot square, 9 or 10 inch high wet, leaking cardboard box, and finally, without opening it, and looking elsewhere, he moved it to the side. It was full of earthworms.

I figure they figured we were such dumshits with so much wrong, that we couldn't possibly be trying to get away with anything!

The last time out, we hit the Beaver crossing going south, with rifles in the truck. Asked if they were cased properly, and the ammo separate. Nope! I was told to take the ammo out of the cases. I did. They didn't check... Asked if we had pepper spray, my wife exclaimed- "Oh, no! I have some in my fany pack" , and went out to get it for confiscation. The customs had already started the paperwork by the time she came in with it, looked at it, and said, " This is bear spray - you can keep this", and had to do more paperwork to cancel out the paperwork already started...

Uh - pepper spray and bear spray differs only in the labels on the can, I think?

At the border crossing into Sweetgrass MT a few days later, at about one in the morning, we have never been treated so rudely by a LEO, as was done by the US Border Jerk. Probably interupted his porn show.....

Given the present, 358, I would ship it all. Dot the i's and cross the t's on everything!

My experiences suggest one will get more attention from components than an intact firearm.

Also keep in mind that the definition of “firearm” is changing on both sides of the border. Part of the evil ghost gun fiasco.

In the late 60's my Pop declared a 1911 at the Grand Portage crossing going in and picked it up Sault St Marie border crossing leaving. I'd sure like to make that trip again.

15 or so trips and never a problem. One time a few years ago, I got flagged for the random number check. Unfortunately it was at shift change and was about a 1.5 hour wait.
But, I have not transported a firearm through Canada in a long time.

I think you’d be money and frustration ahead just filling out the paperwork and following the stoopit rules.

Isn't this the obvious answer? I've taken long guns to and from Canada for at least the last 15 years, excluding 2020 of course. My complex plan is to: Know the rules, have the required paperwork filled out properly and show courtesy to the folks doing the checking. This has led to the amazing total of zero significant problems or delays. Never been searched or even had my firearms directly inspected. It seems lots of people want to create drama where none really exists. Lord willing, I'll be back up for another memorable hunt this fall.

When my wife and I were driving to Alaska in 1980 and received the same thorough inspection.
Other than the rifles I had declared the only firearms we had were two 17th century French flintlock pistols, which I hadn't declared as they were antiques.

You would have though those agents had discovered a plot to overthrow their Gov't !
Until I adamately told them that under US law they wer not classifies as weapons and could even be sent through the mail.

So they told me to turn around and go back into the US and mail them. Which I did and an hour later the same agents waved me through customs .

Indeed.



And I enjoyed your story, Las.

Have traveled to Ontario multiple times over the years on business. Canadian Border Patrol agents are like any other cross section of humanity. Met some really nice ones. And, met two real jerks. Given the wide swing in personalities, I would do whatever possible to minimize the risk of having a bad agent having a bad day decide to make my day worse...

I don't feel like going through all the details, but in 2021 during the covid BS I was required to go through Canadian customs twice. I had interactions with about 6 agents. 5 of them were decent people who did their job and were as respectful as any LEO that I have come into contact with. But there was one who was probably the worst LEO I have ever had to deal with.

She overheard my conversation with the agent who was going to do the serial number check on my rifles, and then took it upon herself to tear my belongings apart to find whatever I was smuggling. Then, not finding anything she grilled me and insisted that I had undeclared firearms. I told her that I had declared everything that I had, and that I wouldn't have a reason to hide anything. That was when she told me that she knew that I had a hidden handgun.....

"What?!"

I asked her where she got that idea and she explained that she had heard me tell the other officer that my gun safe was going to be a PITA to get to as it was under other items and a couple of tarps. She said that was proof that I had something to hide.

I explained that I had driven through several states over several days, through all kinds of weather, and had gone out of my way to pack my things so that they would be safe from the weather and thieves. The little shrew couldn't find anything so she sent me to the "main inspectors" in a large building where they proceeded to question me and do another inspection. When they were questioning me it became clear that they didn't have a lot of respect for the woman who had flagged me for the full inspection. They were professional and courteous, and after a brief "inspection" sent me on my way.

