Bringing a hand gun to Alaska via Canada

[yarcraft91]

Originally Posted by Bill Krejca

As I remember, some time ago I read that a handgun can be brought in if you are going to be traveling to Alaska. something about the case being sealed and then inspected at the north border. Perhaps the rules have changed or are somewhat different from what I thought I had read.


Bill Krejca

Bill:
That was an informal practice by some individual border agents, but it is not compliant with current Canadian law.

[NMG]

Originally Posted by eriksat1

I can't imagine going into big brown bear back country unarmed. Either way you may not come out alive if attacked but I would like a fighting chance. I have a dream of visiting Alaska some day.

Honestly eriksat1, go and fulfill that dream. I would NOT let the fear of a bear attack dissuade me in any conceivable way from experiencing the splendours that Alaska, Yukon and British Columbia have to offer. Your odds of getting killed behind the wheel, by disease or some other event are FAR FAR FAR greater and I assume that you still live your life without worrying about that stuff don't you? Seriously, make the trip. It's amazing country and you'll never forget it.

I've been fortunate enough to see many bears in the wild and never had an issue. To be perfectly honest, when I'm back home exploring I'm more worried about getting steamrolled and trampled by 600-700 pounds of angry Moose. You think a bear with cubs can be a tense situation? At least they can climb trees to escape you, LOL.

[legend]

If you read the article about the recent grizzly attack near Eagle River, the man was just a few feet away from the bear when he saw it. This is typical in Alaska.

I lived in AK a few years and spent a lot of time fishing and hiking, did some research on being safe. Making noise and being aware of your surroundings is the best defense. A VERY large handgun, shotgun or pepper spray have their moments.

I was just in AK fishing the Russian River, we saw brown bears, yelling was very effective for keeping them away. But my son who lives there carries a .500 caliber handgun just in case. Spray is a lot lighter to carry if you are hiking. Experts say spray is also more effective, it is easier to get a spray off over your shoulder while laying on the ground playing dead while the bear is mauling you.

[jigstop]

Not sure about hanguns but a long gun could be shipped to you wihtout having to go througha FFL dealer. Just box it up and UPS it to you hotel or friend using your name and their adress and then don't let them open it.

[VernH]

Originally Posted by jigstop

Not sure about hanguns but a long gun could be shipped to you wihtout having to go througha FFL dealer. Just box it up and UPS it to you hotel or friend using your name and their adress and then don't let them open it.

Yup...

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html