It’s a no-brainer to say that preparation is the key to success at anything. After logging more miles than I care to remember in pursuit of wild turkeys, I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that a few precautions could have averted a trying experience. Getting your equipment to arrive with you, and keeping it in good working order can be a snap if you pack wisely.
Preparing for a minor equipment emergency might make the difference between success and frustration. Turkey hunt long enough in wet, rough or snowy terrain and you’ll eventually plug a muzzle. A mishap that results in a clogged barrel not only present a safety hazard, it will harm patterns if the barrel isn’t cleaned.
Digging out debris with a sharp stick is poor substitute to packing a handy cleaning kit. Your cleaning kit can be as simple as a piece of cord tied to a piece of cotton cloth with a weight smaller than your bore diameter tied to the other end. A small leak-proof bottle of gun oil (I use an empty eye drops bottle) and a couple dozen cleaning patches packed in a zippered fly reel case will handle most mishaps. Almost as bad are muddy binocular or scope lenses, so add lens-cleaning solution to you kit just in case.
Include a small tool kit in your gun case. A multi-plier and a small set of Allen wrenches will come in handy if something shakes lose in transit. I always carry the archer’s version of a Gerber multi-tool. This tool has an adapter that accepts Allen bits and small Phillips and standard slotted screwdriver bits. More bit types and sizes can be found at most hardware stores to match scope mount screws or other sizes you may need. This entire tool kit comes with a nylon belt sheath.
A three-piece cleaning rod can be a hunt saver. This one stays in camp in my hard-sided gun case. Truth is, I’ve loaned my cleaning rod to companion hunters more than I’ve used it myself. Firing a round through dirty chamber is a recipe for sticky extraction. If the case sticks firmly enough, the extractor will pull through the rim, or worse, break the extractor, and leave the case stuck. If you break an extractor on a hunt the gun will still fire, but it will take a cleaning rod to push the fired hull out of the chamber.
Baggage with the Hunter In Mind
Selecting luggage crafted with the hunter in mind can make traveling easier. Cabela’s and Boyt Harness Company sell several bags that deserve special note. I’ve been using a Cabela’s Pine Ridge Roller II Deluxe for several years. It incorporates a rigid pull-out handle that delivers better leverage and carrying convenience. In-line skate wheels give smooth rolling. Reinforced end pull handles help when pulling the bag out of your vehicle. A polyethylene shell in the bottom and skid plates adds rigidity and protect the bottom. Two zippered end compartments and small side compartment conveniently stow gear that needs to be reached in a hurry, while an interior zippered mesh pocket stores small accessories. This model has a zippered 4” drop compartment to store boots, dirty clothing or a small hard-side gun case. I’ve used an older Pine Ridge Roller for the past 20 years and it should last for several more.
The dimensions of the now discontinued Cabela’s bag previously mentioned apply to any bag you might consider. Another bag worth taking a closer look at is Sandpiper of California Rolling Loadout Luggage X-Large Bag. This one will accommodate multiple hunting outfits and a compact hard-sided gun case.
Boyt Harness Company offers two ideal travel bags with several features. Boyt’s Covey Bag Rolling Duffel measures 36” x 17” x 16” is my favorite. Zippered bottom compartments can accommodate hard-sided gun cases up to 34”x 6 1/2” x 15”. The Covey Bag is made of durable 22-ounce canvas with leather trim, and include an outside zippered compartment. The second Boyt Harness bag recommended is their large Explorer Duffel measures 18.5″ x 18.5″ x 30″ in moss green. Boyt Harness bags will endure years of abusive airline travel.
Traveling North and South of the Border
As of July 7, 2021, visitors who do not have a Canadian firearms license will need to report their firearms to customs at the border, complete a non-resident firearms declaration form in triplicate, have it confirmed by a customs officer and pay a $25 (Canadian) fee. Once confirmed, this declaration form will act as a temporary license and registration certificate while in Canada. It is valid for 60 days. Visitors may renew their temporary license any time during a 12-month period without paying an additional fee.
Whitetail guide Darrell Moore said, “In Canada, everyone must have a firearms permit, and permanent firearms card is worth the effort if you plan to hunt in Canada more than once.” Moore often invites a Canadian firearms officer to his camp to conduct a safety course for his hunters so they can qualify for a permanent permit.
American hunters should check with U.S. Customs about re-entering their country with firearms after their visit to Canada. It is advisable, however, that they have sufficient identification, such as passport, driver’s license and proof of the reason for their visit to Canada to help them clear American Customs. If you would like further information on Canadian firearms law, check out their web site www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/.
Several years ago, I hunted Mexico for Gould’s sub-species wild turkeys for the first time. To prepare for the trip, Wingshooter’s Lodge owner Ruben Del Castillo briefed me on the requirements for hunting in Mexico. “If you elect to bring your own gun be prepared to send an additional eight passport photos,” Ruben said, “and the cost will be more than $200 for a Consulate Gun Permit and a Military Gun Permit in addition to hunting license fees.”
Acquiring proper permits is much easier through an outfitter than dealing directly with the Mexican government. Bringing a trophy back from Mexico can be a hassle. Follow your outfitter’s advice and arrange pickup by a U.S.D.A. certified taxidermist.
Clearing immigration is less of a chore if you elect to use an outfitter’s gun, typically a Remington pump-action 12 gauge. Plan an extra day of travel going and an extra day coming back if you take your own gun. Be aware that carrying any ammunition into Mexico is illegal. American turkey hunting loads were a precious commodity to be rationed accordingly.
If you would like further information, contact Ruben Del Castillo, Wingshooters Lodge. During hunting seasons you can contact Ruben at the lodge in Obregon, Mexico, by calling 011-52-64-149934.
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