Here are some useful pointers to help make your travels to Alberta as smooth as possible!

This information current as of March 1, 2011, and while the information below is a helpful general summary, it should not be considered official regulations, and is only meant to assist you in preparing for a visit to Alberta.

1. ENTERING CANADA  www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/travel_to_canada.asp

When traveling to Canada either by air or ground, there are a few basic things to remember. You will be required to clear through Canadian Customs regardless of whether you fly or drive. If flying, you will need to present identification in the form of a Passport, keep this accessible. At customs you will be asked several questions about the purpose of your trip, the length of your stay, where you live, who you are hunting with etc. It is a very good idea to have some written verification (like a contract or at the very least a brochure from your outfitter, to show what your destination is.

At this point, all alcohol, tobacco and firearms must be declared. (See “Importing Firearms” and “Bringing Alcohol & Tobacco into Canada”) This process usually goes quickly and you should soon be on your way. Remember thousands of travelers enter Canada each day and the process is relatively simple.

2. IMPORTING FIREARMS

You are allowed to bring your personal firearms with you this includes your rifles and/or shotguns (some restrictions apply, see “restricted weapons”). Archery equipment does not fall under these requirements and therefore has no declaration form. For your firearms, a simple one-page form is required to be filled out to obtain a temporary Canadian Firearms permit.Your Outfitter will likely provide this to you with your Hunt Contract if needed.

This form (CAFC 909) can also be down-loaded or mailed to you well in advance from THE CANADIAN FIREARMS CENTRE at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca click on the link on the left hand side for visitors/non residents, then download the NON RESIDENT FIREARM DECLARATION (form CAFC 909). Completing this in advance should reduce your time clearing customs.

A confirmed declaration costs a flat fee of $25, regardless of the number of firearms listed on it. It is only valid for the person who signs it and for those firearms listed on the declaration. If you come with others who will be using firearms in Canada, you will each need to meet these requirements.

3. AMMUNITION; In general, for personal use, non-residents can import 200 rounds duty free for hunting purposes. If you are flying most airlines have weight restrictions for ammunition. You can also check with your outfitter for the cost and availability of your required ammo. In the area you will be hunting. In most areas you can generally find the more common calibers.

4. GUNS, BOWS & AMMUNITION ON PLANES

These are general conditions please contact your specific airline for their EXACT requirements.

A) ARCHERY:

Archery equipment is accepted as part of a customer's free baggage allowance. Archery equipment is defined as one or a combination of the following:

One bow, one quiver containing arrows & a maintenance kit. These items must be encased in a container of sufficient strength to protect the items from damage. Cases containing more than the above listed items may be assessed an excess baggage charge.

B) GUNS & AMMUNITION:

One item of shooting equipment is accepted as part of a customer's free checked baggage allowance. When checking a firearm, you must: declare to the representative that you are checking a firearm (If a Security Checkpoint is prior to the ticket counter, you must declare the existence of a firearm to security personnel.) present firearm(s) unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration, lock the firearm(s) in a hard-sided, crush-proof container and retain the key or combination. Maintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit, ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes

One rifle case containing: two or fewer rifles (with or without scopes). One tool kit, noise suppressers & 11 lbs. (approx. 5kgs) of ammunition (if it does not exceed 200 rounds). Cases containing more than two rifles may be assessed an excess baggage charge. Ammunition in excess of 11 lbs. per passenger or that contains incendiary projectiles is prohibited.

4.REASONS TO REFUSE ENTRY TO CANADA.

EVEN A D.U.I CAN PREVENT TRAVEL TO CANADA! www.bordercrossing.ca are the people that can help you. Call 1-800-438-7020 and ask for Lucy Perillo.

If you have any type of criminal conviction (even if you've been charged and not convicted), you should notify your outfitter or call Canada Border Crossing Services well in advance so that clearance can be arranged.

6. CHANGES TO HUNTING ELIGIBILITY IN ALBERTA

As of 2007, hunters who have a hunting license suspension in Alberta or elsewhere are prohibited from applying for or obtaining a recreational hunting license in Alberta. For further information you can contact Alberta Fish & Wildlife – Enforcement – Field Services 780-427-4943.

