{"id":865,"date":"2019-03-26T17:32:10","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T21:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.wholesalehunter.com\/?p=865"},"modified":"2020-02-02T23:28:26","modified_gmt":"2020-02-03T04:28:26","slug":"traveling-firearms-craig-boddington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/traveling-firearms-craig-boddington\/","title":{"rendered":"To Travel With Firearms"},"content":{"rendered":"

TO TRAVEL WITH FIREARMS \u2026
\nBy: Craig Boddington<\/h1>\n
\"At<\/a>
At the airport on the way to Argentina: Duffel bag, gun case, and carry-on. A gun case automatically means you\u2019re traveling heavy; overweight baggage charges are part of the deal when you travel with firearms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just recently I got back from a \u201cmixed bag\u201d hunt in Argentina<\/a>: where I did some wingshooting, deer<\/a>, and water buffalo hunting. I took an over\/under Blaser<\/a> 12 gauge<\/a>; and a Blaser<\/a> R8 with .270<\/a> and .375<\/a> barrels. At this moment I\u2019m on an airplane, headed toward Cameroon<\/a>. I do not have a gun case<\/a> in the cargo hold; I\u2019ll be using a \u201ccamp gun.\u201d In this article I will be discussing the pros and cons of flying with and without\u00a0 firearms while traveling to hunt.<\/p>\n

Mindsets vary. If you\u2019re a hunter who views a firearm<\/a> as an essential tool, then, so long as a suitable tool is available, it may not be important for you to bring a favorite firearm<\/a>. On the other hand, if you\u2019re a \u201cgun guy,\u201d it may be important for you to bring a firearm<\/a> you consider perfect for game you\u2019re hunting. Destinations vary. Sometimes it\u2019s fairly easy to bring guns<\/a>; other times it\u2019s a major hassle, but still possible. And there are places where the hunting is great but it is not possible to bring a firearm<\/a>. You simply must use whatever is available.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m both a hunter and a \u201cgun guy.\u201d Given a sensible choice I prefer to bring my own. However, I\u2019ve hunted several places where bringing a firearm<\/a> isn\u2019t possible. That\u2019s easy: I\u2019ll use whatever is available! Where decisions get hard are situations where practicality and convenience enter in. Essential to consider: Game and hunting conditions; and what firearms<\/a> are available?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

ARGENTINA AND CAMEROON<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Hunting<\/a>
Hunting partners Gary Wells and Heather Smith elected to use camp rifles and save the hassle. They did fine; Gary\u2019s stag is a lot bigger than mine! This huge red stag was taken with outfitter Marcelo Sodiro\u2019s McMillan .300 Weatherby Magnum\u2026pretty good \u201ccamp gun.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My two situations, Argentina<\/a> and Cameroon<\/a>, although quite different, are good examples that led to different decisions. Argentina<\/a> is the largest destination in the world, up to 20,000 foreign hunters per year. Their police and customs officials are no strangers to firearms<\/a>. Foreign hunters can get temporary permits on arrival, or in advance at the nearest Argentinean consulate. It isn\u2019t really a problem, but there are costs: Their government charges for the permit and your outfitter will probably charge to help expedite the permit. If you are flying to various places around Argentina<\/a>, you must check the firearms in and out with the local airport police with every transition\u2014much like South Africa<\/a>. It is not a problem<\/em>, but it\u2019s a hassle. My hunting partners, Heather Smith and Gary Wells, elected to use camp firearms<\/a>\u2026and they had to wait for me in every airport!<\/p>\n

I was filming, so using sponsor firearms<\/a> was essential. But, absent compelling justification, there is no reason to bring firearms<\/a> into Argentina<\/a>! Outfitters there have good guns. Bird lodges have racks of shotguns<\/a>, usually Benelli<\/a> and Beretta<\/a>. Big-game areas will have well-scoped<\/a> bolt-actions in appropriate cartridges. I used my guns while Gary and Heather borrowed; at the end of the hunt we were all equally successful.<\/p>\n

\"In<\/a>
In Argentina I carried a .270 and .375 barrel for my Blaser R8. As expected, the .375 barrel was used just once to take this water buffalo. These water buffaloes are huge and I needed the .375\u2026but in this camp they had sturdy CZ .375s available for use.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cameroon<\/a> is a different deal. I wanted to take the perfect rifle, and had my heart set on a 9.3x62mm<\/a> from Montana Rifles. I could have\u2026but the only way to get a gun permit is through their Washington embassy and I ran out of time. Outfitter, Phillippe Bernon suggested (politely) that they had three good scoped<\/a> .375s<\/a> available: A Blaser R93<\/a>, a CZ<\/a>, and a Sako<\/a>. This is a forest hunt<\/em>. The range will be close, a .375<\/a> is fine. I decided it wasn\u2019t worth it to fight city hall. I don\u2019t even know which of the three I will use\u2026but it really doesn\u2019t matter.<\/p>\n

