Question for you Big Gills

or anybody else that may know. I have often thought about a trip to Canada, most likely for a spring bear hunt sometime. Recently a friend who has been says that I wouldn't be able to enter the country. Here is why.

18 years ago I was arrested for driving under the influence and spent about four hours in the county jail. Was released on my own, went to court and plead guilty. Lost my license for a while and had to pay a rather large fine. I was told that even though this was 18 years ago and it is not on my driving record any more, that it is considered a felony in Canada and that I would not be able to enter the country. Is there any truth to this?

[QUOTE=Tim_T;386781]or anybody else that may know. I have often thought about a trip to Canada, most likely for a spring bear hunt sometime. Recently a friend who has been says that I wouldn't be able to enter the country. Here is why.

18 years ago I was arrested for driving under the influence and spent about four hours in the county jail. Was released on my own, went to court and plead guilty. Lost my license for a while and had to pay a rather large fine. I was told that even though this was 18 years ago and it is not on my driving record any more, that it is considered a felony in Canada and that I would not be able to enter the country. Is there any truth to this?[/QUOTE]

Hi Tim, I am assuming that you were an adult 18 years ago when the Drinking and Driving charge occurred. Now in the States it may not be on your driving record anymore but you have to look at your Criminal Record. That charge is a criminal charge as well as a motor vehicle offence. It is true that any country can refuse a person with a criminal record but considering the offence is not a felony up here and it occured so long ago I dont feel you would have a problem. Actually we dont use the word felony here but I believe that means a very serious offence like Murder. You need to check with your police dept to see if this charge is on your Criminal Record. I am also assuming you have no other criminal charges since then. I would also drive over the border as they are much stricter when you fly. We have tons of Americans that come north for hunting and fishing. You will have all the gear so I dont see a problem but see what your Criminal Record says. If it is not on there you are clear. Most likely need a Passport though. All these rules tightened up when George Bush made changes a few years ago. Made it very strict. Good hunting. :)

Thanks for the info Gills. I will check to see if it is still on my record. If I come up I will be driving. I already have a passport, but haven't used it since 1991 so it may be expired or something. Coincidently, the last time I used my passport was to go to France and when I got home from that trip was when I went out with some buddies and got the DUI. Not a very wise decision.

Oh yeah, I was 24-years-old (I think) when this happened.

Yes that passport might need updating with a more recent photo of yourself. Also have with you your drivers licence and birth certificate to also prove you are an American citizen. I forgot to mention that you will have to declare any guns you bring into Canada. Its no problem to bring hunting rifles here if you are coming during hunting season which you would be. You will have to declare the rifle and fill out a Declaration form. But a hunting rifle is no problem. Its good to be prepared I always say.

[QUOTE=Big Gills;386804]Yes that passport might need updating with a more recent photo of yourself. Also have with you your drivers licence and birth certificate to also prove you are an American citizen. I forgot to mention that you will have to declare any guns you bring into Canada. Its no problem to bring hunting rifles here if you are coming during hunting season which you would be. You will have to declare the rifle and fill out a Declaration form. But a hunting rifle is no problem. Its good to be prepared I always say.[/QUOTE]

I will be bring a longbow and a quiver of wooden arrows.

Interesting. You will be bow hunting. I like that. Its like getting back to nature the way the Natives hunt/use to hunt. How long have you been bowhunting?

I don't see why the Canooks would have a problem with your past DUI, since every time they drive up there, they DUI! OOOHHH CCAANNNAADDDAAAA!!!! :D

They have to stay warm some how!

-Rich

[QUOTE=Big Gills;386829]Interesting. You will be bow hunting. I like that. Its like getting back to nature the way the Natives hunt/use to hunt. How long have you been bowhunting?[/QUOTE]

I have been bowhunting since 1985. I started hunting with traditional gear (longbow) about 1994. It is by far my favorite way to hunt. I have taken deer, turkey and wild hog with my longbow and a bear or elk is next on my list.

Don't know if this will help any but a friend of mine who is not a citizen of the US got a DUI about 4 years ago. After going though the usual steps to regain his liscense he decided he wanted to become a citizen here since he has practically lived here all his life. They denied his citizenship because his DUI was on his criminal record. So in order to move things forward he had to pay a lawyer to expunge sp? his DUI from his record. Now that it is done he has had no problem getting his citizeship squared away. If the Canadians give you any grief maybe you should contact an attorney, also feel free to contact the US embassy in Canada. They are being paid with your tax dollars so I am sure they should be willing to answer any questions you may have.