The bottom line: the service you get at the port of entry in the luck of the draw. I sure as hell wouldn't bring firearm parts through, while mailing the barreled actions. Mail all of your firearms, or declare them.

I've always said: "Border regulations change with the shift change"

"frugal" - I'm writing that down. It's a word I don't use much, if at all.

Personally, I prefer "economically minded" -both sound so much better than "cheap". Which I often am.

And sometimes it bites me in the ass.

I’d like to comment on those Kawasaki 900’s in a second…

Currently I’m looking at fork in the road between Whitehorse YT and Tok AK, and asking myself what it the advantage of going up and crossing at Little Gold, or just zip across to Beaver Creek and cross there where I always have…

Anybody got a comment pertaining to those 2 options.?

——————————

Rodney Brimmer and Chuckie Kean both had circa 1978 Kawasaki 900’s with what I believe was Kerker pipes…
I was at little league baseball practice one summer night, and I could hear those guys coming from a mile away…

Earl Widrick said “I was cruising my Harley along at about 60 mph on rt.11 outside of Adams NY when suddenly I was passed by Chuckie with his front tire about 2 feet in the air..”


They had a sound…was unmistakable.



Beaver Creek or Little Gold.?

Would love to find a Kawasaki 900, so I could kill myself on it, lol.

358wsm;
Good afternoon almost evening now my friend, I hope the road trip went well for you.

We ran up to Dawson City from Whitehorse last week and the construction slowed us down at least an hour and a bit on the way up, but less so on the way back.

The road was okay in a SUV or pickup, but we did see one hog rider go down in the slop and can't think that a small or low car would do well with current road conditions.

As to the folks who've been mistreated by Canada Customs, I'll apologize for that. As mentioned it's for sure the luck of the draw.

Currently as a Canuck it's nearly impossible for me to take a firearm or bear spray into the states by the way. Had friends who used to hunt in Wyoming but it's too much paperwork and a less than warm welcome now apparently. Anyways it goes both ways as Nashville said.

We've had "fun" with the good folks at Homeland Security who searched us before we hit Canadian Customs. They can do so without warrant because as foreigners we don't have the same rights citizens do, you know?

Anyways I hope the road trip went okay and you're well.

Dwayne

I will relate my most recent experience this June transporting firearms through Canada. I arrived at the border crossing with the properly prepared RCMP form for nonresidents with non restricted firearms. Do not sign the form until you are in front of the border crossing officer. Answer all questions honestly. I was treated with the utmost respect and professionalism. Border officer never even wanted to see my firearms, he just looked at the paperwork stamped it and gave me a copy to take with me, to be shown immediately if stopped by any other peace officer while in Canada. I was highly impressed by the efficiency and courtesy of the Canadian border officer.

Everywhere I stopped while traveling through Canada people were kind and considerate. The trip proved to be a pleasant experience. Was asked a few times along the way if I was up from the states and my reply was “no down from Alaska.” That seemed to have a positive effect. Always felt welcome and appreciated.

Crossed back into the USA in Idaho on July 4 and had another easy border crossing. Border patrol officer noticed I had Alaska Disabled Veteran plates, asked what branch I served in and told me he was also a DAV. Happy Independence Day and welcome home. Professional and friendly. Overall, I was highly impressed and was always treated with the utmost respect.

Tsavo;
Good evening to you sir, I hope the day's been a good one for you and you're well.

Thanks for the positive report, it's good to hear there's still some decent folks working for Canada Customs.

Also I'm happy to hear most of my fellow Canucks treated you well.

I like to think we've not all lost our minds in the past couple of years but it surely is good to have another opinion from time to time.

Thanks again and all the best.

Dwayne

Yes sir, I believe a little civility goes a long ways for international relations. I grew up on the Ontario Canada border, crossing on a regular basis. Played hockey against Canadian teams and always found them to be fierce but fair competition. Frequently travelled to Canada on hunting and fishing trips with many pleasant memories. I have family in Quebec and visited a lot of them when we went to the ‘67 world expo in Montreal. Through the years I have found Canadians to be extremely well mannered and quick to help (which unfortunately I can’t claim of my fellow Americans).

While stationed with the US Army in Alaska, I was afforded the opportunity to attend the Canadian Armed Forces Jump Master course and had a memorable time. I’m still extremely proud of those jump wings with the Maple Leaf.