TRAVELING WITH FIREARMS\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"A<\/a>
A hard case has to be sturdy with all hinges intact\u2026and all lock holes must be filled with locks. I disassemble my guns inside the case and add a gun lock\u2026the idea is to make the security folks as comfortable as possible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anywhere in the world the most important thing is to know the rules. Within the United States it\u2019s simple: In checked baggage, sturdy gun case<\/a>, unloaded, disassembled if possible, all lock holes in the case filled with locks. Ammunition<\/a> cannot be in the gun case<\/a>, but can be in other checked baggage. The magic litany: \u201cIn original factory containers, less than 5 kilograms (11 pounds).\u201d Always <\/em>check the airline\u2019s website for any special rules, and for sure announce firearms<\/a> and ammunition<\/a> when you check in. Here\u2019s the first caveat<\/em>: The rules change! Some carriers will not carry firearms<\/a>. Period, end of story. Make damn sure!<\/p>\n

Traveling outside the U.S. is more complicated. Basic rules are similar, but the check-in agent has the obligation to ensure that your firearm<\/a> can enter your destination country. So, if a temporary permit is needed, do it in advance and have a copy\u2026or make certain it\u2019s right there in black and white (in the airline regulations) that you can obtain a temporary permit on arrival (Argentina<\/a>, Canada<\/a>, Namibia<\/a>, and South Africa<\/a> are popular examples of this situation).<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/a>
Inside the U.S. ammo can be in a checked bag separate from the guns but elsewhere in the world it\u2019s more common to check it separately in its own lock case. I\u2019ve used this lockable ammo can for years; it starts unlocked in my duffel bag but can be locked and checked when required.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ammo<\/a> is another story. In the U.S. you can technically put ammo<\/a> in checked baggage separate from firearms<\/a>. In much of the world ammunition<\/a> is checked separately in its own locked container. Here\u2019s what I do: My ammunition<\/a> is packed in a small \u201cmilitary-style\u201d ammo can<\/a>\u2026with a hasp and padlock in the can to be used when needed. I start with the ammo can<\/a> unlocked in my duffel\u2026but I can lock it, and check it separately as needed. Checking ammo<\/a> separately in a locked container is standard throughout much of the world.<\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>
This U.S. Customs Form 4457, obtained by bringing your (cased!) firearm to any Customs office. There is no record kept, but it serves as a \u201cU.S. gun permit\u201d elsewhere in the world. Previously this form was valid as long as you owned the firearm, but today most of them have expiration dates in the fine print in the upper right corner\u2026a current 4457 is essential.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The permit process differs radically in various countries, but your outfitter and a gun-savvy travel agent (highly recommended!) can help. The real magic lies in a little piece of paper called \u201cU.S. Customs Form 4457<\/a>.\u201d Available at any U.S. Customs office<\/a>, it\u2019s the same form used to record jewelry, watches, or cameras you\u2019re traveling with\u2026to prove you didn\u2019t buy them overseas. No record is kept, so it\u2019s a silly form\u2026but essential for firearms<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere in the world, U.S. Customs Form 4457<\/a> generally serves as a \u201cfirearms permit\u201d to obtain a temporary permit. The problem is the game is changing. Historically, that magical little form 4457<\/a> was good as long as you owned the firearm<\/a>. Today\u2019s forms are dated <\/em>with an expiration, <\/em>fine print, top right corner. So, it\u2019s wise (and in some countries essential for a temporary permit) to get new forms.<\/p>\n

Ah, one more caveat<\/em>. You<\/em> need to know the rules. Unfortunately, many airline employees and even TSA<\/a> and U.S. Customs<\/a> folks don\u2019t know their own rules! Congressman David Crockett<\/a> of Tennessee<\/a> liked to say \u201cBe sure you\u2019re right, then go ahead.\u201d Honest, you can\u2019t argue with these people. You can go through various levels of supervisors, but you cannot argue and must be polite! Just now, coming in from Argentina<\/a>, I got a belligerent inspector who refused to accept a copy<\/em> of my 4457<\/a>. That\u2019s a first; it\u2019s a form that no one has a record of, and copies should be fine\u2026but not with this guy. He also insisted they do not expire, so, on this form, he was quite surprised to see, in fine print, \u201cExpiration Date 08\/31\/2019\u201d in the upper right corner.<\/p>\n

