Crossing the Border..Not worth the hassle

[icejunky]

After spending about 4 hours on the ice yesterday I decided to make a quick trip across the border to the 1000 Islands Bait Shop. I had heard good things about the place and decided since I was close I would give it a try...

No line-up which was great...I get to the border crossing and watch as the poor guy in front of me gets his vehicle searched..no problems so he moves on...Now it's my turn...I hand him my drivers license and.......

CO: "Citizenship?"

Me: Canadian

CO: "Born There?"

ME: Yep

CO: Where DO You Work?

Me: Sears

Co: What do you do there?

Me: I Manager a Store (what does this have to do with anything?)

CO: How tall are you?

Me: Umm...5.7

CO: Where are you going?

Me: 1000 Island Bait Shop...Need a NY license and some bait

CO: Please wait here (he leaves the booth, and goes to speak with another CO

CO: When is the last time you crossed the border?

Me: ABout 2 years ago

CO: Where were you going?

Me: New jersey (this is getting crazy..thought but did not say)

CO: have you ever had any issues crossing the border?

Me: No  (untill today..once again thought only)

CO: Is this your vehicle?

Me: No it's my Wifes

Then he hands back the Id and sends me on my way....Im all for security..but some of the questions were ridiculous...they had not baring on anything...and the attitude they have...I know they have an important job but I was freindly as hell and he just glared down at me the whole time.

The way back into Canada was easier...

CO: How long have you been in the US?

Me: ahh about 45 minutes

Co: Purpose of the tip

Me: 1000 Island bait shop..needed some tackle and a license

CO: Long way for that small bag of Tackle..(he looks at my tiny purchase)

Me: Not if you cant get it elsewhere

CO: have a nice day

No Id check not Million dollar questions...just have a nice day...Mind you he did say it with attitude..It must a prerequisit for the job..

Now the 1000 Island bait shop was pretty good..better then anything in my area, and the guy was super friendly and helpfull. It's just not worth the hassle of crossing over...Not to mention the stupid tolls I had forgot about. But i did land some tackle I could not get in my area or even at the BPS in Toronto...Next time I cross the border I think Gander Mountain is in order...

[camo_fish]

It does get to be a hassle anymore. The last time I did was pre-09/11 and in 2000.
Going on a fishing trip to Canada for 7 days, and at the gate, there were 4 or 5 women on powertrips. We opened and dumped all gear and they held us up for about 3 hours or so to run background checks.
They didn't want my Father and uncle to enter cause they had DWI over 20 years ago and my father is now sober for close to 20 some years now too. My uncle's DWI was when he was 18 years old and at the time that was still over 20 years for him too.
Had to get a court judge to ok it and that took 3 phone calls and then both of them had to pay something like $150 to be processed. 
Boggis, and none of us 4, haven't been back since.
Yea, shady, 4 guys going fishing for a week and got a very hard time going thru the borders. I guess our # was up, should have shaved that day or something to look more presentable. 

[taxi1]

I've heard a lot of horror stories of Americans going into Canada and apparently it works both ways. Sorry to hear some of our own gave you such a hard time Icejunky, as I can assure you most of us aren't that way. I know it goes the same for most Canadians too as all the Canadians I've met are the greatest. I think part of this is politics as some in your government are hot about the dispute over lumber imports/tariffs into the US, and I noticed things seemed more tense than usual just after the MadCow was found coming in from Canada. At least that is what I was hearing from folks that went to Canada fishing. Of course we all know the cow originated in the U.S. LOL

Had an interesting experience at airport security at Tampa International Airport leaving after visiting the folks over Christmas. I don't fly very much and haven't since 9/11. Anyway it's 5 A.M. and I'm not the most alert guy at that time in the morning anyway. I put all my belongings in the gray tubs for xray. Sunddenly I get this, "THEY AREN'T GOING THROUGH ON THEIR OWN!" from the TSA guy that does the x-rays. How was I supposed to know it wasn't part of his job to get them started? I could be wrong but it seemed on my other flights in someone did. My twin brother who flies more frequently said he was yelled at once for pushing the tub through to fast!

Do you know how bad i wanted to say, "Well Barney Fife why don't you do it? Isn't that what you're paid for? " Of course the guy in uniform standing in the background with the assault rifle made me bite my tongue. And you know this TSA guy who wasn't the most professional in my book so he could have alledged I said just about anything. We know what happened to the Columbian guy that alledgedly said, "I have a bomb, I have a bomb on the aircraft." He was shot on the tarmack. What's really odd is they could not find one passenger that heard him say that even though one of the Air Marshalls said he was yelling it.

