Transiting France With Rifles

[Hank2211]

I am heading out to Cameroon in 6 weeks for a hunt, flying from Canada to Paris, then on to Douala. I've read the information here about transiting France with firearms, and it speaks mostly about importing firearms into France (as does the Embassy website).

Has anyone had experience transiting France with firearms recently? I'd appreciate any information . . .

Another question - I'll be in the south - rain forest - hunting bongo and perhaps sitatunga. I've gotten advice on hunting footwear from my outfitter, but again, first hand experience counts for a lot. Any advice?

Thanks for the help!

 

[BRICKBURN]

First off, "Perhaps" Sitatunga !??? I know Bongos first on the list man, but you have to get that other spiral horned beauty.
Onto, the question.

Who are you flying with?
Same airline all the way?
(If so, you may only have to inform the airline and check the bags through to final destination.)

Air France KLM Declaration:
Declaration for passengers weapon for hunting or sports and associated ammunition

http://www.airfrance.ca/US/en/common/guidevoyageur/pratique/bagage_special_autre_airfrance.htm


From the French Embassy:
Information for private individuals - Firearms and ammunitions - France in the United States/ Embassy of France in Washington

YOU ARE NOT A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF FRANCE AND YOU WISH TO IMPORT DURING YOUR VISIT HUNTING ARTICLES FALLING UNDER CATEGORY V
You are allowed to bring into the country two weapons on a temporary basis as well as 100 cartridges for each weapon. No Import Permit is required but the imported firearms and ammunition must be declared orally with Customs at the port of entry.


Have a great hunt.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Thanks BRICKBURN!

Check out also the following link Importation or Transiting Procedures Through Countries with Weapons & Ammunition and scroll down to

France Weapon / Ammunition Transiting Procedures.

 

[Hank2211]

Thanks Brickburn. First, I say perhaps sitatunga only because I the desire to look for a forest elephant may be too hard to resist - I can find sitatunga elsewhere (with difficulty), but forest elephants aren't easily come across. Decisions, decisions.

Now, onto the question. I had checked out the link you gave to the French Embassy. they only talk about importing hunting rifles into France. I assume that since that seems relatively easy - really, nothing more than a verbal declaration - then transiting won't be any more difficult.

As for the airlines, unfortunately, I can't go all the way on one airline. From my home to Paris, it' Air Canada, which has been ok in the past, and then Air France on to Cameroon. I've advised Air France of the details of the cases, as they've requested. so I hope I've got that covered. With luck, Air Canada will be able to check it all the way, and as you say, I shouldn't have a problem.

Now if I could just get a firearms permit out of the Cameroonian Embassy in Ottawa . . .!

They don't make taking your own rifles easy, do they? And I have to say, I think I shoot better with my own guns, and if only from the perspective of being humane, I think it's a good idea that I don try to take my own. So I'll continue jumping through hoops . . .

Thanks again for the reply.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Thanks Brickburn. First, I say perhaps sitatunga only because I the desire to look for a forest elephant may be too hard to resist - I can find sitatunga elsewhere (with difficulty), but forest elephants aren't easily come across. Decisions, decisions.

Now, onto the question. I had checked out the link you gave to the French Embassy. they only talk about importing hunting rifles into France. I assume that since that seems relatively easy - really, nothing more than a verbal declaration - then transiting won't be any more difficult.

As for the airlines, unfortunately, I can't go all the way on one airline. From my home to Paris, it' Air Canada, which has been ok in the past, and then Air France on to Cameroon. I've advised Air France of the details of the cases, as they've requested. so I hope I've got that covered. With luck, Air Canada will be able to check it all the way, and as you say, I shouldn't have a problem.

Now if I could just get a firearms permit out of the Cameroonian Embassy in Ottawa . . .!

They don't make taking your own rifles easy, do they? And I have to say, I think I shoot better with my own guns, and if only from the perspective of being humane, I think it's a good idea that I don try to take my own. So I'll continue jumping through hoops . . .

Thanks again for the reply.

No, they do not make it easy. Hence why I try to help here.
Tell Air Canada ahead of time about the guns to.
Just in case you did not already; make sure you get the Canadian Export Permits for rifles, ammo and scopes.

The way I read it I would not be too worried in Paris.

Good luck and I am awaiting the hunt report.

 

[sestoppelman]

Not many places to hunt Sitatunga anymore. Tanzania, Zambia, West Africa, Uganda. Actually come to think of it, there never really were that many places to hunt them. Botswana used to be the best bet but they are closing most hunting now and have been closed on Sitatunga for years. I got one there in 1990 and glad I did. Good luck on your hunt. Cameroon is one of the places I would like to see someday.

 

[Hank2211]

Well, I got my rifle into Cameroon without too much difficulty (only cost me 50 Euros to the customs man!), but Air France lost my ammo. Didn't get it until hunt was over and I returned to Douala. No real harm done - I fired my gun a total of three times on the safari, and managed to borrow shells from my PH. Helps to travel with a .375 or other popular calibre.

Other than that, I had no problems with Air Canada or with Air France (paris to Douala). Checked the rifle in Canada and picked it up in Douala.

Hunt was far more difficult than I had believed possible, but finally got the bongo on day 12 (of 14). Took Brickburn's advice and got a sitatunga on day 13 - after having tried for the previous 12 days. The jungle is one tough place to hunt!

Thanks for the help gents. Much appreciated.

 

[enysse]

Congrats Hank2211, any pictures? I agree with Brickburn, taking a sitatunga was SUPER wise! Sounds like you will have a lot of memories from this hunt!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Congrats Hank2211, any pictures? I agree with Brickburn, taking a sitatunga was SUPER wise! Sounds like you will have a lot of memories from this hunt!

http://www.africahunting.com/cameroon-hunting-reports/10979-bongo-sitatunga-hunt-report-cameroon.html