Border Crossing

[llberge]

We will be staying in Shelby, Mt before we cross into Canada, and were planning to cross at Sweetgrass. Looking at Google Earth, it looks like a really large and busy facility. Del Bonita crossing is a little farther to the west but still on our way to Fort MacLeod. Is there any reason not to cross there? Are the smaller crossings more likely to take your RV apart because they are looking for something to do?

[TxGearhead]

Seriously, you think it would be locked when in any area that it could possibly be required? Y'all are as a group quick to tell others how to conduct their life.
TxGearhead out.

[VTLee]

Here is a link to an article about searching cell phones at the border. http://www.msn.com/en-us?cobrand=toshiba13.msn.com&ocid=TSHDHP&pc=MATBJS&inst=1

[GaryKH]

So, when you say `if I can legally carry a 20GA pump shotgun in my camper, unloaded, locked, and stored per regulations, I would like to do that`what`s the point of even bringing it? It would obviously not be used as a protection device, if you had to tell an intruder to just wait until you have taken it out of storage, unlock it, then load it, before you confront him (or her). Seriously, just leave it at home and save yourself a lot of high blood pressure!

[TxGearhead]

I appreciate you trying to help. I understand the Texas plate and CHL will raise concerns with border officials. I'm not trying to evade Canadian laws. I respect Canadians to have whatever regulations the populace supports through their elected representatives.
But...if I can legally carry a 20GA pump shotgun in my camper, unloaded, locked, and stored per regulations, I would like to do that. I am not an attorney, but what I read on the Canadian websites my desire looks perfectly legal. I will call the listed phone numbers for clarity at some point.
Between my schedule and the possible crowds in parks I will have to make this long trip next year.

[garyhaupt]

TxGearhead wrote:
^^I take great umbrage of your assumption of my assumptions, of which you know not.

Gearhead..I was being friendly. I was trying to be helpful. I was trying to see you have a successful and satisfying trip to Banff. I was also suggesting if you don't like what you read, you will most likely benefit from re-thinking your plan. You have a couple hurdles you can't just drive around. A) You are from Texas and that will have CBS asking you about certain things. B) you have a permit to carry concealed and that info pops right up on the CBS computer when they enter your vehicle license. C) you are carrying the shotgun...to do what? If you leave it all in storage, chances are...you will be welcome, after a wee look around. Insist that you need to tote the shotgun...I expect the questions will be harder and may in fact see you turned back. I would rather that not happen. I want you to be able to cross and have a great time.

Now..it is up to you. No one cares if you are from Texas or New Hampshire..well, CBS does, but I mean the rest of us don't.


Gary Haupt

[JaxDad]

TxGearhead wrote:
From Canada Border Services Agency website:

protection against wildlife in remote areas.

Sorry, I thought you said you were going to Banf.

I doubt there's an area within 500 miles of there that they'd consider 'remote' enough they would agree you'd need a firearm for visiting.

[AKsilvereagle]

TxGearhead wrote:
From Canada Border Services Agency website:

protection against wildlife in remote areas.

Jaxdad and Gary are correct upon their posts regarding this portion of border crossing topic as Orion also posted the clear regulation link of "protection against wildlife in remote areas" which is under the jurisdiction authority of the RCMP, not the CBSA....

To add a clearer perspective on how Canada tends to enforce "protection against wildlife in remote areas", this regulation and law pertains to residents of Canada.

A "visiting non resident" of Canada does not fall under this criteria, (namely one without a PAL, the mandatory license in order for any individual to legally possess a registered firearm in Canada)....

As clearly noted, a visiting non resident of Canada (namely a US citizen) entering a land or sea port will normally get a green light on transporting declared long rifles or shotguns (legally entitled citizens to possess) thru Canada if heading to another US destination, such as Alaska or vise versa....you're good to go.

Also clearly noted, any visiting non resident of Canada with a non resident hunting license in possession- tag and other criteria with proof of destination area and hunting grounds can import long firearms....you're good to go.

