Anyone who has moved to Alaska?

[Hunter&Huntress]

Well, it's getting closer, and my graduation is a sure thing now, so I need to get some info on moving to Alaska. Jason and I are going to drive (I know it isn't the cheapest route, but seems the best for our needs and comfort level) from Montana to Alaska with all of our stuff, two vehicles, and one dog, one cat, and possibly one more dog if we buy one of my Mom's pups. So...I've heard that moving pets this way is difficult at the borders, but all I can find officially is that they need to be up to date on shots, and have documentation of such. The other issue we are finding is our firearms we like our guns...but it looks like they may have to be shipped to us later. Any tips are appreciated! This isn't happening until July/August, but I am a firm believer in sooner rather than later.

 

[Bambistew]

I moved up here a couple years ago with a truck load of guns, antlers/mounts and a dog.

You should be able to find the gun permit on the CDN border patrol website. It has all the directions on how to fill it out. No big deal, I think it was $25 for the permit to tranport through the country...I think you'll have to ship handguns however.

Like you said, your animals will have to be up to date on thier shots, with proof of such. Get it taken care of the last week or so before you move. I think the 'certification' is only good for 30 days or something.

The only thing they really cared about were the guns. They didn't go through any of my other stuff.

There are places to camp along the way... motels are sketchy at best and very expensive. Take your time and enjoy the road trip. Northern BC and the Yukon is some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen. You'll have to skip the National Parks if you have weapons. I don't think they allow them period.

If possible... come earlier, like mid June. You'll miss out on half the fishing if you come in August. Also... if you get your residency estabilished in June/July you can hunt sheep/goat/brownies the following August!

Fall/Winter comes early.

Good luck on your move.

 

[Hunter&Huntress]

Wow! Thank you so much! Good to know that someone else has done this. Seems like a huge undertaking as of now, but we've wanted to since senior year of high school. Thanks also for the residency info, obviously hunting/fishing is a huge reason for us moving there.

 

[BiggWimm]

Another thing to remember is that depending on what time of year you move, i.e. summer or winter, some gas stations aren't open. Means you might want to pack some extra jugs of gas. Obviously in the summer they are open but winter leads to closures. Also make sure that you stop at Liard Hot Springs in B.C. It is a nice break in the drive, relaxing, clean, and doesn't smell like sulfur. It has a campground but can get a little crowded. There are black bear around and have seen them on a couple of my drives.

http://www.vancouverisland.com/hotsprings/?id=18

Another note: I don't know when Bambistew came through but I want to say the gun fee is now $50.

Also, the Canadians weren't to happy about a load of moose meat I brought through, so be aware if you are hauling venison.

Have fun, it is a really nice drive!

 

[lilbiggun]

Are you planning on renting a uhaul trailer for your stuff or towing the 2nd vehicle and using it as storage?

My parents just drove up in Nov. They didnt have any problems with there dog. They broke down around the AK border, they were towing a 2nd truck they were leaving up here. Nothing like putting a driveshaft back on when its below 0. Luckily they got it mobile and limped it into Tok, where my buddy had his garage warm where they could work on it to get it into Anchorage.

Be prepared, usually folks dont have a problem though.