There is no good reason to give folks a hard time and act unprofessional or get a kick out of it. I don't care how difficult their job is. If they don't like the GD job find anotehr one but don't take it out on the average joe. Seems to me the point of this is to weed out terrorists not give everybody a hard time.

Here's what we need to do. Get names when you feel you're treated poorly. Send a letter of complaint to those in charge including local politicians. I can assure you maybe a few of these complaints may not be heard, but if there are enough and they keep coming in someone will listen and take action. And if certain agents are repeatidly complained about it can not be good for them. We can't allow our freedoms to be taken away in the name of security. It doesn't have to be that way.

He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither - Ben Franklin 

[BUCKSKI]

Never had a problem entering into canada except for when we went in a car with a pheasants forever sticker on it. He asked where's the guns, searched the  vehicle.
When we go into canada  most times we just say were going to the strip clubs and they send us thru. Even if we are not thats what we tell em. (casino)

If they ask you many questions check how you look and your vehicle look, had a teacher in high school that part timed as a INS agent. he plainly stated if you look like someone with something to hide then be prepared.
No hunting, greatful dead stickers or tinted windows are a good start! be honest, I'll take the incovience rather than the outcome. Travel croass border in other parts of the world and then know how nice it is.

[bigredonice]

The only time I cross the border anymore is with my uncle, who knows all the border guards up at Champlain.  Its just not worth the hassle.  They interogated four of my friends for over 5 hours.  Then they asked if my buddies cared if they brought out a drug sniffing dog.  He goes "WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU ASK 5 HOURS AGO?"  They were promptly released.

[taxi1]

Never had a problem entering into canada except for when we went in a car with a pheasants forever sticker on it. He asked where's the guns, searched the  vehicle.
When we go into canada  most times we just say were going to the strip clubs and they send us thru. Even if we are not thats what we tell em. (casino)

If they ask you many questions check how you look and your vehicle look, had a teacher in high school that part timed as a INS agent. he plainly stated if you look like someone with something to hide then be prepared.
No hunting, greatful dead stickers or tinted windows are a good start! be honest, I'll take the incovience rather than the outcome. Travel croass border in other parts of the world and then know how nice it is.

Why should we be ashamed of hunting or have to hide it?

That may be the case in other parts of the world where democracy is just a dream but should it be that way here?

[J_MAKI]

I have had a couple experiences with both the Canadian and US Customs agents.

I was headed down to my dad's place in Warroad with the kids and upon entering the US I had to get out of the truck and they searched it. NO big deal to me I could have cared less as they were only wasting their own time. Anyways the officer comes back inside with a box of matches that I had all sealed up with electrical tape. He asked whats inside this package. I told him matches incase I get stuck in the bush while trapping and hunting. Well sure enough he didn't believe me and he starts to open it up. He was having a bit of trouble as it was in my dash for over a year and was stuck together really good. Anyways after about 7 feet of tape and five minutes later he gets it opened and low and behold MATCHES lol. He then gave me a ziplock bag for my matches and sent us off on our way.
 Coming back into Canada that trip the officer asked for our ID and then proceeded to question me on where is the kids mother, why she wasn't with us and all kinds of related questions. I was really quite mad at the way I was being treated and talked too. Who are they to question me RETURING into Canada with my own kids. I could understand the US agents asking many questions (which they never did) when I was heading into the US.

In all I have less trouble entering the US than I do returning into Canada. I think it has something to do with my US citizenship and Landed Immigrant Status up here. It is only going to get worse with the people we have in power on both sides. It shouldn't matter what you look like as I thought we lived in a democracy and we are allowed to dress and groom ourselves however we like.

Jeremy

[vancouvercanuck]

Here's what we need to do. Get names when you feel you're treated poorly. Send a letter of complaint to those in charge including local politicians. I can assure you maybe a few of these complaints may not be heard, but if there are enough and they keep coming in someone will listen and take action. And if certain agents are repeatidly complained about it can not be good for them. We can't allow our freedoms to be taken away in the name of security. It doesn't have to be that way.

Good way to not get anywhere in the future. I've travelled alot of placed and the last thing I want to do is p!ss any border guards or immigration officers.

I've never had any problems getting anywhere as long as you are being honest and you have nothing to hide.

[icejunky]

Thats the issue VC....I was being honest and friendly and could have cared less if they wanted to search me and my vehicle...they aer doing there job...But to treat people like garbage...there is no excuse for that....It gets to the point where honest people still fear crossing the border due to what they are about to be put thru.

[Reel Wet Ride]

I've been through the tunnel a few times between Detroit and Windsor, never had any problems getting into Canada, been stopped and searched everytime coming back. Apperently the smell of strippers and lipstick on my clothes is cause for concern.

