FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION'S ABOUT
CANADA'S NEW GUN LAWS

Q	On my next hunting trip to Canada what procedure should I follow when I arrive at the border or at the airport?
A	You will inform the Canada Customs official that you have a rifle(s) and ammunition to declare and that the purpose of your trip is to go on a guided hunting trip. You will then be required to complete a form so that you can be issued with a temporary license.
Q	What kind of a form will I have to fill out?
A	It is called the Non Resident Firearm Declaration Form.
Q	Where do I get the form?
A	It is available at all points of entry into Canada including border crossings and international airports or you can obtain it from the Government of Canada web site.
Q	What kind of questions do they ask?
A	The form requires the usual name and address information, and then asks you for information about the rifle(s) that you are bringing into the country. (i.e. type of firearm, make, serial #, gauge, barrel length etc.) Then there is a signature line for you to declare that the information is all true.
Q	If I get the form in advance, can I fill it out beforehand and then just hand it all to the Canada Customs official when I enter Canada?
A	Yes, you can but you have to sign the declaration part right in front of the Canada Customs official.
Q	Will I be subjected to a background check at the border?
A	Background checks will be done randomly, but no more frequently than before. Such checks are at the discretion of the Canada Customs officer.
Q	I'm planning to bring more than one rifle with me. How many forms do I need?
A	Each form has room for three firearms. If you are bringing in more than that, you'll need a Continuation Sheet which is available from the Canadian Firearms Centre.
Q	So how much is the fee attached to the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form?
A	The fee is $50.00(CDN). You make that payment at your point of entry. It can be made in cash (US or CDN) or by credit card.
Q	Will I have to pay the fee each item I come across the border with my rifles?
A	No, you will only have to pay the $50.00 fee once in a 12-month period no matter how many times you cross the border with your firearms.
Q	What happens if I bring different firearms within that 12-month period?
A	You won't have to pay again, however you must declare the firearms each time you cross the border.
Q	Can I borrow a rifle, instead of bringing my own?
A	Yes, you can borrow a rifle from your guide outfitter or your licensed guide but you must always be in his/her immediate company at all times while in possession of the rifle which in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories is no problem because the Wildlife Act laws already require that.
Q	I am planning to bring my son or daughter with me to go hunting. Can they bring their rifle in with them once they have declared it at the border and filled out the paperwork?
A	No, they can't but you can. You will simply add their rifle to your declaration form.
Q	What happens if I bring a rifle to Canada and leave it with my guide outfitter?
A	If you are leaving it with the guide outfitter for storage only. no problem, but if you are giving it to him/her as a gift you have to use a different form and you are into a different set of regulations.
Q	I have a custom-made rifle that I would like to bring up with me when I come hunting. It does not have a serial number. Is there anything in the new laws that I should be concerned about?
A	Not really. Custom-made rifles are treated the same as any other rifle. As long as it doesn't fall into the category of a restricted or prohibited firearm, you should be okay. If in doubt though, contact your guide outfitter or the Canadian Firearms Centre at their toll free number 1-800-731-4000.
Q	I have heard that I can apply for a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) which is good for five years and that it will save me having to pay the annual fee of $50.00 for the temporary license (Non-Resident Firearm Declaration). Is this accurate?
A	Yes, it is. A PAL is the license which many Canadians owning firearms will eventually have, and it is possible for non-residents to also obtain it. It costs $60.00(CDN) and you must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. You can contact GOABC at 604-278-2688 or call the Canadian Firearms Service at 1-800-731-4000 for more information.

Information provided by the
Guide Outfitters Association of BC (GOABC)
For more information please contact GOABC at:
Phone:(604)278-2688 or Fax:(604)278-3440
www.goabc.org

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