Calgary Airport and Firearms

[Buzzy]

Anyone have knowledge on how hard it is to clear customs at the Calgary airport with a rifle coming from the states? Looking at a deer hunt next year and the travel to get to my final destination is difficult. Can I clear customs with a 2.5 hr layover? I’m guessing not but wanted to see if anyone has first hand experience.

 

[Nutrioso]

Anyone have knowledge on how hard it is to clear customs at the Calgary airport with a rifle coming from the states? Looking at a deer hunt next year and the travel to get to my final destination is difficult. Can I clear customs with a 2.5 hr layover? I’m guessing not but wanted to see if anyone has first hand experience.

I cleared Canadian customs in Calgary with a shotgun two years ago and it was relatively easy. At that time, you picked up the firearm at baggage upon landing at Calgary then hand-carried it to the customs clearance area. Have your declaration form with you. The officer will have you open the case and inspect the firearm confirming the serial number matches your declaration form. Then you will go to a different station in the same area to buy your Canada firearm permit. I think that was about $25. Then you recheck the firearm to the next destination. It was all pretty straightforward. Time depends on how long the line is at customs. Whole thing took about an hour when I did it.

Returning took much longer because we cleared US customs in Calgary and the line there was horrendous. There is a TSA app that allows you to skip some steps and stand in a shorter line. Had we not used that, we would have missed the return flight.