Hunting in United States

Visas, laws, and regulations

The United States requires a visa for entry, but citizens or nationals Canada and Bermuda, as well as of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, are exempt from the requirement if they are traveling to the United States for 90 days or less. Find the list of countries eligible for the visa waiver here.

Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from their planned departure from the USA, and those using the Visa Waiver Program must have an e-passport.

Importing Firearms

Visiting hunters who are not citizens or legal residents of the United States are required to obtain a federal permit for their firearms and ammunition in advance of their arrival through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and firearms (ATF). You will need to obtain and complete ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D Application/Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens) to apply for the ATF permit. Contact ATF's Firearms and Explosives Import office with questions at eps@atf.gov.

Licenses and Tags

All states in the United States require hunters to have a state-issued hunting license to hunt within the borders of that state. In many cases an additional permit for the specific animal, or “tag,” is also required. In many states, a valid hunting license from your home country will allow you to purchase the required hunting license; in some states, however, you may be required to prove that you have completed a hunter education course in order to buy a license. If you are hunting migratory birds, including ducks and doves, you will also be required to purchase a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp. Your outfitter will provide you with details of what licenses and tags are required for your specific hunt and how to purchase them.

Procedures

Upon arrival into the United States you will go through passport control then proceed on to collect your bags and firearms for customs inspection. You re-check your bags with your airline for your next flight and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) official will check your firearm, then escort it to your plane. TSA regulations require that firearms must be transported unloaded in a hard-sided, locked case, and ammunition must be checked in a separate bag. Certain airlines may have additional restrictions.

Wildlife management in the United States is handled on a state-by-state basis. Each state has its own hunting rules and regulations, and even within a particular state, hunting styles as well as gear and clothing may differ widely. Most outfitters can be relied upon to provide a list of recommended gear and clothing, as well as suggestions for firearm types and calibers. Stand hunts, for example, often call for heavy, warm clothing, while hunters venturing to the mountains or taking on strenuous spot-and-stalk hunts should dress in layers. Comfortable boots appropriate to the terrain are a must for any hunt. Some states require hunters to wear a fluorescent orange hat, vest, or sometimes both. Because enforcement of hunting regulations is taken very seriously in the United States, it’s a good idea to obtain a copy of the state regulations where you will be hunting and familiarize yourself with them. Look for these regulations on the website of the fish and game agency in the state you plan to hunt.

Tipping

Tipping is generally expected and appreciated on most hunts in the USA. Tips generally range from 5 to 15 percent of the total hunt cost.

Taxidermy

Your outfitter should be able to recommend local taxidermists and meat processors, but these services are not included in the hunt cost. Discuss these aspects with your outfitter before arrival. Local taxidermists can prepare and pack trophies to your specifications, but it will be up to you to check legalities and arrange transport and shipment of the trophies to your home.