Canada deer hunting question

[Don Hinton]

Have an upcoming trip to Saskatchdean in November. Are there any airlines I should avoid carry my hunting rifle? How is gun check in Canada? What hotel do you recommend in Saskatoon?
thank you
don

 

[Fatback]

I have always flown on Delta. Never had any issues getting my rifle up there and back. Canadian customs has a firearms declaration form that you need to get and fill out, just don’t sign it until you are with the customs officer. This will serve as your permit while in Canada. There is a fee you have to pay as well. Can’t remember if it is $25 or $50, Canadian.

I’ve never hunted out of Saskatoon so I can not help with hotel recommendations. Some great deer up in that part of the world.

 

[Rem280]

Have an upcoming trip to Saskatchdean in November. Are there any airlines I should avoid carry my hunting rifle? How is gun check in Canada? What hotel do you recommend in Saskatoon?
thank you
don

I flew Air Canada and no issues. Toronto Pearson Airport is absolutely horrible. Avoid it at all costs. Traveling in Russia was easier.

 

[Fatback]

Agreed with @Rem280, stay away from the Toronto airport at all costs. I flew there one time and that was all it took, never again.

 

[Graham Hunter]

You will probably have to go through Toronto. It will be your 1st Port in Canada so you will have to clear Customs with your luggage anyway. Have your 4457 form and your Canadaian firearms permit filled out but not signed. Take 3 copies. Good news is there are good flights from TO to Saskatoon. Decent Hotels close to the Airport. Welcome to God's Country!

 

[Rusty Iron]

You will probably have to go through Toronto. It will be your 1st Port in Canada so you will have to clear Customs with your luggage anyway. Have your 4457 form and your Canadaian firearms permit filled out but not signed. Take 3 copies. Good news is there are good flights from TO to Saskatoon. Decent Hotels close to the Airport. Welcome to God's Country!

Why would he have to go through Toronto? There are many other options with him flying to western Canada.

 

[Graham Hunter]

I believe he is flying from South Carolina. Easiest way is Toronto to Saskatoon. Or he could go Toronto to Calgary to Saskatoon? I am not a travel agent but if you would like to help him, help yourself.

 

[Rusty Iron]

I believe he is flying from South Carolina. Easiest way is Toronto to Saskatoon. Or he could go Toronto to Calgary to Saskatoon? I am not a travel agent but if you would like to help him, help yourself.

I’d avoid Toronto at all costs. Every time I’ve connected through there it’s been a mess.

MANY options from the USA to Calgary and on to Saskatoon. I fly Delta from Calgary to and from Minneapolis and other locations at least twice a month and rarely encounter issues.

 

[Green Chile]

I will jump on the wagon and say don't do Toronto. When I was in SK this spring for bear, a guy came through Toronto and they lost his gun for 2 days but everyone that flew direct to SK got their guns no problem. We took Delta to Twin Cities then over to Saskatoon. There are several hotels right by the airport. We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott coming and going 1 night each. It was fine. They also will let you use their freezer for keeping bear hides overnight. There is a Bass Pro in Saskatoon right by the Walmart. You can get Thermacell fuel there (can't fly with it).

 

[Brod]

Avoid Toronto unless you've built in an insurance day each way for making your connecting flight. If not, you risk starting your hunt a day late and/or returning home a couple days before your slipped bear hides arrive.

 

[mooze]

Delta Bessborough or Sheraton were always good.
All outfitted deer hunts are in the northern/boreal zone. No moskito spray needed after October. Dress for -10 to -30 Celsius. Bring handwarmers and heated seat pads.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I fly through Toronto to Africa. The airport is a mess alright. Get AirTags for your gun cases. Don't leave home without them. I have no problems traveling with guns on Air Canada.