While many American sports have apprehension about transporting guns, etc. into Canada, what should be anticipated when crossing back into the US with not only guns but also meat, hides and antlers is an equally important consideration. In last month's column we looked at documents and related information necessary for entering Canada for a hunting or fishing adventure; this month we will focus on what is required and should be expected when you return back through American customs.

Overview: Two events have had direct impact on the ease at which adventure travelers may cross the border back into the United States at the conclusion of a hunting or fishing trip: the most significant and perhaps obvious, the terror attacks of
September 11, 2001 and secondly, the discovery of mad cow disease on a farm in Alberta a year and a half ago. The resulting moratorium imposed by the USDA on accepting meat products from ruminant animals has be amended to exempt wild game but does require additional paperwork, the attacks that keep our alert status at yellow and occasionally orange have necessarily caused occasional delays and will as long as we are at war.

Gun registration: Although this concept is akin to flag burning for many in the sporting ranks, going through the process of being on the border patrol's database as a lawful US citizen and gun-owner has important benefits. On any given day custom's agents may be put on alert to pay special attention to blue mini-vans or white pick-ups. If you are coming home from a caribou hunt in a white F150, unknowingly you may be earmarked for more extensive questioning or a search at customs. It should not be a surprise that a white truck with guns on board is not going to speed up your re-entry. A small form called "Certificate Of Registration For Personal Effects Taken Abroad" practically makes your guns a non-issue. Developed for any personal property of value, the 4 x 5 ½ inch document simply ties you by serial number to your weapon. It takes a few minutes to fill out at American customs, involves confirming of your citizenship and the inspection of your guns for serial number validation. Although, you can go through this process when returning from a trip it is often more convenient to be done in advance.
Note: I have never been asked to show mine over dozens of border crossings but I always carry it.

Game, meat and antlers: As previously mentioned, the ban on importation of wild game was amended last August but not without restrictions. To their credit the form required by USDA is one page and can be filled out in less than a minute. It requires name and address, identification of type of game being imported, your signature and must be accompanied by a valid Canadian hunting license. When submitted at the border it is dated, stamped and initialed by either a USDA inspector or specially authorized custom's agent. It requires that hides, capes and antlers be free of any blood or brain matter and restricts the admittance of whole skulls with brain and/or meat and cape intact. The USDA form is only required for antlered game and is available in advance from your agent or outfitter. It may also be filled out at the border.
Note: Not all ports of entry are staffed to accept wild game from Canada. When planning your itinerary be sure you choose border crossings designated for this function.

The Canadian government may also require you to possess a CITES export permit. The necessity of this document depends on which province you have been hunting in and the type of game taken. They are supplied and filled out by the outfitter prior to your departure from camp.

Other important documents: For veterans of multiple trips into Canada's vast wilderness regions, what is required to get back into the States is a lot about common sense. Most carry a folder of all paperwork related to their trip. Contents should always include trip papers that identify your outfitter, hunt dates, itinerary and a valid Canadian hunting or fishing license. Your license number and name should also be clearly visible on boxes of meat or hides as well as tagged to antlers. The identification documents, passport, photo ID, etc., that you needed to get into Canada will also apply to your return crossing.

It is part of a quality outfitter or agent's job to make your border-crossing problem free and with the proper information and documents going through American customs on your return home is just that. Delays at the border are however, not uncommon, and depending on traffic congestion at the time of your crossing as well as other factors you may be temporarily held up. To a large extent this is a reflection of the times in which we live and is best met with patience and understanding. For further information on crossing the US - Canadian border contact your travel agent, outfitter or call customs directly at:
802-796-3703 US or 450-294-2851 for Canada. Information on the importation of meat and fish is available from the USDA at 301-734-8226.