7. TRANSPORTING YOUR GAME AND TROPHIES HOME.

Exporting your game home is a relatively simple procedure for most types of game as long as you export the animal (Head, Hide, Meat etc.) yourself, with you as personal baggage. Your hunting license will act as your export permit so keep it with as you leave Canada. You will also need to fill out a U.S. Import/Export permit Form 177. Although these can be picked up at customs, the process is simplified if this form is filled out in advance. Transporting your game home is obviously easier if you are driving, but the requirements are still the same if you fly, as long as you comply with your airlines procedures. If you are flying you may want to check with your airline for their particular weight and packaging requirements, they vary by airline.

Each different species has slightly different requirements so check with your outfitter for those specifics and try to plan in advance what you will do with your harvested animals. Be aware that it is “unlawful to allow the edible meat of any game bird or big game animal, except cougar or bear, to be wasted, destroyed, spoiled or abandoned.” And you, the hunter, are primarily responsible for the care of that meat. Most outfitters will assist with this in one way or another.

Most outfitters can help arrange for meat processing, but due to the limited duration of most hunts, it may be a problem for your animal to be completely processed before your departure. It is a lot different to take home 50 or 60lbs. of venison than to try and process and transport 500lbs. of Moose meat. Plan ahead and make prior arrangements with your outfitter if you intend to take home large quantities of meat. It will make both of your lives easier.

As for TAXIDERMY, there are many quality taxidermists in Alberta and your outfitter may have special rates with one of them. If at all possible, try and see some of their work first so you won’t be disappointed later. It is also wise to find out what the turn-around times are like and the costs of shipping a completed trophy to you. This can be a very simple option for getting your trophy home but there will be extra fees and charges for things like; export permits, packaging, shipping and brokerage fees.

9. EXCHANGING MONEY.

For the first time in over thirty years, the Canadian dollar has been even with or worth more than the U.S. dollar. The easiest way to get an accurate exchange while visiting is to use a credit card when making purchases. You can also visit a Currency Exchange site like www.finance.yahoo.com/currency or www.oanda.com/convert/classic. To find out what the U.S. dollar is worth at the time of your trip.

10. OTHER HELPFUL TIPS AND ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION.

A) Weather:

If you know the vicinity of your hunt, you can look up the weather in that exact location by visiting www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca

Click on Alberta then find your town from the choices on the right. These temperatures are given in Celsius.

B) Maps and Directions:  You can get directions or find the location of your hunting area by visiting www.maps.google.com.

C) Major Airports: For hunts in the southern portion of Alberta most hunters fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). www.calgaryairport.com

For hunts taking place in central or Northern Alberta, Edmonton International Airport should be your choice (YEG). www.edmontonairports.com

D) Clothing & other needs: Hunter Orange is NOT required in Alberta. Although your choice of Camo clothing should suit the habitat that you will be hunting it is equally important that your clothing be QUIET, and suited for the weather conditions you may face. If you will be sitting or hunting from blinds, bring warm clothes. If your hunt requires any walking or stalking, you should be concerned with wearing clothing that is quiet. Check with your outfitter to know what methods of hunting he/she prefers to use.

Every hunter should know that being in good physical health would also benefit you on your hunt. Some hunts can be very demanding while others require very little physical activity, know what type of hunting you will be doing and do yourself and your guide a favor by being in shape. You will have much greater success stalking a trophy Mule Deer through the rugged hills or a giant Moose down long, overgrown cut lines and dense underbrush, if you are in good physical shape. It can often mean the difference in your success or failure.

Don’t rush it; there is nothing worse than being stressed trying to get to camp or leave camp on a very tight schedule. Remember you're on vacation! Leave yourself extra time on BOTH ends of your trip for those UNEXPECTED delays. It is often wise to have a day on either end of your trip as a safe guard.

We hope that some of this is helpful and makes your Alberta adventure as rewarding as possible! A big key is to keep in contact with your outfitter and don’t be afraid to ask questions.