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Travel Right
After having several boxes of ammo hoisted from my bags by clueless TSA agents over the years and more recently, dealing with the hassles of traveling with tons of hunting gear and usually a firearm, I thought it was a good time to bring back this oldie, but goody from the NWTF.
If you plan to fly this season to hunt, check them out:
Be early - Airlines are telling the average flyer to arrive one to two hours before takeoff. If you are traveling with a firearm, it will be to your advantage to arrive sooner. When checking in, you will need to fill out a form declaring the firearm is unloaded. Gate agents will open your gun case for verification.
Call ahead - Rules concerning firearms can change quickly. Ask for the rules when you book your trip, and call back a few days before you leave to ensure nothing has changed.
Open your mouth - Declare the firearm to the first TSA representative you see. When you declare, call it a firearm, not a gun or weapon. Those words can cause unease, which may mean delays for you.
Use a hard case - Airlines require that firearms be transported in the original manufacturer's non-cardboard box or in an approved lockable hard case. Have the key ready since you will need to unlock and relock it during check-in.
Check the extras - Knives, ammunition and tools must be stored separate from the firearm and packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners. Airlines have different regulations on how much ammunition can be carried and most require you to transport it in its original packaging. Any amount above the allotted weight will cost extra. Check with your airline for specific restrictions.
Know the laws - Before heading out, read up on the firearms laws for the area that you are traveling, especially if you plan to leave the country. Countries like Canada and Great Britain require documents months before entering the country with a firearm.
Be responsible - Every time you are out with a firearm, you become a representative of the shooting sports. Follow gun safety to the max and prove that responsible owners are a danger to no one.
Excellent advice.
Re: Ammunition... At Norfolk/VA Beach Airport, Norfolk, VA, I was instructed to put my ammunition in my gun case with the firearm when departing for a turkey hunt.
Simply reinforces Doug's message: Call ahead.
Posted by: Doug | March 19, 2007 at 07:26 AM
DRIVE......when you can. Typical, Walter Parrott was detained in Fort Myers last spring when they checked his gun and found the ammo in the same case. The ticket agent freaked out and called the law. When they arrived, Walter told them that he would donate all of his turkey loads to the local Police Department.
Turns out the chief must have been a turkey hunter himself because they confiscated his ammo and let him go.
One thing I do dearly miss about working with the NWTF is watching Rob Keck bust the TSA folks. Keck has that manual committed to memory and he just waits on one of them to mess up.
Again, drive when you can.
Brown
Posted by: John Brown Jr. | March 19, 2007 at 12:54 PM
We are planning a trip to Texas for hog hunting over the Memorial Day weekend. TSA at Friendship International Airport instructed us to pack the ammo, in original factory baxes, in the gun cases.
PS: This will be a 3 generation hunt.
Posted by: Henry Bouchat | March 21, 2007 at 07:26 PM
i travel to many states and canada each year hunting and have never had a problem with a firearm. most airlines say TO PACK AMMO IN THE CASE WITH THE GUN, NOT SEPERATLY as your article suggests. i have always done this and had no problem, in fact i pack knife,gps,compass, and anything else i can fit in the gun case to save weight in my other bag, to try and stay under the 50 lb limit. as john brown said, in original containers in the gun case. ron spomer also got it wrong in a recent article in sports afield. thank you
Posted by: j young | March 21, 2007 at 09:00 PM
Call the airline!!! First time I flew with rifles(Delta) it was ammo in case with gun.Four years later and each time since it has been in checked luggage seperate from the firearm,and in origional boxes or containers specifically designed for ammunition,i.e. plastic reload boxes.I've flown with Delta and Air Canada and rules were the same.I usually put my knife with the rifles so it gets to camp instead of "falling out " of my duffle.
Posted by: Gerald Keller | March 21, 2007 at 11:42 PM