If you're traveling to duck hunt out of your home state or even out of the country, don't let the paperwork or process keep you from packing your favorite shotgun.  Here we'll outline a few things to keep in mind when flying or driving with that firearm across state and international borders.


THE BASICS


  • ALWAYS make sure the firearm is UNLOADED
  • Break down your shotgun, separating the barrel from the action and stock if possible.
  • Use a cable lock through the action of a semi-auto or pump style shotgun.
  • Lock the firearm in a hard-shell case.
  • Educate yourself on all the current firearm possession laws for not only your destination, but also every state/country that you will travel through.
AVES waterfowl hunting abroad make sure to lock and declare your ammo

AMMUNITION


  • Store ammunition in a locked case SEPARATE from your firearm.
  • Educate yourself on all the current ammunition laws not only for your destination but also every state/country that you will travel through.  Research especially ammo regulations related to how much and what kind of ammunition you may possess along with any restrictions on the sale of ammunition to non-residents at your destination.

WHILE AT CAMP


While traveling with your shotgun in a hard side lockable case is absolutely necessary, the bulk and weight of that case is not something you'll want to deal with once at your camp.  You'll need a more versatile and lightweight case to transport the gun securely from the lodge or basecamp to the pit or blinds.  That's where the AVES Hybrid Hardshell Floating Shotgun Case comes in as the perfect solution!  Our patent pending, innovative design features strategically placed hard panels to protect critical parts of your shotgun from harsh hunting conditions.  Then we incorporate the flexibility of a softshell case, offering a hybrid design that folds in half for convenient storage and transport.  At only 4.5lbs and 28" long when folded, this case will fit easily into your checked luggage and still provide superior protection when moving around at camp.  The ultra compact folding design also easily stows under blind benches, boat seats, or the side of a layout blind while hunting.  Be sure to make this case an essential part of how you travel with your firearm!

AVES duck hunting in a different state lock your gun in an approved case while traveling

DRIVING TO ANOTHER STATE WITH A SHOTGUN


  • Store your separate locked cases with guns and ammunition out of reach, like the backseat, trunk/cargo area, or bed of a pick-up.
  • Educate yourself on all the current firearm and ammunition laws not only for your destination but also every state/country that you will travel through.  Put simply, if you're traveling through a state (meaning no stops, or only very short stops) and you're legal to posses your firearm in your home state and your destination state the Safe Passage provision protects you.
  • Here is a great link to current state by state information complied by the NRA:  https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/

FLYING DOMESTICALLY WITH A SHOTGUN


  • The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a brief and easy to understand document detailing the steps necessary for air travel with your firearm:  https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/transportation-security-administration-tsa-national-firearms-document_final.pdf.
  • Also be sure to research firearm policies with your specific airline prior to even packing for your trip.
  • The two most critical steps for efficient air travel with your shotgun:
    • In addition to the basics outlined above, ensure to use a TSA approved firearm case with locks secured through EVERY locking point on the case.
    • When arriving at the airport, go straight to your airline's ticketing counter and declare your firearm to the counter agent along with your checked baggage.

TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY WITH A SHOTGUN


  • The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement regulates the movement of firearms across international borders.  Check out their guidance for traveling outside the US with firearms or ammunition here. 
  • Also be sure to research firearm policies with your specific airline prior to even packing for your trip.
  • In addition to the basics outlined above, ensure to use a TSA approved firearm case with locks secured through EVERY locking point on the case.
  • At least 30 days prior to traveling, contact the Customs and Border Protection department 877-227-5511 for assistance in completing the correct paperwork prior to arriving at the airport!
  • It's also your responsibility to contact the regulatory agency that oversees firearms in the country you're traveling to, but our own Customs and Border Protection agency will help you identify and make contact with that office.
  • Ensure you have the serial number of your shotgun handy during all of these steps, and ONLY take the weapon into an office with you if it was requested.
  • Also be aware that any optics may fall under different regulations enforced by a separate agency, so be sure to specifically ask about optics if that situation applies to you.
  • Handy link for Canadian Travel:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html

When planning a waterfowl hunting trip away from home, whether to a neighboring state or a bucket list trip halfway around the world, don't be intimidated by the process necessary to have your most trusted shotgun right at your shoulder.  A few simple and common sense steps are all it takes to be able to travel with a firearm, along with plenty of lead time and some due diligence. And be sure to check out all of our premium waterfowl gear before you head out.

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