The discussion, now calm, got more interesting when I commented that this form served as a \u201cinternational\u201d throughout much of the world. He insisted that our Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF)<\/a> did indeed \u201cregister\u201d firearms and I needed to obtain proper permits. Yes, for certain situations\u2026but in these United States<\/a>, thank God, we have no nationwide registrations process. You would think U.S. Customs<\/a> officials would know this\u2014but they do not, and this is not the first time I\u2019ve encountered this. Be polite, get your 4457<\/a>, make sure it\u2019s current, make copies, and carry the original!<\/p>\n

\u2026AND WITHOUT THEM<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"In<\/a>
In 2018 I hunted Congo, one of several places where hunting is good but rifles cannot be brought in. We checked ahead; the outfitter had two Ruger Hawkeyes in .375 Ruger with choice of Aimpoint or low-power scope. Even if we could, there was no reason to bring a rifle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trust me, it\u2019s a lot easier to travel without firearms<\/a>! It\u2019s a relief not to have to schlep the gun case<\/a>, clear its contents through various authorities\u2026and worry about it! But that depends on where you\u2019re going and what you\u2019re doing. In several places I\u2019ve hunted\u2014Congo<\/a>, Ghana<\/a>, Liberia<\/a>, Peru<\/a>, Philippines<\/a>\u2014it\u2019s been impossible to take a firearm so I\u2019ve used what is there. Other times, like this hunt in Cameroon<\/a>, it\u2019s been too difficult. However, it depends on where you\u2019re going. North America<\/a> is rarely an issue; there are usually suitable firearms<\/a> available. This is also true in Africa<\/a>, Europe<\/a>, South America<\/a>, and South Pacific<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Firearms<\/a>
Firearms cannot be brought into Liberia. Rifles are generally illegal, but most of the hunting is at close range in thick forest so shotguns are perfect. On two different Liberian hunts I carried this well-used Mossberg 500\u2026and it never failed. This is a zebra duiker, considered Liberia\u2019s greatest prize.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The biggest problem is Asia<\/a>, largely mountain hunting where shots can be far. Flat-shooting, well-scoped<\/a>, sporting rifles<\/a> are rare throughout the region. I\u2019ve done a couple dozen Asian<\/a> hunts and, with just two exceptions, I\u2019ve always brought a rifle<\/a>. In the Philippines<\/a> it was legally impossible; we borrowed a worn M14 from the local armory! But that was jungle hunting, where ranges are short. The last time I went to Pakistan<\/a> I scrambled a hunt on short notice. Like this hunt in Cameroon<\/a>, there wasn\u2019t time to get a temporary permit, so I used the outfitter\u2019s rifles<\/a>. Mind you, before committing to the hunt I knew he had good rifles<\/a> in camp and available.<\/p>\n

\"Perhaps<\/a>
Perhaps the weirdest \u201ccamp gun\u201d I ever used was in the Philippines. Our outfitter had an arrangement with the local military and we \u201cchecked out\u201d an M14 with military ball ammunition.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No matter where you\u2019re going, that\u2019s a major key: If you choose not to bring your own guns<\/a>, or you can\u2019t, then you should find out what might be available for you to use. Honestly, you should do this anyway! Even with the best planning there is always the chance your baggage can go astray. Only rarely are guns<\/a> permanently lost. This has never happened to me and, with heightened security, I think it\u2019s extremely unlikely today. But delays happen and your hunt may be far from the airport; it\u2019s good to know what\u2019s on hand just in case.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The small tropical whitetail is the primary game in Peru. Rifles cannot be imported so \u201ccamp rifles\u201d must be used and, for whitetails, must be accurate. This Model 70 in .270 Winchester was just perfect.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trust me, traveling with firearms<\/a> is not getting easier! Recognizing this, smart outfitters the world over are \u201cgearing up,\u201d ensuring they have proper firearms<\/a> to rent or loan. Heck, even though I\u2019m completely left-handed, we keep a couple of decent right-handed rifles<\/a> at the Kansas<\/a> farm for hunters to borrow\u2026and they see use every deer season<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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TO TRAVEL WITH FIREARMS \u2026 By: Craig Boddington Just recently I got back from a \u201cmixed bag\u201d hunt in Argentina: where I did some wingshooting, deer, and water buffalo hunting. I took an over\/under Blaser 12 gauge; and a Blaser R8 with .270 and .375 barrels. At this moment I\u2019m on an airplane, headed toward … Continue reading “To Travel With Firearms”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false},"categories":[101,21,47,72],"tags":[77,8,19,68,32,61,73],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Wholesale-Hunter-logo-large.jpg?fit=600%2C200&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/865"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=865"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/865\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1200,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/865\/revisions\/1200"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}