Flying with hunting gear

[EastTNHunter]

I know that this has been discussed before, and specifically remember wllm doing a pretty detailed write up on this, but I can’t seem to find it in the search function. Who flies with guns and gear? I’m a little bit less concerned with the gun part right now than the backpack, knives, ammo, and a few more things that could be considered contraband, along with getting meat and heads back. Can someone provide some tips, and/or does someone know how to find the thread(s) that have already covered this in detail?

 

[Sheltowee]

The answers you seek may be found in the Sacred Texts: https://www.hunttalk.com/strategy/2...traveling-with-firearms-meat-and-rental-rigs/

Exo also has a pretty good article on it: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-fly-with-a-hunting-rifle

It really hasn't been that bad for me. Show up a little early because you'll need to go to the Super Secret TSA room where they will swab your gun case for explosives residue (seriously, I watched a guy swab my box of handloads). Make sure you have keyed padlocks on every place your gun case will permit one. I do not use TSA locks because I want them to have to ask me to open my case if needed. I just put my ammo and knives in the same locked rifle case.

 

[geetar]

An old timer taught me to drop one box of ammo in each boot in my checked luggage to save space and keep it separate from the rifle.

 

[EastTNHunter]

The answers you seek may be found in the Sacred Texts: https://www.hunttalk.com/strategy/2...traveling-with-firearms-meat-and-rental-rigs/

Exo also has a pretty good article on it: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-fly-with-a-hunting-rifle

It really hasn't been that bad for me. Show up a little early because you'll need to go to the Super Secret TSA room where they will swab your gun case for explosives residue (seriously, I watched a guy swab my box of handloads). Make sure you have keyed padlocks on every place your gun case will permit one. I do not use TSA locks because I want them to have to ask me to open my case if needed. I just put my ammo and knives in the same locked rifle case.

Very helpful. Thank you!

 

[EastTNHunter]

Those links are helpful, but I’m looking for some more packing details. I think that the wllm thread covered some things like using a hockey bag, what can/must be packed in checked baggage, packing your backpack as a carry-on, etc. I don’t think that I’ll need to bring my gun or ammo with me with my current plan, so I’m thinking more about knives and other “forgotten or overlooked” contraband items, and balancing things out that are bulky

 

[Sheltowee]

If you handload, you might get hassled for flying with ammo not in factory boxes. That used to be the rule but now any cardboard, wood, plastic or metal box designed to carry ammunition is acceptable. You might consider printing out and keeping a copy of this page with you: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

 

[jpc01101]

Just make sure anything sharp makes it into a checked bag. My Dad ALWAYS forgets his pocket knife and we have to run back out through security and leave in the truck (or similar terrible hassle) so don't do that. I do use my day pack as a personal item on flights but I completely gut it. I don't even try to just take out certain things, hunting stuff goes into a checked bag to avoid a potential goof up. I have never had an issue with Ammo and we travel with a ton of ammo usually as I normally have 2 long guns and a handgun when I go. I put all guns into one case (a pelican vault) and I put one non-TSA lock in every available hole in the case. I have never been asked to open it. I usually pull bolts out and put them into small indentations I have cut in the foam to show that there is no way the guns could be fired. I'm not sure if that helps or not.

 

[jwatts]

I've flown to hunt a few times. Both times I flew back with meat.

Put the rifle in a hard case. Put non-tsa locks on it. I have cutouts in the foam of my case to hold my rangefinder, a few boxes of ammo, and my knives.
Be sure to have the ammo in a box that is made to hold ammo. You'll probably get less hassle if it's in a factory carboard box, even if it's handloads you're carrying.
Print the airline and TSA regs on traveling with firearms and keep them with your gun in case any questions arise.

As far as traveling with meat, I flew with a frozen, deboned dall sheep once, a few deboned antelope another time. It needs to be frozen and sealed in a way that it won't leak blood everywhere. I deboned mine and separated into the same cuts I would freeze at home. I put it all in ziploc bags. I flew the some of the sheep home in a soft sided cooler checked as a bag. I put some towels in as insulation and to absorb any blood in case anything leaked. The rest was in one of the cardboard fish boxes they sell all over Alaska.The antelope I flew home in a waterproof duffle bag (along with the head) and in a cheap Igloo cooler I got at the local walmart. In that situation I had dry ice in with it. Be sure if you have dry ice that there's a way for it to vent. We propped the corner of the cooler open with a piece of cardboard and taped everything closed. There are regulations on the weight of dry ice permitted in each bag, so make sure you know what that is prior to packing. They'll ask how much dry ice you have in with your meat in my experience.

 

[MtsPSU]

I know that this has been discussed before, and specifically remember wllm doing a pretty detailed write up on this, but I can’t seem to find it in the search function. Who flies with guns and gear? I’m a little bit less concerned with the gun part right now than the backpack, knives, ammo, and a few more things that could be considered contraband, along with getting meat and heads back. Can someone provide some tips, and/or does someone know how to find the thread(s) that have already covered this in detail?

