Hey ya'll. I'm new to the forum, and have been researching hunting and shooting for a while now to prepare myself for this hobby. To make the long story short, I live in Alaska, and will be relocating to Maine next summer. I will be taking all of my worldly possesions with me, and I am considering buying a rifle or muzzleloader while I am in Alaska to begin practicing and preparing for the Fall 06' hunting season. My major questions are as follows:

1.) I will have to drive through Canada to get to the lower 48 obviously, and so far as I know I can get through with a "temporary license/permit" for about 25 bucks. Is this correct, and is it a major hassle, or relatively straightforward dealing with Canadian Customs?

2.) Once I'm in the lower 48, I still need to drive across the country to get to Maine. I will probably stop at a few National and State Parks along the way. As long as I render the gun inoperable if possible, keep it in a locked case, and the ammunition seperate, do I need to contact each state that I will be entering in order to let them know I have a firearm in my possesion?

3.) I won't have a residence until I get to Maine and do some apartment hunting. Will this be an issue, or is there a grace period or such where I have a certain amount of time before I have to provide an address?

I appreciate any and all help you can provide, and I apologize of this is the wrong forum, but since I am moving to that area, I figured I might as well try here. Thanks again.

Welcome to the forum Reily, It would probably be best if you left the guns with a friend in Alaska and once you are settled in in your new location find a gun dealer and have your friend ship them to the dealer where you can pick them up. Or just wait to buy them after you move. It might save you many headaches along your trip!

I cannot say what the rules are for canada, but nothing in the lower 48 against transporting a firearms in your car. You have the right idea, unloaded and locked up is best. I know some of the state and national parks have regulations against possession of firearms while on the property, so I would check into that before going on. Safest is as Callemin suggested and have someone send it to you once you get settled, but it can be done.

Welcome aboard.

As long as you're licensed in Alaska and are only carrying long guns you shouldn't have too much trouble. You might want to check the laws in the states you'll be driving through though. Some states frown upon unattended guns in a vehicle evenif they are locked up. So if you stop and grab something to eat along the way it could cause a problem.

If you'll be carrying any handguns definitely check the laws.Some states will only allow you to drive through as long as you don't intend to stop and are licensed in your destination state.

If you make some phone calls tocheck the laws be sure to write down the name and numbers of everyone you talked to so you can provide it to anyone giving you a hard time.

As the previous two posters mentioned having them shipped may be your best bet.
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Not sure about canada laws A' but while in the states you are allowed to transport fire arms UNLOADED in a locked case. Even if you stop to see the sights as long as you can prove (if needed) where you are coming from and where you are going, there should not be much hassle. Now if you are apartment hunting and you are staying in hotels/motels. I would just leave them in the car so the wrong person don't see them and make a fuss. you will be in Maine and I am sure they are used to seeing guns and travelers with them also. But unless you give a reason to be questioned and searched then why would anyone ask? As far as proving residence, I think that only applies to purchasing firearms. Good luck in your travels and with your new life in MAINE.

One other consideration is the apartment hunting part, some landlords will put a no firearms clause in the lease.

The national parks might also frown upon it.

The proof of residence was directed at handguns. Since ME does not honor Alaksa CCW's it would be best to check the laws regarding his requirments. Since he will be driving cross country peacable journey laws also come into effect. For example if I plan to drive to westen MA and have to cut through RI, unless I'm licensed in RI I cannot stop. And ifpulled overI have to prove that I have a MA CCW/LTC and had no intentions on stopping in RI.

The fact that he's going to be driving cross country to get to ME is the reason I thought it best to check state laws especially in regards to an unattended vehicle.

Maybe it's because I'm paranoid since I'm from MA which has some of the most rediculous gun laws in the country.

Your safest bet would probably be to mail it from AK to ME. Whether its a friend or a reputable gun dealer, it will probably give you the least amount of headache.