I cross often into B.C. from Washington, hunting both big game in fall, and varmits in spring/summer. Here are my observations. First off, yes you can bring rifles/ammo into Canada. YOU NEED A REASON!! You will not be allowed if you say you want to do some plinking, or blasting, or some such. In B.C. non-residents cannot hunt big game without a quide, so guides will send a letter stating you will be hunting with them, and when, and this aids in crossing the border. For small game a guide is not required, so simply telling customs what your plans are should get you through. Minimum barrel length is 18", so be carefull with carbines. "Assault" type weapons are frowned upon. Before you cross, you can stop in at the U.S. side, they have a form you can fill out stating your weapons despcription, they will inspect it to verify, and stamp the form ( don''t worry, no "page 2" is kept by them, no "big-brother" is watching).Then when you return to the U.S. you present them with thisform,it simply proves that the weapon(s) you are bringing back are indeed yours. You can do the same with expensive stuff ( high-end video gear, etc), that way they will not think you bought it in Canada, and charge you duty on it. Also, when you enter Canada, there is a fee, I think it is $25. Canadian for any amount of rifles/shotguns you bring in. It is good for 60 days, so if you return within 60 days with the same gun(s), there will be not extra fee's. The "page 2" of that form is you permit to possess that weapon in Canada ( but not to buy ammo, you need a Canadian permit/license to buy weapon or ammo, called a "Possession and Aquire license". Obviously, be sure the weapon is unloaded, locked in a case, with ammo in another case. For you specificlly, check to see if you need a quide hunt big game in that provinc, if not, it should be pretty easy. Just be honest and upfront with the Customs people, and hopefully your experience will be as smooth as all of mine have been. Feel free to ask more questions if need be.
