View Full Version : Remote Border Crossing Permits
With all the talk about stiffer customs crossings, is there any infomation on if the RBCPs are going to be allowed and renewed in 2002. I heard on the news that the National Guard will be patrolling the US/Canadian border now, with choppers looking for illegal activities. I for one cross over on LOTW to fish the Canadian side quite often and I would hate to be shot at. Maybe they will reguire a radio contact, or you can give them a preasigned number if questioned, by radio. Any body heard??? Still like to fish THEIR SIDE....Kaz
WetWilly
12-04-2001, 08:21 PM
Ya, I haven't heard either, I need to get a new one by april, hopefully we can still get them
The RBCP is a Canadian permit/requirement, not U.S., so the National Guard patrolling the border should have no bearing on whether or not Canada will continue to issue these. It is possible that the U.S. could change it's requirements for border crossing however.
FYI - we picked up new permits about a month ago and there was no mention of discontinuing them.
Kaz, Canada has a new moniker-Canpass-but it is still the same old RBCP. Still $30.00 and available in Rainy River. Don't you get lonely on the Canadian side of LOW? It's almost spooky sometimes!
Srj: Well I do fish the MN side most of the time, and travel out to Garden, Stoney and even up to Oak, Flage and the Angle. But sometimes it's nice to get away from the crowds. The Basil Channel and Miles Bay also have some fantastic fishing for Smallies and Crappie not to mention the Musky and of course WALLEYE. Alot of the local residents like the Canadian side for those reasons. If I fish with my neighbors up there then I need to cross over or not go. Some of them had guided back when there was a more liberal Canadian limit. They know the spots where the fishing pressure is limited. Three Sisters is another great spot, but it's Canadian. On the "Canada" side of WC, there is mention of the Canadian Customs really getting tough. Inspecting almost every car and the such. If that is a fact then maybe they will curtail the RBCP. Also if in fact our National Guard is on a higher alert, coming back may require some type of a customs clearance too. I belive they will try to accommodate the sportman, but in this time frame, who knows how strict they will be. I see some answers here, have already recived renewed permits. Thats good. I hope my fear is not realized. 100% American, but have lots of CANADIAN FRIENDS TOO...Kaz
Kaz, I think all of us fishing Canada hope things don't get too restrictive at the border. America needs to be secure but hopefully border crossings won't become such a bummer that people will quit crossing. I'm 95 miles from Baudette and fish the south side 7 or 8 times a summer occasionally fishing Canadian waters with the RBCP. I almost feel guilty having all those acres to myself. Ah--maybe I don't feel guilty. But I do go thru customs several times a summer on the way to Whitefish Bay where I have a cabin. I'm a bit worried about the crossings this summer. However, crossing the border to hunt waterfowl this fall was basically routine. I hope that continues. I urge all Canada crossers to contact their elected reps to keep our country safe and our Canadian border crossings do-able.
If you see a Storm with a 115 Yamaha on a Canadian side reef alone--stop by and say hi.
P.S. Any ice on 4mile yet?
RANGER
12-06-2001, 01:41 PM
Kaz,
Reading down through this and having reviewed the "Canadian" forum, I have a thought: If you folks cross over often enough to warrant an RBCP would it be too much of a stretch to get yourselves a passport? That way your crossing back into the US would be covered. In all honesty, I think it is going to get pushed in that direction anyway. I would hate to see that freedom go away BUT considering the needs for both our countries to protect our sovereignty, I have to wonder!
I have had passports in the past. It's a little bit of a hassel but not too terribly bad. I was IN Canada when Sept. 11 happened, I didn't know if I would be aloud back into the US. Scary thought!
Matches
12-06-2001, 03:02 PM
Ranger is right, a passport would be a good thing to have. Also, if you have or travel with children, you should have a certified copy of a birth certificate.
Srj: First, YES there is ice on the 4mi bay. I talked to my fishing partner and he said they are hauling out houses onto the bay. Won't be long now!!! We are going up on Sat o'dark early, hauling another house up. If you fish the Gap and use Adiran's road you practically drive by my place. I'm at 3343 Burr Oak Rd. just across from the Lake of the Woods Taxidermy. If you see a Blue Yukon, Stop in. My home is in Plymouth, but I burn the roads up to Wheelers at least once a month when I can fish. I like the idea of keeping my passport along, but my questions will be how strict are they going to be about coming back across Basil Channel or form Morson with out clearing US customs some where inbetween. Maybe if there is Air surveillance, they can contact you by radio, like we have done when flying private planes into some real small airports. Oh well time will tell. You are correct in we should all contact our elected officals to see we don't get the shaft on this one. Good luck ICE FISHING...KAZ
Ranger: See my post above. Your idea of a passport in hand is excellent, at least they know you belong here when you have it with you. The only trouble is when coming back across the water, who are you going to show it to. Maybe they will station a PT boat with customs on it off of Three Sisters island, or some type of floating customs inspection deal. I guess we'll have to wait and see what restrictions we will have come summer. THE ICE IS FORMING....Kaz
RANGER
12-06-2001, 07:30 PM
I must say that I think, seriously, we are going to end up there - needing a passport, and I don't have a problem! After Sept. 11 I feel the need to do so. Yeah, it isn't the "perfect" solution but it is several steps forward in identification of the person crossing. No, I don't like the idea but I feel that both Canada and we need to consider our homeland and families above anything else.
You said something about who will check? My feelings on this are as follows:
1) Patrol aircraft that will hold you at bay until a (gun) boat arrives to check.
2) Patrol boats that will run you down.
3) Satellite surveillance?
I really think we are going that way anyway. It might be the time and place!
It is unfortunate, BUT those basterds (I am aware of the spelling) changed life for everyone in this world. I am a vet, I can only say I'd wipe 'em OUT! And you know, I really don't care if there are some bleeding hearts out there that think I am "off the charts"! I could give a crap for your opinion!
Ranger: I think a "Radio Check In" would be sufficient, then they would know when you left US water and when you return. It could be in corporation between the two countries. They already compare info now and it would be a extension of that program. If I get time today I will try to call Customs to see what they say. The Ice is FORMING....Kaz