On a subsequent assignment to FT Bragg, NC, I pulled TDY duty with JTTF-2 working with our Canadian counterparts. Always found them to be competent and professional. Granted they never had the level of training or equipment the US had. (through no fault of their own primarily due to funding.)

After retiring from the US Army, I was a Federal Air Marshal for 5 years and once again flew through many Canadian ports of entry, always enjoying those sojourns. At least every body spoke English or French and genuinely seemed to like this Yankee.

I travelled under arms all over the world with badge and credentials and rarely experienced any difficulties. This was all pre 9-11. In fact the only Canadian border crossing issue I had was while still serving as a FAM and holding a diplomatic passport. I was on vacation with my family in our RV and the Canadian customs agent being young and highly motivated decided that our vehicle needed a thorough inspection. Even though I could have played my get out of jail free card, I let him enthusiastically do his job. I also figured it would be a good learning experience for my young children that no body is above the law. While my children stood outside watching the search, I went inside the customs building and introduced myself to the AIC, had coffee, compared notes and we both agreed that his agent was only performing his duty. Once the procedure was completed we went on our way.

I have literally crossed the border hundreds of times without any real issues. As an AST, I travelled to Canada to compete in shooting competitions with the RCMP, with friendly rivalry and much comradeship. I have a cousin in the RCMP and a brother in law in the OPP. I count many fine Canadians friend and brothers in arms.

So glad I mailed everything.

I was directed to the inspection building, interrogated for three and a half hours, asked “are you an agent” and “Where are the guns.”

They didn’t believe I mailed them, so they set about to find them.


[bleep] Trudeau and his minions.!



Never again.

So glad I mailed everything.

I was directed to the inspection building, interrogated for three and a half hours, asked “are you an agent” and “Where are the guns.”

They didn’t believe I mailed them, so they set about to find them.


[bleep] Trudeau and his minions.!



Never again.


And to the beautiful people of Canada, I feel for You.!

358wsm;
Morning my cyber friend, I hope that wherever you're at in your journey that you're where you want to be and it's all going well for you.

I'll apologize for the Canada Customs folks, as mentioned already it does go both ways and can be a bit of a crap shoot when crossing.

The rancher that I helped out/weekend cowboyed for, for nearly 30 years was a senior agent at Canada Customs for more years than that. He was old school and had a bunch of patience and horse sense so I'd think he'd have been decent to folks coming into the country.

That said, he'd tell me about folks coming in from the US who'd attempt to smuggle in all sorts of items, handguns among them, as they were somehow of the belief that Canada was the 51st state and it was their right to do whatever it was they were attempting to do.

One of the interesting things about Canada Customs up until maybe 20 years back was that not only were they not armed, but they had no formal firearms handling training. That last bit of oversight led to a few interesting moments when a summer student hire agent would come into the building waiving around a condition 1 1911!

Again I'm sorry you ran into a bad bunch.

One never knows if they've dealt with 20 people in front of you who were actually smuggling something or they just got up mad at the world, you know?

All the best and travel safe.

Dwayne

Aww Dwayne,

Good Morning to you, Sir.


I do understand the dynamics, and support strong border personnel. It is, after all, a matter of security and I understand.

You’re always so gracious in your ways here with us, and I believe that any of us here with any clear perception see you as beloved and our lives are enriched by even the slightest interaction with you.

Two years ago you wrote to me about some stuff, and I’ve been indebted to you ever since…


Thank you always for your words.



And too Dwayne, you cannot apologize for that of which you have not done.
Youve always been good to me here, and you have never offended in the slightest.

I can’t speak on behalf of the ‘fire, but I suspect others agree - we love you, Sir.


Thank you again.!

358wsm;
Thanks for the very kind reply my friend, I do very much appreciate it.

Also I recall we exchanged some correspondence, if you found it useful then that's cool.

At this point in life I like to be useful from time to time.

Should your travels ever bring you up or down the Okanagan and Highway 97 then by all means give me a shout. We'll do our best to at least say hello and perhaps get some ice cream - world famous so they claim - or a coffee into you before the journey resumes.

Thanks so much again and safe travels.

Dwayne

I’d be honored to see you.
Since you’ve given the invitation I’ll put you on my bucket list.

Thank you.