Tips for crossing the border

[.257Weatherby]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

Going to Montana for a trap clinic in June.
Is there times of the day I should be aiming for to cross the border? I assume I'll cross at Coutts. Does it get busy enough to even worry about that?
I'd rather spend an extra hour fishing somewhere if I could avoid a possible delay at the border.

And I do have my form 6nia, and an invite from the host club.

Have all your documents in a row.
Choose the lane that is close to the main office as possible as that is usually the Sr. most Officer on duty.
Remove sunglasses and hat long before reaching the window while your waiting.
Keep radio volume down low or off and when you reach the window to speak with Officer ensure the window is down before you reach that spot and shut the vehicle off too.
Tight Groups and smoked clays.

[dfarms11]

Wow, can't believe the negative experiences with Canadian border officers. Coming home has almost always been better than going into the US. I don't think we've ever encountered a completely horrible experience coming home!

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by dfarms11

Wow, can't believe the negative experiences with Canadian border officers. Coming home has almost always been better than going into the US. I don't think we've ever encountered a completely horrible experience coming home!

Was down a couple times 2 years ago with a firearm and sheep coming back both times. All 4 crossings were a pleasurable experience. Coutts on the one and Kingsgate on the other

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by dfarms11

Wow, can't believe the negative experiences with Canadian border officers. Coming home has almost always been better than going into the US. I don't think we've ever encountered a completely horrible experience coming home!

This has never been my experience, not even once. Have never had a bad experience getting into the US, Mexico, or Panama. Every single time I've come back its been brutal.

[elkhunter11]

I have never had an issue entering the USA, the border staff were always professionals. I did encounter two Canadian border officials on power trips, both 30-40 year old women. If I have the choice of multiple lines, I avoid women in that age range, and look for young or old males. I do remove my sunglasses when presenting my passport, as I have seen officers make an issue of it with other people.

[Grizzly Adams1]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I have never had an issue entering the USA, the border staff were always professionals. I did encounter two Canadian border officials on power trips, both 30-40 year old women. If I have the choice of multiple lines, I avoid women in that age range, and look for young or old males. I do remove my sunglasses when presenting my passport, as I have seen officers make an issue of it with other people.

On another Alaska crossing, not same time or officer. , nice polite conversation, I knew the routine, he asked me to lower the back window of my car. It was a rental car, not familiar to me, power off, one of those fob things. While I was fumbling around trying to comply, I thought he was going for his gun. It's a rental I said, situation back to normal. These guys are on a hair trigger.

[Dylan15]

Originally Posted by Bushleague

This has never been my experience, not even once. Have never had a bad experience getting into the US, Mexico, or Panama. Every single time I've come back its been brutal.

Agreed. Growing up I would go to Montana 10-12 times a year, every year. Now it is 4-5 times a year. 10% or less with Canada is a positive interaction. Vindictive tax collectors.

Going to US, 95% plus positive. Almost always through in under 2 minutes, never been more than 5 minutes.

[AB2506]

Originally Posted by .257Weatherby

Have all your documents in a row.
Choose the lane that is close to the main office as possible as that is usually the Sr. most Officer on duty.
Remove sunglasses and hat long before reaching the window while your waiting.
Keep radio volume down low or off and when you reach the window to speak with Officer ensure the window is down before you reach that spot and shut the vehicle off too.
Tight Groups and smoked clays.

Some great tips above.

I'll add some more. Now days, you are on camera before you reach the window. Be calm, do not rummage around the car in a panic.

I'd be cautious of taking any marijuana products into the USA, even CBD oil.

When talking to the CBP officer, answer questions politely and precisely. Do not offer more information than requested.

If you are taking a firearm, make sure you have your Canadian Export Permit and the required US paperwork ready.

Being polite and honest goes a long ways.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by AB2506

Some great tips above.

I'll add some more. Now days, you are on camera before you reach the window. Be calm, do not rummage around the car in a panic.

I'd be cautious of taking any marijuana products into the USA, even CBD oil.

When talking to the CBP officer, answer questions politely and precisely. Do not offer more information than requested.

If you are taking a firearm, make sure you have your Canadian Export Permit and the required US paperwork ready.

Being polite and honest goes a long ways.

Which Canadian Export Permit for firearms? It's been several years since I took a firearm to the USA, but I never needed any Canadian Export Permit.

