Bear hunt with bow

[hungry hunter]

Ok this is for the cold brothers and sisters who live up north! I would like some info about bow hunting for BEAR in Canada. Do you have a lot of red tape getting a bow across the border and any recommendations would be appreciated. It seams like all i want to do is bow hunt. thanx Fred

[Shaun_300]

I don't think there's any red tape to get a bow into Canada, just tell the border official that you have one, he/she may want to see it, but other than that it won't be a problem.

[goodnottygy]

I went last year. No problem witha bow going into Canada, but don't take pepper spray. I am a corrections officer and they took it from me, since it is considered a weapon, like a handgun. Make sure that you get around a get a passport soon. It takes a while, so do it now!

[TBow]

Ditto on the passport. Customs on both sides really like it when you show them a passport, instead of a driver's license and other photo ID. In most cases they'll move you through in a fraction of the time. And that goes for coming into Canada as well as heading back to the USA.

Check with your outfitters to see if they quote you US or canadian funds. I've known some outfitters, well most retailers and service industry for that matter of fact, to charge a little more regarding the exchange rate. Look into exchanging your funds at a canadian bank when you get to Canada. You're assured of getting the current exchange rate, which is usually more than what most businesses offer over the counter. Or else if you use a credit card, your bank will exchange it at the proper rate when you get your bill.

Regarding your bow, it shouldn't be a problem, but you can get a card from Customs indicating you owned the bow (or any other attactive items such as digital cameras, laptops, etc.) before coming to Canada. It's not nessecary, but it could save some headaches when trying to leave Canada and re-enter the States.

And like has been said, don't bring items such as pepper spray and in no way bring any handguns. If you need something like pepper spray, ask the outfitter if they can provide it. Black bears shouldn't be a problem, but grizzlies might be another issue. Again, trust your outfitter's direction on those issues. And items like "switch blades" I believe are illegal. Lock-backs and fixed blades are O.K., but not spring loaded switch-blades.

Depending on what province or territory you opt to hunt in, there will likely be exit permits to obtain if you're successful and have to take any animal parts (meat, antlers, skins, etc) out of that territory. And also check with your own state regulations to see if an import permit is required to bring those same animal parts and meat back to the USA. You may find there is also some restictions on whether you are even legally allowed to bring some animals or parts back to the USA citing endangered speicies or an at risk group, such as polar bears I think.

Oh ya, and by the way, if you opt for a spring bear hunt, note that some provinces such as Ontario do not have a spring hunt, but do have a fall hunt. If you choose a spring hunt in a territory or province where it is allowed, I'd suggest taking a bug suit or head net. I've read a lot of guys just use a DEET bug repellant or one of those electronic repellers. That's all good and well if it works, but I've done a couple sping bear hunts and have worked in the lower arctic in the summer, and trust me, the hordes of bugs that can buzz you can sometimes be overwhelming beyond belief! I always like to say that it's better to have the gear and not need it, rather than need it and not have it!

TBow

Edited March 2, 2009 by TBow

[Cobequid Big Game Adventur]

As far as red tape goes ,there isn't any for Bows ,it is when you get into rifles whern you have ot get forms filled out at customs and such . The form is a CAFC 909 and this will get you into Canada with a firearm !! there is a $25.00 fee to go with that also .