Tips on Air-travel and Checking Firearms

My fortieth birthday is almost here! One of the items on my wish list of things to do to celebrate, is to travel out west on a hunting trip. It's been a few years and some things have changed in the travel industry when it comes to transporting or traveling with firearms.

What are the rules? Will my guns or my bow be safe when I travel? Will it cost extra? So many things to consider when making the trek to the west.

I did some searching and found a few rules that you should know if you plan on taking a trip and having your firearms travel with you.

As with many laws, each state seems to have their own set of regulations.  But, according to the TSA,

"You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted."

Ammunition and firearms also have separate rules when it comes to travel.  TSA rules state that, "Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage."

The last time that I hunted in Montana, I took my bow. I made sure that my case had my name and address on it. But what I was glad I had was a STURDY case that protected my equipment. Let's just say that airline baggage handlers don't have "handle with care" on their mind when they are trying to load and unload planes. The firearm or bow you are hunting with may get bumped around so be sure that you take a few practice shots when you arrive at camp.