[Cement Bench]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Which Canadian Export Permit for firearms? It's been several years since I took a firearm to the USA, but I never needed any Canadian Export Permit.

actually you are supposed to have one but they have never enforced the law

since 2007 you needed a permit to take rifles out of the country to world championships ans were supposed to notify,them upon return to,ensure the rifle was not exported

we complied but many many have not

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Cement Bench

actually you are supposed to have one but they have never enforced the law

since 2007 you needed a permit to take rifles out of the country to world championships ans were supposed to notify,them upon return to,ensure the rifle was not exported

we complied but many many have not

It has been longer than that since I took firearms to the USA. I can remember stopping at Canada Customs to get my firearms and other valuables listed on a card, so I could prove that they originated in Canada, and were not being imported, when I returned.
As for preventing the firearms from being permanently exported, if you only have to notify that you brought them back to Canada, and don't have to prove it, the government won't know if the firearm is actually back in Canada. With no long gun registry, they can't trace non restricted firearms.

[waldedw]

The first time I took my guns accross the border since 911 was in 2013 or 2014 can; remember exactly but I had to get a 6N1A form filled in and pre approved to take them into the USA, all serial numbers make and model number manufactures address and list all ammunition you are brining along with it.

[BlackHeart]

Just pretend you’re an illegal. And pass your bags to the RCMP to carry for you.
And ask which hotel they’ve booked and paid for you.

You’ll get the red carpet treatment

[colvert]

Originally Posted by waldedw

The first time I took my guns accross the border since 911 was in 2013 or 2014 can; remember exactly but I had to get a 6N1A form filled in and pre approved to take them into the USA, all serial numbers make and model number manufactures address and list all ammunition you are brining along with it.

Yes, that Temporary Firearm Import Permit is all you need, and it is free, can apply online, valid for one year!

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by waldedw

The first time I took my guns accross the border since 911 was in 2013 or 2014 can; remember exactly but I had to get a 6N1A form filled in and pre approved to take them into the USA, all serial numbers make and model number manufactures address and list all ammunition you are brining along with it.

That I was aware of, I was not aware of any Canadian permit requirements.

[Redneck 7]

I'm heading to Wyoming for the Night Force ELR Steel Challenge in June. First time taking a firearm across the boarder. Or even driving across since 2000 when I was 9. But I've been informed from other competition shooters I just need the 6NIA form filled out. Nothing along the lines of a export permit?

Thanks for some tips about crossing, do I have to cross back at the same place I crossed into the USA? I'd like to make a trip on the way home and come up in Coutts. GPS plans for me to cross in Wild Horse.

[jlagman]

Exports to the United States
Both temporary and permanent exports of either Restricted or Non-Restricted firearms to the US may be made without obtaining an export permit.

All exports of Prohibited firearms to any destination, including the US, must be authorized in advance with an export permit.

For all types of firearms, prior to entry into the US, a US import permit must have been issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

For temporary imports into the US, Canadian applicants must complete Form 6NIA (ATF F 5330.3D), Application and Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Non-immigrant Aliens. It can take up to 12 weeks to process an application, so it is advisable to apply for a permit well in advance....

https://www.international.gc.ca/cont....aspx?lang=eng

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by jlagman

https://www.international.gc.ca/cont....aspx?lang=eng

Well there you go, no export permit required for the USA.

[W921]

Guns,beer and tobacco is threatening our whole economy? This is most important security threat?. Same time letting millions in from who knows where is no problem.
I guess common sense is white privilege and profiling.
Ottawa getting tough at the border means cracking down on vacationers

[Cheyenne 1]

I cross the border with firearms several times a year.
I shoot F-class, mostly in the USA.
Have your form 6 in your hand. Say you have firearms. Where you’re going and that’s about it.
No special time to cross.
A good idea is to stop at Canadian customs and get a green card for your guns and any other expensive things camera , spotting scope etc. That way on the way back Canada can’t accuse you of buying it down there.
Just don’t randomly carry a firearm into the Canadian side.
Go in and tell them what you are needing.

Any other questions. Just send me a PM and I can explain it all.
It’s not a big deal crossing.

[Dewey Cox]

I just realized I should probably clean my truck before I go...
All that loose ammo in every random compartment could be trouble.
And my gas milage is bound to improve too.

[FishOutOfWater]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

I just realized I should probably clean my truck before I go...
All that loose ammo in every random compartment could be trouble.
And my gas milage is bound to improve too.

You're not driving to the Turks & Caicos...

[BC HUNTER]

Back and forth for years running field trails with horses ! Had a phes tail feather on the visor sent me back to Canada to get rid of it ! Said the could of put me in jail ! Not a feather in truck anymore !