Transporting Your Shotgun

Safely transporting a shotgun is an important step in any hunt, whether you’re walking into a flooded timber hole, driving to a favorite hunting spot in the next county, or hopping on a plane to reach a bucket-list waterfowling destination. Here’s how to protect your gun from damage, keep it functioning reliably, and help prevent accidents.

In the Field

For long walks over rough terrain, a soft-sided, padded gun case with a shoulder strap is often the most practical option. This type of case will keep your hands free to handle navigating through cover, cushion your shotgun from bumps and falls, and offer protection from the elements. If your hunt is going to require you to spend time in the water or in a boat, a waterproof floating case is a smart choice. These cases will keep your shotgun dry and, if dropped overboard, they float, making for an easy recovery.

Regardless of the case you use, be sure to remove your unloaded shotgun from its case when you’re back at camp or home, and use a towel to wipe the gun dry. A wet gun left in a damp case is a surefire recipe for rust.

On the Road

When traveling in an ATV, UTV, or other type of vehicle, a hard case is the best way to protect your shotgun from heavy impacts. Hard cases are also ideal when you need to stack gear on or around the shotgun.

Heavy-duty drawer storage systems, like those manufactured by DECKED, are a next-level approach to gear storage that will keep your shotgun safe and secure. Among the benefits of a drawer storage system is the protection it provides from dust and moisture, as well as space to safely organize and transport your shotgun shells. Perhaps most important, a drawer system provides you with the ability to have your shotgun out of sight, locked away, and separated from the other loose gear that you’ll likely have packed for an epic waterfowl hunting road trip.

Through the Air

Transporting a shotgun by airplane requires you to have an understanding of airline and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, but the extra effort it takes to fly with a shotgun should not keep you from traveling to a dream waterfowl hunting destination.

The most important requirement of flying with your shotgun is using a hard-sided, lockable case that is designed specifically for air travel. These cases must be tough enough to prevent crushing and must fully secure the shotgun so it cannot move inside during travel. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks, and only you should retain the key or combination.

At check-in, you’ll be required to declare the firearm to the airline agent and fill out a declaration tag stating that the gun is unloaded. Typically, you are able to travel with around ten pounds of ammunition, which is equivalent to about two or three boxes of three-inch waterfowl hunting loads. You cannot carry ammunition in a carry-on bag, but you can pack it in your checked baggage.