Travel and hunting Bears in BC, Canada from Aussie.

[Johnny 2 Knives]

G’day guys,

Kinda new here and I drop in and out but I’m after some information, firstly on the regulations of traveling into Canada (Vancouver) with a muzzle loader via a flight. Then hunting bears if I do in fact decide to go through the hoops etc that I am expecting from Canadian authorities.

At this stage I’m fly into Vancouver in June to hunt bears with an outfitter that I have hunted with in the past. That was with a bow, but seeing as my shoulders are not in the best of shape this year the guide and outfitter asked if I was interested in hunting with a muzzle loader as I hunt here in Aussie with one from time to time and he is aware of this.

I’m sure my outfitter will be able to help out here and be all over the rules and regulations but I thought I’d also be well informed so as not to inadvertently get into trouble and as far as I know, Canada also considers muzzle loaders a weapon that needs to be regulated etc, like here in Aussie.

I would need to arrange for some BP to be available to be purchased when in BC as I would not be able to fly with BP. How readily available is BP in BC and as a non resident can I purchase some? Same same with caps?

My plan was to pull apart my rifle, wrapping it up well and and just traveling with it and a few round balls that I know it likes and then all I will need is the BP and caps.

Naturally I’d declare that I am traveling with a rifle when entering customs.

My other questions would be how has hunted black bears with a 50 cal Hawkins rifle and would round balls be OK?

Cheers from Aussie and chat soon,

J2K

 

[Rató:rats]

Flintlock long guns are considered antiques and not firearms under the Canada Firearms Code. Your percussion will be considered a firearm so there will be a healthy dose of forms to fill out. Blackpowder is easy to purchase, it is regulated by our Department of Mines and Forests. I don’t even present ID but if you look under 18 they may ask for it.

 

[rusty]

I would get your outfitter to get some black powder for you, so you will know you have some before you leave.

 

[Fatboyz]

I would get your outfitter to get some black powder for you, so you will know you have some before you leave.

I second this. I'm in alberta next door and caps and powder are non existent. Cabela's has had some pyrodex now and then, and there is a fellow in Edmonton from the Alberta Black Powder shooters association that brings in quantities of Schutzen. About 6 months ago some caps showed up at Cabela's and they sold out in 6 hours. That's the only caps I've seen in several years.
Definitely see if your outfitter can source powder and caps ahead of time.

 

[yonderin]

Rustywood is located in Mission, not a real far drive in terms of distance. Currently showing Schuetzen and some Swiss in stock as well as Pyrodex. And some caps.

BUT.....it appears you must produce the Canadian Possession and Acquisition License to purchase. With that information; perhaps your outfitter can assist.