The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

September 23, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Hunting and Fishing Day, 2011

NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On vast plains and through dense forests, along rocky riverbanks and atop tranquil lakes, Americans of every age and background cherish their connection to the great outdoors.  As we mark National Hunting and Fishing Day, we are reminded of the uniquely American idea that each of us has an equal share in the land around us and an equal responsibility to protect it.

America's hunters and anglers directly experience the endless beauty and reward of our Nation's bounty.  We have long depended on this land to sustain us, from our Native American ancestors and the settlers on the Eastern Seaboard to the sportsmen and women of today.  Fishing and hunting are traditions that span untold lengths of time, enabling important bonds to the land and between generations to form.  Sportsmen also develop unique connections to the land they enjoy, and hunters and fishermen were some of our first conservationists.  These relationships are preserved and passed on with pride, along with a deep and abiding respect for nature.

Today, we continue the essential work of conserving and sustaining our precious environment.  Our landscapes are not only a source of pleasure, but a valuable resource for our local economies and the livelihood of many across America.  Last year, after an unprecedented public engagement effort, with input from across our country, my Administration launched the America's Great Outdoors Initiative.  Through this initiative, we are working to meet the unique challenges of environmental stewardship in the 21st century and create community-based solutions for conservation.

As part of the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, we recently established the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation to assist with promoting outdoor recreational activities for American families on public lands.  By coordinating with State, local, and tribal governments, and other stakeholders, the Council aims to connect our families, and especially our youth, to the rugged beauty of the natural wonders our Nation's hunters and anglers know so well.

Protecting the conservation legacy of our past is the responsibility of all Americans.  Working together, we can preserve the wonder of nature while building a future where all Americans are able to enjoy and share in her bounty.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 24, 2011, as National Hunting and Fishing Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case

Satveer S. Chaudhary is a lifelong sportsman and former wildlife and conservation policy- maker. As an attorney, he represents hunting and fishing organizations, businesses, individual hunters and anglers, and serves on the board of Safari Club International. He has worked in a variety of capacities with National Association of Sportsmen Caucuses, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. He knows the law because he helped make it.

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

Welcome to Pembina, ND: A Canada Border Crossing Tale

Shortly before 9/11 Steve, a Cleveland native, was traveling with buddies to a softball tournament in Manitoba. When questioned at the Canada/ North Dakota border, Steve revealed a long ago, almost forgotten,  DWI to Canadian authorities.  Unfortunately for Steve, that really changed the outcome of his planned trip to Canada.  

After sharing the information with Canadian authorities, he was marked as inadmissible for entrance. For the next three hours, Immigration officials questioned Steve regarding the offense, and finally denied his entrance into the country.  His team mates proceeded to the tournament without him.  Steve missed out on so much by forgetting about the Canadian border crossing regulations.  He lost the time and gas money driving to Canada, wasted the deposit for his Canadian hotel and missed out on the wonderful male bonding experience of being with his buddies. 

So while the rest of his team played softball in Winnipeg, Steve spent the weekend alone in downtown Pembina, North Dakota, exploring the local gas station and church museum, until his team picked him up days later on their way home.  A wasted opportunity, because Steve failed to realize that due to a long ago conviction, he needed to legally prepare or be left behind at the border.

So, if you have any business, personal or recreational trip to Canada planned, be prepared and consult with a lawyer to answer your questions to see if you may be at risk for a weekend tour of Pembina, North Dakota.

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case

Satveer S. Chaudhary is a lifelong sportsman and former wildlife and conservation policy- maker. As an attorney, he represents hunting and fishing organizations, businesses, individual hunters and anglers, and serves on the board of Safari Club International. He has worked in a variety of capacities with National Association of Sportsmen Caucuses, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. He knows the law because he helped make it.

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

Getting Ready for the Trip into Canada (Part2)

In my previous blog post, I discussed bringing your gun into Canada, and discussed the CAFC 909 form.  I also suggested that preparing ahead is highly recommended for your hunting trip.  There are some other tips and forms that can be helpful, and they've been included below.

So what is to be done prior to entering Canada?

