After speaking with and reviewing the website of the Canadian Firearms Centre, I aproached Canadian customs in Stanstead, QC last week with my three firearms.

According to CFC, I (American citizen) am allowed to bring a firearm over the border for a few reasons; one of which is target shooting. Customs insisted that I must be involved in a competition and have written proof that I will be partaking in this competition and refused entry of my firearms.

After finding a location in VT to store my firearms for the week, I had a long talk with some customs agents on my return. They informed me that if I had a license called a AAAT, that I would be permitted to bring my firearms over the border (outside of what is allowed otherwise... hunting, competition, protection against wild animals, transit). The CFC states that there is a license they provide called a PAL (Posession and Acquisition License) that would enable me to do this.

Is this the right approach? Is the AAAT a license? I could not find it neither when searching the site(s) in english nor in french.

Is there anybody out there that could help me understand the reality of this situation? I spend a great deal of time in Quebec for other reasons than hunting (family). Due to this confusion and what appears to me to be multiple interpretations of the same law, approaching the border has become a frustrating and unpredictable event. I have absolutely no issue with any laws in Canada, but I am just unsure what is what and would greatly appreciate leveraging any experience from others.

Cheers