Guided Hunt on The Big Island of Hawaii

[DaMatRat]

Hey guys,

I'm sure this post is in the wrong forum but since I really only post here....

Anyways I am planning a guided hunt in October on the Big Island of Hawaii and would like to bring and use my own rifle.

However I have few questions/concerns regarding the matter.

My questions are to those of you who have actually traveled with their firearms recently (after the 9/11 incident).

1. How difficult is it to bring/check in as baggage a rifle at an international airport (LAX)?

2. Do I call the airport ahead of time to let them know?

2. Do I or would I bring my own ammo as well?

3. What about when I get to my destination, do I have to go through any special procedures like checking it in with the local authorities?

4. Assuming I purchased a good/quality hard case for my rifle do you think the baggage handlers will toss it around enough to whereas it is no longer sighted in properly.

 

[WildBird]

DMR: IMO the outfitter should answer all of these questions for you and assist in the transportation of your rifle. You may consider using one of theirs if yours is a generic type and you are a regular fit. It will be sighted in with appropriate ammo and you won't have the travel hassel, just the fun. Be sure to post some of your pic for us "stay at homes". WB

 

[manfreddy]

I've travelled with my guns post 9/11 (not to Hawaii though, you lucky dog!).

I found that it wasn't a big deal. I went through SFO to SD and it was just like the old days. You just need a locking, approved case, and you need to show the check-in folks your gun(s). You simply sign a waiver that the gun is unloaded, and then wrap that waiver around the trigger. I think there is a limit on the amount of ammo you can bring per person, if I'm not mistaken. Once at your destination, they will probably have your gun in the oversized room/area and an airline rep will probably match up your id/signature with the trigger waiver. Oh, I didn't call ahead of time.

Just to be sure, you should call your airline and ask. Hawaii is expensive, so I would imagine ammo is pricey. Also, ask your outfitter if you can zero your rifle when you get there (you should do a sanity check, just in case).

Good luck!

 

[bighorn67]

If the regs are still the same, you can carry up to 20 rounds of ammo in your carry-on.

Dave

 

[FForF]

I just took my 06 to from California to Texas with no problem, same as manfreddy said. They told me 25 rounds. But if you can's get em 20 rounds I don't think the extra five are going to help.

 

[DaMatRat]

Thanks Guys for all the replys.
It does not really seem like I will have a problem taking my rifle.

FForF, was your rifle still sighted in properly when you got to TX and was ready to shoot?

 

[Hntrjohn]

Do NOT take ammo in the carry on. It has to be in checked baggage.

I went hog hunting with some local boys on the big island in December, had had lots of fun.

 

[huntducks]

DaMatRat

Just to add a few things, good hard case is a + they will check your gun at the airport making sure it's not loaded so have the bolt out of it when you open the case.

Remember ammo has to be in original factory box not a after market box.

I have taken a gun to Hawaii before both rifle & shotgun, when you get to your first stop where ever your spending the night, YOU MUST TAKE IT TO LOCAL POLICE STATION and get a gun permit they will fingerprint you take down # of gun and maybe even your picture, now my last trip was 98.

They will need to inspect your gun SEE IT so leave it in the trunk and go in start the paper work then go get it, they get a little nervous when you carry it right in unless you call first.

 

[Bill in SD]

I am going to be on the big Island myself from the 24th of May to June 1st.

What type of hunts are available? What are the price ranges?

What are some names of guides? How about bow hunts?
Thanks
Bill

 

[Hntrjohn]

I just borowed a gun when I was there. I was hunting near south point.

http://www.parkerranch.com/hunting.html

http://www.kealiaranch.com/page2.html

Parher ranch is in Wiamai, which is half way between Kona and Hilo.

 

[Bill in SD]

HntrJohn, thanks. Do you know what the prices are?

Thanks
Bill

 

[DaMatRat]

Bill in SD,

I too plan to hunt at the Parker Ranch in Waimea.
If you call the hunt club at the ranch and ask them to send you some info, they will mail you a whole packet detailing the hunts and prices.

 

[Bill in SD]

Do you guys have any recommendations on fishing guides on the Big Island?
Thanks
Bill

 

[Hntrjohn]

I went on the boat Keneka, out of the Kona harbor. We had the boat for ourselves for a half-day for I think $290.

 

[Bill in SD]

Thanks John, would you recommend the boat? How did you do?
thanks
Bill

 

[Hntrjohn]

Keneka (means Penny in Hawwaiian) is the name of the boat.
There is an office at the harbor that books most of the trips going out.

 

[huntducks]

Bill in SD

I fished with a guy by the name Chuck Haupert he was from Santa Barbra, the boats name was catchem, he was a no frills boat you brought your own lunch and drinks, we where there for 21 days and I fished with him 3 times, the first time all small fish mostly big eye tuna and a few mahi 30-40 lbs was the biggest on the tuna and 15lb on the mahi, he felt bad and invited me back just for the cost of fuel and lunch, I caught 6 yellow fin from 165lb to 217lbs along with a 66lb Wahoo, we got along great and he took me out a 3rd time for same fuel & lunch this time I boated a 432 lb Marlin some 70-90 lb YF and a slug of 15-25lb Mahi, he and I made a deal on the fish and I brought home 140lb of frozen filets.

picture is my son with 2 wahoo he caught on our last trip to the islands.

 

[Bill in SD]

HuntDucks, that is great. Thanks for the information
Bill

 

[fishhead]

Remove the bolt from your rifle and take it in your carry on luggage. If the rifle is stolen, contact the Mfg. and ask them to notify you if a replacement is ordered.

Chuck