1.   Download the declaration.  Here is a link: CAFC 909 Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Download

• Fill out three copies.
• DO NOT sign the Form(s).
• Leave blank areas on the form that you don't understand.

2.  If you have more than 3 guns download:  Continuation sheet (CAFC 910) 

3.  Identification: 

•  A visa is not required for U.S. citizens to visit Canada for up to 180 days. Anyone seeking to enter Canada for any purpose other than a visit (e.g. to work, study or immigrate) must qualify for the appropriate entry status
• Entry into Canada is solely determined by Canadian Border Services Agency officials
• Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity 
• A valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card (see below) satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens 
• Children under 18 must present proof of citizenship and identity.  
• U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid U.S. passport 
• Note*  If entering the USA after a visit to Canada, you will need a Passport or Enhanced Drivers License! If flying, only a passport will be accepted.

4.    Warning:  If you have been arrested at any time, to include DUI, read the earlier post regarding criminal issues and crossing the Canadian border

Other Customs Forms and Answers to Questions You Haven't Yet Asked

• Prior to Departing the United States, it's important that U.S. hunters complete Customs Form 4457 to register firearms or other high value items with US Customs.  Stop at American Customs prior to entering Canada.  DO NOT BRING FIREARMS INTO THE CUSTOMS STATION UNLESS REQUESTED
• The form may be processed ahead of time and remains valid for re-importation of the registered articles for as long as the document is legible.  
• The certificate is not transferable.  It takes only minutes to complete.   
• Customs will require make, model, and serial number.  You can contact the regional U.S. Customs office in your region and arrange to have this done prior to your trip.

Try to do this ahead, because if you must stop at U.S. Customs on the day of crossing it can add anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to your crossing time! 


Enjoy!

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case

Satveer S. Chaudhary is a lifelong sportsman and former wildlife and conservation policy- maker. As an attorney, he represents hunting and fishing organizations, businesses, individual hunters and anglers, and serves on the board of Safari Club International. He has worked in a variety of capacities with National Association of Sportsmen Caucuses, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. He knows the law because he helped make it.

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

Bringing Firearms into Canada to Hunt: a few tips

So you are ready to go hunting on that long-awaited trip to Canada.  Got your jacket?  Check!  Got your long underwear?  Check! Got your CAFC 909?  Huh?

A CAFC 909 is a form needed to bring your weapon across the border.  Visitors may bring firearms into Canada in certain situations, but they must be non-restricted weapons, such as shotguns or rifles. Only under special circumstances will handguns be allowed and those allowed must be pre-approved by Canadian authorities. 

Secondly, the guns must only be used for legitimate purposes.   In Canada these legitimate reasons are:

• sporting or hunting use during hunting season;
• use in competitions
• in-transit movement, such as moving in the most direct route possible from Oregon to Alaska through Canada
• use for personal protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada, as long as the customs officer is satisfied that the circumstances warrant the firearm being imported

Additionally, hunters can only bring 200 rounds of ammunition duty free in to Canada for hunting purposes, or up to 1,500 rounds duty free for use at a recognized competition.

Steps to Bringing the Gun into Canada

So now that that’s covered, how can we go about getting our hunting rifle pre-approved for the trip?  Well there are some simple steps to be in compliance with the border patrol:

1. When entering Canada with a firearm a "Nonresident Firearm Declaration" must be completed.
2. The declaration is available at all border crossings, but can be downloaded and filled out prior to arrival.
3. The declaration is good for 60 days, and at the last check it cost $25 Canadian, paid at point of entry.
4. You can receive an extension to your Declaration from the Chief Firearms Office for the province you are visiting.
5. To extend your Declaration, call the Canadian Firearm Center and they will connect you. The extension must be granted prior to the 60-day expiration date and requires no additional fee. 

Who Can Bring a Gun into Canada?

As a hunter, you must be at least 18 years old to bring a firearm into Canada, However, you may use firearms in certain cases. So, don't be tempted to fill out a declaration for your17 year old niece who’s in your hunting party.  The declaration is only valid for the person who signs the declaration.

