Proper way to pack and move hunting gear
If you’re a hunter or firearm enthusiast, you certainly value your guns, ammo, and other hunting equipment and certainly don’t want them harmed or lost in a move. Fortunately, moving these items is no more challenging than moving other household items, as long as you know the rules and use some common sense. Preferred Movers NH are here to show you a proper way to pack and move hunting gear.
What is the proper way to pack and move hunting gear?
When moving your guns, keep these three main points in mind.
- Keep yourself and other people safe.
- Prevent guns and ammunition from being lost or damaged.
- Comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the transportation of firearms and ammunition.
This applies regardless of whether you transport the weapon yourself or hire a mover. By law, movers can transport firearms on moving trucks, but not ammunition. However, the mover has the right to set a policy not to transport firearms. If you encounter this situation, you can find another mover or move your gun yourself.
Prepare the weapons for the move
Remove and secure all ammunition before packing the gun. You can never be too careful in this regard. Even if you are sure a gun is not loaded, treat it as if it could be. Don’t point it at another person and keep the safety on. Record the make, model, and serial number for each gun. If you’re hiring movers, you’ll need to provide this information to the moving company for the inventory. If you’re having movers transport the weapons, do not keep this information with the guns. Take the documents with you in your car along with your other important documents. You also need to carry ammo in your own car locked in a glove box or trunk.
Pack your weapons tightly
In case you have a hard-shell padded gun case, this is where you pack your gun for shipping. If not, wrap each gun in bubble wrap or soft foam packaging. If you are packing a gun in a moving box, label the box as “household items” (not “guns”) and keep the box open. Immediately before loading on a moving truck, the mover needs to check the contents and seal them in front of you. From this point on, they are responsible for protecting it from theft and damage and they must transport them in a locked mobile van. Make sure to check out packing services NH before you choose a moving company.
Move your weapon yourself
If you transport your gun yourself, you will need to store it in a locked compartment away from the driver and passengers. The best place for it is in your trunk. Alternatively, if you are driving an SUV or truck, consider storing your gun in a locked case on the roof rack or in a locked trailer mounted behind the vehicle. Ammo must be packed separately from the guns and is safe to keep inside the cab of your vehicle. Do not move guns inside your gun safe. They won’t have enough protection from possible damage and this may be restricted in your area. Gun laws vary widely from state to state. The NRAILA published a list of states with specific restrictions on transporting firearms, so be sure to review this before transporting any guns or ammo.
Moving your gun safe
Professional movers can move an empty gun safe as they do other heavy objects. If you are transporting your gun safe yourself, you will need some friends to help you. Wrap the gun safe tightly in bubble wrap and a moving blanket to prevent damage. Carefully load it on the trolley and transport it like a refrigerator, cupboard, or other large household items. Long distance movers NH will help you if this is too difficult for you.
Pack and move hunting gear – the rest
If you handle the firearms safely, the packing of the rest of the hunting gear is similar to the packing of other household items. However, mounts can be heavy and fragile. Pack them in a box and use a dolly or ratchet strap to move them safely. It is recommended to pack hunting gear such as bait, duck calls, camping gear, and hunting clothing in boxes you label. This makes it easy to find, unpack, and store your hunting gear in your new home. Please check the requirements for a hunting license in your new state before moving. Put a “hunting license application” on your travel checklist so you don’t have to wait a few days before the hunting season to line up the ducks (so to speak).
Pack and move hunting gear – summing up
When you arrive at your destination, make sure all your firearms have arrived safely. Your gun vault should be one of the first items you unpack so you can safely load your guns and store them properly in your new home. By following these tips, you can achieve the three goals of moving your gun safely, protecting yourself and others, and avoiding legal issues. Your task to pack and move hunting gear safely is done. Our movers North Hampton NH will be more than happy to assist you in this endeavor. Just make sure you provide them with the correct information regarding your gear.