Has anyone had experience crossing into Canada (and back into the US) with fly tying materials.
Obviously going to leave the bear hair behind. No other “exotic” materials in the kit.
I’m worried that they’re cracking down on “bird parts” (which would include some nice hackle I have).
Bob
Check with your local FW Officer and call the Border Patrol station that you’ll cross at, you’d also need to try and get the phone number for the Canadien side to check with the coming back in.
I would say No problem! Just answer their questions without your sunglasses on and move on. I do know Canada has less material restrictions then the U.S side does, I see no problems with personal fly tying materials being used for a fly fishing trip in Canada.
I would make sure everything is obviously commercially packaged/labeled incase the border agent does direct you under the canopied for inspection to check your vehicle. By having everything in commercial packages the border agent won’t think you have fresh kill (mainly feathers) less chance of being confiscated for sure.
Living only fifteen minutes from the border and crossing several times a week you learn real fast what & what not to do…lol
I agree with the straight-forward solution to answer all questions simply and clearly - without your sunglasses on. Have your passport ready.
Have your tying material in commercial packaging when possible.
"What’s in the car? “Fishing and camping equipment.” You shouldn’t be asked for tying materials - just say you are not bringing in any food - if asked.
Don’t add more to the answer than what is asked, except for this:
To the question, “Where are you going?”, respond with “FISHING in …” Since I was told this trick, I have never had a problem, and twice a fishing conversation developed while the border guard finished the computer ‘log-in’ or whatever they do. Most of them are probably fisherpersons and wish they could go too.
I agree with the comments so far, bringing in well labeled stuff for a fishing trip should not be a problem. I do know of one tyer that tried to bring back Polar Bear and Jungle Cock and lied about purchasing material while in Canada. They confiscated all of the fly tying material and kept him for several hours to do a more thorough check.
I’m actually passing through Canada in the RV. Alaska, through Canada, down to points south. And, reverse the trip in the spring. Not exactly sure where I’ll be passing through (except at the Alaska border), so it’s not simple to contact the border folks to ask.
Fishing is the reason for the trip, but I’m sure I’ll get some chances here and there since I’ll be gone several months. We’ll be in Utah quite a bit. (And Arizona and Nevada.) If nothing else, I’ll fish the Truckee around Reno.
Bob