If you’re shipping elk antlers consider getting a cardboard box (you can be creative and make a box from several if needed) from a local store and finding a cheap garden hose to cut and slip pieces onto the tines for added protection. We’ve shipped antlers via US Post Office and UPS without issues.

We’ve also shipped meat back via DHL. The processor drove it to the airport for a very modest fee and we picked it up at our destination the same day without issue. It was much cheaper than UPS or FEDEX.

 

[EastTNHunter]

I looked into a bunch of packing details before realizing that it was still going to cost me at least $600 more to fly than to drive, plus shipping or checked baggage fees for meat and antlers/horns. I have 3 tags in my pocket, but likely won’t fill one of them. The biggest expense was going to be the rental car.

I had just about decided to use my rotomolded cooler as my checked bag for my flight out, packing my gear inside of it. I will need a cooler to transport meat in the vehicle for a few hours. On the way back I would dump my checked gear and either box and ship it via UPS, or leave it with my brother to bring to me when he comes back home to visit in a few months. I also considered freezing and shipping the meat on dry ice.

I will definitely exercise my plans in the future on a shorter trip, but this one will just have to be a roadtrip with me and my son in the crosstrek (let the Subaru jokes begin )

 

[Jwill]

Make sure you weigh your checked luggage, easy to go over 50 lbs and get hit with some steep fees.

 

[RealMuddyboots]

If you are using a rangefinder, Kestrel or binos with lithium batteries, remove them. You can fly with lithium batteries if the batteries are still in original packaging. Airlines are really intense over lithium batteries for a good reason. Rechargeable batteries like for Ozonics is another question on how to transport. I would definitely call your airline for their requirements or their website. Print out their requirements for reference with agents.

Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours | Transportation Security Administration

Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.

www.tsa.gov

https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries

 

[RealMuddyboots]

I would also consider GPS tag for checked bags especially for firearms and even bow. Gear bags too.

I use those heavy duty HVAC zip ties to further seal gun cases since they can only be removed with side cutters or knife. Nobody can get into your cases without breaking them. I carry extras in cases. They come pretty big 3-4' long easily.

 

[Boarmaster]

I ship ahead if I have buddy either where I am flying into or if they are driving to meet me. I check my firearm on my flight.

If that isn't happening then I toss my knives and range finder in my firearm case. I used to put my ammo in my gun case but seems like many these days say not to. The TSA says its ok so long as its properly stowed in the right containers. I carry my binos in my carry on which is always a day pack. I check everything else.

I have aways shipped meat home 2nd day air rather than check it on my flight.

I have never carried a rack or head home. I drop it at a taxidermist where I am hunting and they shipped it to me when finished so I am no help on that.

I have never had any issues the 20 times or so I have flown to a hunting destination.
Every time I check for new regs. I dont take anything for granted. I check it out myself.

 

[COEngineer]

I would also consider GPS tag for checked bags especially for firearms and even bow. Gear bags too.

I use those heavy duty HVAC zip ties to further seal gun cases since they can only be removed with side cutters or knife. Nobody can get into your cases without breaking them. I carry extras in cases. They come pretty big 3-4' long easily.

I don't think you can do this anymore. The gun case has to be accessible at the counter to insert the paperwork signed by the ticket counter (airline) agent. Maybe you can zip tie it after the agent/paperwork, but before the TSA scanner??

 

[RealMuddyboots]

I don't think you can do this anymore. The gun case has to be accessible at the counter to insert the paperwork signed by the ticket counter (airline) agent. Maybe you can zip tie it after the agent/paperwork, but before the TSA scanner??

I apply straps after counter.

 

[geetar]

I ship ahead if I have buddy either where I am flying into or if they are driving to meet me. I check my firearm on my flight.

If that isn't happening then I toss my knives and range finder in my firearm case. I used to put my ammo in my gun case but seems like many these days say not to. The TSA says its ok so long as its properly stowed in the right containers. I carry my binos in my carry on which is always a day pack. I check everything else.

I have aways shipped meat home 2nd day air rather than check it on my flight.

I have never carried a rack or head home. I drop it at a taxidermist where I am hunting and they shipped it to me when finished so I am no help on that.

I have never had any issues the 20 times or so I have flown to a hunting destination.
Every time I check for new regs. I dont take anything for granted. I check it out myself.

If you don't mind me asking what does it run to have a western taxidermist ship a shoulder mount to the south. I've got a fall trip I'm trying to plan for.

 

[Boarmaster]

If you don't mind me asking what does it run to have a western taxidermist ship a shoulder mount to the south. I've got a fall trip I'm trying to

Last two Whitetails I had shipped from Ohio to Southwest FL were over ten years ago were $250 shipping each. No idea from anywhere else or an elk. Meat and heads are one reason I started driving if at all possible. If It was me I would contact the Taxi your planning to use and discuss both taxi cost and shipping. Its my understanding they do have a way to do removable antlers to reduce the size of the box. I wouldn't doubt at all if cost of boxing and shipping isn't $350-500 these days.
As I recall the taxi took the box to the shipper and I gave them my credit card number to pay the shipping. Mine both arrived in good shape no issues. Flying is just a big PIA.
But sometimes it’s the only way.