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Waterfowl season is just around the corner. The USF&WS has confirmed the liberal framework and a majority of states have set their dates. The ones that haven't have proposed dates and that means it's the time of year when hunters plan their road trips.
Having been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to hunt waterfowl in numerous states and some of the Canadian Providences, I've learned a few travel lessons the hard way. I've also picked up ideas from clients, who have been driving or flying to hunt with us for years. With rising fuel cost and a tough economy, I thought a few of these tips might save you some cash and/or help make your journey more enjoyable.
Customs checks, Canada:
Most questions I hear about Canada are focused on getting a gun(s) in.
Truth is, customs and guns is not a problem, if you are prepared. Check with your outfitter for a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration Form, or print one off the Internet. Fill out the form in triplicate. List guns, by serial number, But Do Not Sign The Form At That Time. The form must be signed in front of Canadian officials, when they check your guns. Be sure the form is filled out, prior to reaching customs. There is a gun declaration charge of $25.00. I believe two guns check for the one fee, if in the same case.
What type of lock do I need on the gun case?
Any lock will work, but keep the key handy. Now, knowing that any lock is OK, I recommend you purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) approved lock. These locks are available in airports or online. The locks are slightly higher, but may eliminate problems down the road.
While returning from Alberta last year, my aluminum gun case
arrived in baggage claim with the lock, lock bar and two hinges
missing, It was secured with TSA tape. I was shocked, but my guns
were intact and the missing parts tucked away inside … what was left
of the case. TSA wanted to check my case a second time and instead
of paging me in the waiting area, they cut the lock. Had the case been
locked with a TSA approved lock, they would have used their master
key to unlock it.
Air Travel:
Short of dealing with customs, air travel is pretty much the same at every airport, but this year will be different. Most airlines charge for checked baggage and those charges add up fast.
Rod Haydel and I are flying to Alberta this September. Rod emailed
yesterday, after determining the bags he needed for the trip. He was
shocked, when his estimated baggage cost was near the $200 mark.
Packing Tips:
Have you thought about shipping your gear ahead?
Every season several of my clients ship gear via UPS. It's a money saver and permits travel with nothing more than a gun case and carry on bag. You're not supposed to ship gun or shells this way, but it is an excellent method for getting gear to your destination. Shipping ahead might even make room so your hunting party can ride together, or drive a smaller, mileage friendly, vehicle.
When clients ship gear to us, the package(s) is there when they arrive. They divide the gear between party members and save the box. The afternoon of their departure, they repack and take the box to the UPS sight, or call for pickup. More people will ship gear this year, as it is cost effective, but shipping to Canada is another story. Customs, customs charges and paperwork all but eliminate that option.
If you're flying and don't (or can't) ship your gear ahead, this might help.
Waders are heavy, bulky and are a pain to fly with and that will cost you more cash than ever before.
While trying to figure out how and where to pack my waders for last
year's trip, my wife asked: "Why not take your summer waders?"
After explaining the need for warm insulation and my preference in
camo patterns, not to mention those waders are fishing waders, Jackie
suggested I toss in some of the high tech cold weather underwear and
pack light.
It worked, while solving a couple of other problems. I packed my fishing waders (Henry Forks, by Columbia) and tossed in my MST underwear (Mid Season Technology, by Drake). The Henry Forks pack in a mesh bag the size as a shoebox and weigh less than one leg of my 3mm waders.
The MST underwear, from Drake Waterfowl, uses the latest technology in undergarments. While I can't explain how, it works and works well. To top it off, this line of underwear is lightweight, rolls up in a small bundle and the tops can be worn as a shirt around camp. Thus, I eliminated bulk and my heavy weight waders and was more comfortable than I would have been, if Jackie had not intervened in my packing.
What about a heavy coat or rain gear?
Unless you're expecting a blizzard, why pack the bulky, heavy weight coat liner? That's half a suitcase, by itself? Think layers and think about the technological advances, previously mentioned, in underwear. These new under garments "ain't like the long handles your grandpappy used to wear." Use the money you save on baggage fees and get you a pair of new underwear. Now, pack your raincoat or outer shell, which helps with rain or snow and will break the wind. Add a hooded sweatshirt, a neoprene facemask and a neck gator and you're ready to go. You'll also find your movements aren't as restricted, which may help your shooting, and you can add and remove the layers as needed … while reducing luggage space/fees.
Do you fly with a backpack?
Backpacks don't even count as carry-on luggage. They're one of the few freebies still available … as of this writing. Double check, since airlines change their rules regularly, but for now … backpacks are freebies! I took my camo backpack with me last year and was amazed. It was easy to shoulder through the airport and held more than I could imagine. Once on location, I emptied it and used it for all those necessary items I carry on a hunt, which were in my checked baggage. Since I have arrived on hunts with no luggage, I packed what I would need (except my gun) for the first morning,s hunt and carried it with me in the backpack … waders/MST underwear and all!
The trip home:
If you ship ahead, be sure you save the box. If you're flying, remember where things were packed when you left. It will all fit when you head home. You might also want to throw in a couple of heavy trash bags when you pack. They're handy for the wet and dirty hunting gear you head home with. Then again, if your wife isn't traveling with you, one of the best … Travel Tips … might be to allow room for the special gift you'll bring her, along with all your dirty clothes!
Charles "HammerTime" Snapp
Charles "HammerTime" Snapp
www.arkansaswaterfowl.com
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