Travel Tips For Hunters

by Jared Felkins
Because many of you will be flying to your hunting destinations this fall and next Spring, there are some procedures you need to know before traveling with firearms, and in some instances bows & arrows are handled in a similar manner.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 have changed life in America in many ways. Although the country is trying to return to a semblance of normalcy, there will continue to be a need for increased security at airports. The National Wild Turkey Federation¹s film crew travels thousands of miles each year by airplane to film its television show, "Turkey Call" TV.

According to NWTF videographer Jason Morrow, the rules and regulations on traveling with a firearm have changed very little in the past months. 

"Traveling with a firearm really hasn't changed that much," Morrow said.

"The same regulations are in place. I always take my gun apart before I go to the airport. This shows the airport officials that the gun is unloaded and can¹t be easily used."

Morrow also gave two handy tips for flying with a firearm. 

"The biggest thing is to declare your firearm as soon as you check in at the desk," he said. "Keep the firearm in a locked, certified gun case separate from the rest of your luggage."

"As far as ammunition goes, I always purchase my ammo when I get to the place I am going, so I don't have to worry about traveling with an explosive product," Morrow added. "It's easier and faster not to travel with ammunition. There are usually plenty of places to buy ammunition when you get there. But if I have to take ammunition, I always pack it separately from my firearm in a different locked case."

Delta Airlines spokesperson Cindi Kurczewski said that regulations for traveling with a firearm haven't changed since Sept.11, but she recommends checking with the airline you wish to use for possible changes in regulations before booking a flight.

"Although our regulations for traveling with a firearm haven't changed, we want to remind everyone traveling this hunting season of the constantly changing security regulations of the airlines," Kurczewski said.

According to information provided at Delta's web site at www.delta.com, when checking a weapon, you must:

  • Declare to the airline representative that you are checking a weapon; (If there is a security checkpoint prior to the Delta ticket counter, you must declare the existence of a weapon to security personnel); 
  • Present firearms unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration;
  • Lock the weapon 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 separate from the firearm in the manufacturer's original package, or is securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes.
Other items to remember
  • Firearms transported to the United Kingdom as checked baggage require a permit from the United Kingdom. The passenger must contact the United Kingdom prior to travel for more information regarding this permit.
  • 11 lbs. of ammunition (10-lbs. max. on Delta's Connection Carrier SkyWest) is allowed on Delta flights, but must be packed separately from your firearm(s). Ammunition in excess of 11 lbs. per passenger or that contains incendiary projectiles is prohibited.
  • You may purchase a hard-sided case (12" x 52" x 4 1/2") with suitcase type lock (capable of holding two rifles with scopes) for $75 plus local tax at most Delta Airport Ticket Counters.
  • One item of shooting equipment is accepted as part of a customer's free checked baggage allowance. For each item listed, one item of shooting equipment is defined as one or a combination of the following:
One rifle case containing:
  • o two or fewer rifles (with or without scopes)
  • o one shooting mat 
  • o one small pistol tool kit
  • o noise suppressers
Cases containing more than two rifles will be assessed an excess baggage charge. 

One shotgun case containing:

  • two or fewer shotguns

    • Cases containing more than two shotguns will be assessed an excess baggage charge. 
One pistol case containing:
  • two or fewer pistols
  • pistol telescopes
  • noise suppressers
  • a small pistol tool case
Cases containing more than two pistols will be assessed an excess baggage charge. 

Finally, remember that each airline may have different firearms restrictions and keep in mind that regulations can, and do, change. Always call ahead or check your airline¹s website for their latest regulations before packing for your hunting trip.

Jared Felkins

Reprinted with the permission of the National Wild Turkey Federation. For more information on the National Wild Turkey Federation, call (803) 637-3106, check out our web site at www.nwtf.org or e-mail questions to nwtf@nwtf.ne
For more information about the NWTF, call (800) THE-NWTF. Visit the NWTF web site at www.NWTF.org.

For more information via email contact: Jonathan Harling at jharling@nwtf.org

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