Flying to Your Hunt

By Phil Cooper, Panhandle Region Conservation Educator The recent actions of terrorists have frequently been labeled by reporters as Ôtragedies'. However, most people consider a "tragedy" to be a force of nature or an accident. I think these cowardly acts of aggression are more appropriately called "attacks". They were attacks against completely innocent people, not natural events or accidents. Whatever they are called, the events of September 11, 2001 have changed our lives forever. One change we have already seen take place is in airline security. Yet, much confusion remains even among airline employees as to which items are permissible in checked luggage and which items are not. What does all this have to do with fish and game matters? As we begin to return to our activities that were routine prior to the attacks, many of us are planning fall hunts for big game. Anyone planning to travel by commercial airline to hunt, or anyone with a friend coming here to hunt, could run into complications in the transportation of firearms and ammunition. A friend of mine from back east was scheduled to fly here two days after the attacks. He was delayed two days, but did make it to Idaho with his hunting rifle. Transporting firearms in checked luggage, if declared to the airline agent and packed in a suitable container, seem to be traveling without problems. However, ammunition seems to be another matter. At the Spokane airport, a sign from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) clearly states that ammunition may not be carried on a commercial airline, even in checked luggage. However, a brochure printed by a major airline (and this airline's website), indicates that ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage when in the original container or in an after market ammunition box which does not allow the cartridges to touch each other. Upon seeing the USDOT sign and the conflicting airline brochure we picked up at the same place, we were not sure what to do. At the check-in, my friend declared the ammunition in his luggage. The agent inspected the ammunition and the containers and said there was no problem. However, the zip-lock bag in which he had some empty brass (no projectile, no powder, fired primer) was deemed unacceptable by the agent. No big deal, we thought, I would take the brass home with me. The agent then informed us that the computer was randomly selecting passengers to have all of their luggage inspected. Surprise! This luggage was picked. It makes one wonder just how random the process is, but increased security is something we need to accept. A supervisor was called down from the terminal to inspect all of the luggage. When the supervisor arrived, we learned in casual conversation that he was a hunter. There was an immediate easing of tension, as the supervisor clearly understood that hunters routinely transport ammunition on airlines during hunting season. The supervisor contradicted the agent and said that the empty brass was acceptable. At this point, we had decided that I would take it home so as to avoid any further delays. The check-in process took over an hour at the Spokane airport. At a large airport, I suspect it would have taken much longer. Fortunately, we had arrived with extra time just in case there were questions about the rifle. Never had we considered the empty brass would raise questions. My suggestion to anyone flying on a commercial airline to hunt is to purchase ammunition at your destination, and leave the leftovers when you return or shoot them at a shooting range. That is the simplest solution. If you have a favorite hand load (as I do), I would suggest you make arrangements with your guide or a local friend at your destination to have equipment ready so you may load up your rifle cartridges when you arrive. If you have complete trust in them, have them load your ammunition to your exact specifications prior to your arrival. At the very least, try some factory loaded ammunition in your rifle in advance of the hunt so that you know what loads will shoot well in your rifle. In the event your handloads are refused by the airlines and you are forced to shoot factory ammunition you will know what to purchase. I don't know of anyone who objects to the added airport security and the inconvenience it is causing. I hope this suggestion will help reduce the inconvenience you or an incoming visitor experience while traveling to a hunt this fall.