Can a Washington resident travel with a firearm to Alaska?
I'm planning a trip to Alaska where I would like to experience a little bit of wilderness. Given that all of Alaska is "bear country" and I'm not planning to become bear bait on this trip, I would prefer to travel with a firearm to protect myself. The usual advice for Alaska is to carry bear spray, however for personal reasons I would rather protect myself with a firearm. Would I be able to carry one as a resident of Washington state, flying in directly from a WA airport? If so, is any documentation besides a WA driving license required?
If it matters, I would bring a .45 Long Colt, as recommended on Outdoors.SE.
Best Answer
Alaska is a so-called "Constitutional carry" state, meaning that no permit is required to possess or carry a firearm, even concealed.
There are a few restrictions on carry, such as that you must inform a police officer that you are carrying, and you can't carry into a bar at all or into a restaurant if you are drinking there.
The NRA web site has a reasonably detailed breakdown of gun laws by state, which you may find helpful.
Pictures about "Can a Washington resident travel with a firearm to Alaska?"
Can I drive to Alaska with a firearm?
Crossing the Border. Hunters headed from the Lower 48 to Alaska by car must declare firearms when passing through Canada. Anyone wishing to bring hunting rifles into Canada must be at least 18 years old; properly store the firearm for transport; and follow the declaration requirements.Can a non resident concealed carry in Alaska?
Alaska does not issue permits to non-residents. In terms of reciprocity, since Alaska has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit.Can you carry a loaded gun in Alaska?
Any person 21 or older who can legally own a firearm can carry a loaded handgun openly or concealed in a vehicle in Alaska. You must inform any Law Enforcement Office who stops you for any official business that you are carrying a firearm.Does Alaska require a concealed carry permit?
Alaska does not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm. On June 11, 2003, the Governor of Alaska signed legislation amending Alaska law to allow anyone age 21 or older who may legally possess a firearm to carry a concealed firearm without having to obtain a permit.Flying with a Firearm and understanding TSA's rules and regulations
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Aaron Kittredge, Vlada Karpovich, Vlada Karpovich, Pixabay