If a visitor leaving the United States entering Canada is other than a US citizen with possession of a long firearm - they better have some documentation of legally possessing that firearm within the United States or it will be considered unlawful possession, transport and illegal importation in Canada.


For a visiting non resident of Canada, the definition of "remote areas" will generally mean wilderness that is well far away from any roadway or civilization that is not accessible by any motorized vehicle....a legal non resident hunting license in a remote wilderness area will fall under this criteria as well as a work permit of sorts such as a mammal biologist or researcher working in remote locations.


However for a visiting non resident of Canada with a long rifle while declaring to visit some friend living in a very remote wilderness cabin in Canada that is only accessible by four wheeler or foot or what have ya, will not fly....the CBSA just might inform that person to have your Canadian friend meet you fully armed and to escort you to their cabin.

And most certainly a visiting non resident of Canada entering the country in an RV that is declared just vacationing while hiking in remote places will not be allowed entry with long firearms either....

Personal protection, theft deterrent, and crime deterrent regarding reasons for possessing firearms for law abiding US citizens is certainly legal in the United States, these same laws do not pertain in Canada.


CBSA's main authority is reference to the enforcement and compliance upon the importation and possession of firearms (and anything else) when entering Canada under their crown (federal) guideline statutes and criminal codes.


For the CBSA to immediately determine on what set of rules is pertained to any non resident visitor, they always ask :

What brings you into Canada today-

Where is your primary home-

What is your citizenship-

What is the purpose of your visit in Canada-

What is the planned entire length of stay while in Canada-

What destination(s) are you headed to or from while in Canada-



Once these questions are answered (while pending confirmation), the questions regarding declarations are next and other questions they feel to ask upon permitting entry or denying entry into Canada.

[TxGearhead]

obgraham wrote:
I've no dog in this race, but:

Assuming Gearguy arrives at the border with his "non-restricted firearm", i.e. shotgun or rifle, provides the form, and the $25, and is passed by the border agent;
Then, Gary, when he meets the bear, is he not in legal possession of said firearm, and as long as he carries it in accordance with the law as stated on the RCMP website?

I don't see the problem here.

However, I prefer bear spray. Only for bears, of course.

I assume what their laws are and what some folks wish their laws were are two different things.

[TxGearhead]

TenOC wrote:
You can cross with a emergency 12gage flare pistol with any problems.

I saw that. Not a bad idea actually.

[obgraham]

Sorry, double post

[obgraham]

I've no dog in this race, but:

Assuming Gearguy arrives at the border with his "non-restricted firearm", i.e. shotgun or rifle, provides the form, and the $25, and is passed by the border agent;
Then, Gary, when he meets the bear, is he not in legal possession of said firearm, and as long as he carries it in accordance with the law as stated on the RCMP website?

I don't see the problem here.

However, I prefer bear spray. Only for bears, of course.

[TxGearhead]

Orion I looked at your link. Unrestricted firearms are permitted in National parks if they are unloaded and in a case or wrapped where they are not visible.

[TxGearhead]

^^I take great umbrage of your assumption of my assumptions, of which you know not.

[garyhaupt]

Gearhead...I am going to presume that you are carrying that shotgun for 'protection'. We in Canada take great umbrage at the assumption that because one can do it at home, a person thinks they can do it in Canada. You can save yourself just a whack of grief by leaving the blunderbuss for safe keeping, along with the pistolo. Just a for instance..if you were to have a bear in your campsite and you brought out the shotgun...I would bet you will be in jail, in short order. Yes, I know the arguments but unless the bear were actually attacking, there is no reason for you to have it in your hands and until the bear really does charge..you standing there with the weapon will see you charged. You won't be booondocking in any of the areas you mentioned, so if you are worried about your 'personal safety'...having the shotgun is just not a cool thing. I know...jury of 12 better than carried by 6...and maybe that might hold if it actually got to that...but chances are, it won't and if you whip out that weapon to 'protect'..you will go down, under a blanket of RCMP serge. If all I have said leaves you angry and determined to bring it over...perhaps you'd be happier re-thinking the plan.


Gary Haupt