Final Tips

Going through the steps to get your gun through customs is really a simple process, and you can usually be processed by Canadian officials in under twenty minutes.

Finally, remember that firearms are only temporarily imported, using a confirmed Non-Resident Firearms Declaration, and they must be removed from Canada on your departure.

So enjoy your hunt!  Don’t forget the sunscreen either!

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case

Satveer S. Chaudhary is a lifelong sportsman and former wildlife and conservation policy- maker. As an attorney, he represents hunting and fishing organizations, businesses, individual hunters and anglers, and serves on the board of Safari Club International. He has worked in a variety of capacities with National Association of Sportsmen Caucuses, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. He knows the law because he helped make it.

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

Congressional Sportman Caucus Introduces New Bill for Hunters

Sportsman organizations have applauded Representatives Dan Benishek (R-MI) and Dan Boren (D-OK), of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.  On Friday, September 2, 2011 the two congressional members introduced the bipartisan Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act.  The bill will help guarantee that recreational fishing, hunting and shooting sports are supported as public activities on federal lands.  This legislation directs federal land management agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service(USFS) and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (USBLM) to apply the multi-use mandates in their management plans to support public access to our nation's public lands.

A recent Congressional report concluded that more than 35 million acres of land owned by the USFS and USBLM have inadequate access for sportsmen and women.  This new legislation directs managers to facilitate recreational fishing and hunting on public lands and waters. With respect to the agencies' land management plans, the bill directs managers to evaluate how traditional outdoor activities will be impacted by the implementation of new regulations, management plans or land use initiatives.

Recreation is the single largest economic output of national forests and grasslands, with 46.5 million anglers spending over $1.2 billion annually to enjoy recreational fishing on USFS lands.

The Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act directs the USFS and USBLM managers to not only promote recreational fishing and hunting access, but to further take advantage of one of the biggest economic drivers for the agencies.

While the bill does not directly open federal land to recreational fishing and hunting, by directing managers to operate federal lands as "open-until-closed," overall access will increase significantly. This legislation is expected to encourage recreational fishing, hunting and the shooting sports on public lands and waters and increase participation in these past-times.

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case

Satveer S. Chaudhary is a lifelong sportsman and former wildlife and conservation policy- maker. As an attorney, he represents hunting and fishing organizations, businesses, individual hunters and anglers, and serves on the board of Safari Club International. He has worked in a variety of capacities with National Association of Sportsmen Caucuses, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. He knows the law because he helped make it.

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

It's about time!

Applying for Criminal Rehabilitation in Canada

As mentioned earlier, you may wish to travel to Canada, but have a recent issue on your legal record.  You may also apply for individual criminal rehabilitation, 5 years following the original conviction.  You can apply for “criminal rehabilitation” by submitting the following:

1. An application form IMM 1444E
2. A copy of your passport data pages
3. An FBI police certificate
4. A state police certificate
5. A passport size photograph
6. Copies of court documents indicating the charge, section of law violated, the verdict, and sentencing
7. Proof of completed sentences, paid fines, court costs, ordered treatments, etc.
8. Three letters of reference from responsible citizens.
9. Copies of the text of the law describing the offense.
10. Detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the offense
11. A non-refundable processing fee of $200 USD

Individuals may apply for a temporary resident permit to enter Canada prior to rehabilitation.  However, this is up to the passport control officer's discretion and requires a $200 fee.  A temporary resident permit is meant to allow entry for exceptional circumstances only.  These reasons would include national interest or strong humanitarian/compassionate grounds.

It’s important to note that if you are traveling through Canada’s International Airports or arriving on an international flight from the USA, you will be required to clear passport control, even if you’re continuing to a connecting international flight with a destination outside of Canada.  If they find the DWI / DUI on your record you may be sent to immigrations screening and a potentially along wait delay.  

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case

Satveer S. Chaudhary is a lifelong sportsman and former wildlife and conservation policy- maker. As an attorney, he represents hunting and fishing organizations, businesses, individual hunters and anglers, and serves on the board of Safari Club International. He has worked in a variety of capacities with National Association of Sportsmen Caucuses, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. He knows the law because he helped make it.

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.