#1 On my next trip to Canada what procedure should I follow when I arrive at the border or at an airport in Canada?
Answer: You will inform the Canadian Customs official that you have a rifle(s) and ammunition to declare and that the purpose of your trip is to go on a guided hunting trip. You will then be required to complete a form so that you can be issued with a temporary licence.
#2 What kind of form will I fill out?
Answer: It is called the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form.
#3 Where do I get the form?
Answer: Your guide outfitter can send you a copy and it is available at all points of entry to Canada including border crossings and international airports.
#4 What kind of questions do they ask?
Answer: The form requires the usual name and address information, and then asks you for information about the rifle(s) that you are bringing into the country. (i.e. type of firearm, make, serial #, gauge, barrel length, etc.) Then there is a signature line for you declare that the information is all true.
#5 If I get the form in advance, can I fill it out beforehand and then just hand it all to the Canada Customs official when I enter Canada?
Answer: Yes, you can but you have to sign the declaration part in front of the Canada Customs official.
#6 Will I be subject to a background check at the border?
Answer: Background checks will be done randomly, but no more frequently than before. Such checks are at the discretion of the Canada Customs officer.
#7 I am planning to bring more than one rifle with me. How many forms do I need?
Answer: Each form has room for 3 firearms. If you are bringing in more that that, you need a Continuation Sheet which is available from the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia or the Canadian Firearms Centre.
#8 So how much is the fee attached to the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration?
Answer: The fee is $50.00 (CDN). You make the payment at your point of entry. It can be paid in cash (US or CDN) or by credit card.
#9 Will I have to pay the fee each time I come across the border with my rifle(s)?
Answer: No, you will only have to pay the $50.00 fee once in a 12-month period no matter how many times you cross the border with firearms.
#10 What happens if I bring different firearms within that 12-month period?
Answer: You won't have to pay again, however you must declare the firearms each time you cross the border.
#11 Can I borrow a rifle, instead of bring my own?
Answer: Yes, you can borrow a rifle from your guide outfitter or your licenced guide but you must always be in his/her immediate company at all times while in possession of the rifle which in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories is no problem because the Wildlife Act laws already require that.
#12 I am planning to bring my so or daughter with me to go hunting. Can they bring their rifle in with them once they have declared it at the border and filled out the paper work?
Answer: No, they can't but you can. You simply add their rifle to your declaration form.
#13 What happens if I bring a rifle to Canada and leave it with my guide outfitter?
Answer: If you are leaving it with the guide outfitter for storage only, no problem, but if you are giving it to him/her as a gift you have to use a different form and a different set of regulations.
#14 I have a custom-made rifle that I would like to bring up with me when I come hunting. It does not have a serial number. Is there anything in the new laws that I should be concerned about?
Answer: Not really. Custom-made rifles are treated the same as any other rifle. As long as it doesn't fall into the category of a restricted or prohibited firearm, you should be okay. If in doubt though, contact your guide outfitter or the Canadian Firearms Centre at their toll-free number.
As far as the lack of serial number, you should simply draw a line through that box on the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form.
#15 I have heard that I can apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) which is good for five (5) years and that it will save me having to pay the annual fee of $50.00 for the temporary licence (Non-Resident Firearm Declaration). Is this accurate?
Answer: Yes it is. A PAL is the licence which many Canadians owning firearms will eventually have, and it is possible for non-residents to obtain it. It costs $60.00 (CDN) and you must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. You can contact GOABC or call the Canadian Firearms Service at 1-800-4000 for more information.
Other questions that we can help you with?
Contact the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000 or the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia at 604-278-2688, email: GOABC@dowco.com or your guide outfitter.
