Information

GUN LAWS

Starting January 1, 2001, new gun laws require that every visitor to Canada bringing firearms must comply with a registration process. The Saskatchewan outfitting industry does not approve of this legislation, however we must abide by it. Our industry is negotiating with various levels of government to expedite the implementation of these new laws. We are aware of start-up problems commonly associated with any new legislation.

BUCK PARADISE OUTFITTERS travel consultants, TRAVEL CANADA (1-877-608-3500), have obtained a supply of the registration forms and we will be sending a copy to each of our clients shortly. This will enable our hunters to fill out the form at home, obviously shortening the process when they arrive in Canada. The form is very basic and can be completed in about ten minutes. Since the form is a declaration , DO NOT SIGN IT UNTIL YOU ARE BEFORE THE CUSTOMS OFFICER.

The fee for this registration process is fifty Canadian dollars (about 37 U.S. dollars). We suggest that our clients attach a Canadian fifty dollar bill, $40.00, (available at many U.S. banks) to their form, to simplify and shorten the process for the Canada Customs officers. Canada Customs will also accept major credit cards, but this will slow the entry process. Since Canada Customs also has to look at each firearm, provisions are being made to facilitate this at the airport as your form is processed. If your son or daughter under the age of eighteen is accompanying you on a hunt, please contact TRAVEL CANADA (1-877-608-3500) for information regarding young hunters.

The Saskatchewan Outfitter's Association (SOA) is taking a proactive approach to dealing with this new legislation. The SOA is therefore offering a Hunter Safety Instructor's Course to every outfitter in the province, so that they can further assist their repeat clients. Qualified outfitters will instruct clients through a simple course that will result in the issuing of a five year license that will greatly simplify traveling to Canada with firearms.

BUCK PARADISE OUTFITTERS requests that our guests be patient with this process. We anticipate some delays at the Edmonton airport because of the new regulations. The SOA is actively involved with Canada Customs, the Edmonton Airport Authority, North-West Airlines and other agencies to ensure that your arrival is reasonable and as smooth as possible.

By advising our clients of this situation we are also asking for your patience and consideration. Although we do not agree with these laws, we must abide by them, and we sincerely appreciate your assisting us as we all experience these changes. We anticipate that after we have arranged for you to obtain the new five-year permit we will be back to business as usual.

Here is the Link to go to get your Firearm Registration Permit.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/form-formulaire/pdfs/5589-eng.pdf

Grant Kuypers