[willbilly]

The funny thing is the border we need to worry about is mexico and no one seems to care about that one! After I go threw the border BS , it is hard for me to tell the difference between Canada and the US.

[ice dawg]

It is not too far in the future (2008?) when we will need a passport to cross back and forth. When crossing, you are checked through Interpol if they check you, and they know everything about you from the time you are born. I believe a DWI is a felony in Canada and a misdemeanor in the USA. The strange part is that if you have a DWI you aren't wanted in Canada but you will be admitted for a price. A guy on one of our trips had a 6 month old DWI and lied about it. He got to stay in Canada for $20.00 per day. It used to be that ten years after a DWI you were considered as rehabilitated. Now it doesn't make a difference how old the DWI is, you will have problems at the border if you get checked. A friend of mine was checked at the border driving an 18 wheeler and his company had to get a replacement driver there before the truck was allowed into Canada because he had a DWI on his record. After the truck left the border check point he told the crossing guard (What really amazes me is the way you treated me because of a DWI and the driver of the truck ahead of me was a convicted sex offender and you said nothing to him.). You guys are right. It is mostly due to politics and it is shameful.

[taxi1]

Good way to not get anywhere in the future. I've travelled alot of placed and the last thing I want to do is p!ss any border guards or immigration officers.

I've never had any problems getting anywhere as long as you are being honest and you have nothing to hide.

I beg your pardon? I have always been honest and polite to an extreme and certainly don't have anything to hide just as it is with Icejunky. But being a professional in my line of work, I expect others to act professionally in their line of work. There is no need to bully honest folks or put on a show of how mean you can be. Let's face it. There are some incredibly good people in law enforcement ( a friend is police captain) but there are some real losers that let the power they have go to their heads.

I can assure you next time I go into Canada or come back into the U.S., if I get treated poorly I will get names and I will send a complaint. If I go back and they remember me and give me a harder time I'll file a complaint again duly note the increased harrassment due to my speaking out. And if it happened again I will do so again. And again and again. The ol' man was a Green Beret and he always told me not to take crap from anybody. He should know, he's had his nose broken so many times he can't breath through it anymore.  

Not exactly the same thing but recently I stopped into the local convienence store and bought nitecrawlers and some hostess cup cakes. I had a shirt on that said taxidermy on it (that's what I do for a living). The idiot cashier first said something stupid like, "Are you going to eat the nitecrawlers with the cup cakes?" That wasn't so bad but then she started in on what I did for a living. "Oooooh she said, How can you do that. That's gross!" And on and on. At this point I was getting a little 't' ed off but kept my composure. Then the manager walks in just as I was leaving and the cashier turns to her and says, "Ooooooh this guy is a taxidermist! Can you believe someone would do that?" The manager replies, "Well someone has to do it." As if I'm the garbage man or something.

Guess what? I sent a letter to the company and made my case. They apologized profusely and sent me coupons which I discarded, and I haven't been back since. I now go to the gas station across the street. They have to know I haven't come back because there is no activity on my convience card.

I see the manager is working in Wallmart now and I'll bet the cashier isn't working thier either!  

I'm sorry but I don't take crap from anybody and neither should the rest of us.  

[tunein36]

I guess I have been lucky both going into and getting out of Canada as I have never been harrased or asked to get out of my car. I have witnessed a number of people having their cars searched, but not me. I have not been to Canada for a number of years so it might be different now, but I have no reason to go there currently.
I do travel often on cruises and have had a few problems when I leave the ships in other countries, more so upon returning to the ships, but other then minor hassles, not much to talk about. I guess I have been lucky and feel badly for those who have.

[tommyboy]

Here is my piece of advice:  When entering the US via the bridge at Niagara Falls post 9-11, you will come up to a white strip on the road just before the booths, which is about two feet wide.  There is a sign adjacent to that white strip that says "stop at the line," or something to that effect.  Well, to me, that means that you place your two front wheels squarely on that line and wait your turn.  Well, apparently the border guards have a different interpretation.  After screaming at me, and I say that literally, for about 5 minutes about the importance of following rules, he decided to determine if my wife and I were a threat to national security.  After the usual questions, which I admit to being a bit less than polite in responding to, he asked where my wife was born.  I said Portsmouth, Virginia.  He says "spell it."  I respond "I, T" and he just stared at me.  Four hours later, I placed everything back in my truck and all was well.  So my advice is this: "Stop at the line" really means "Stop before the line" in Niagara Falls.

It sure was nice back in the day when my dad and I used to cross the border into Canada, do a U-turn on the other side of the bridge to pull into the duty free store, load up on as much Canadian beer as would fit in the back of the truck, and drive back across, no questions asked.

[taxi1]

Here is my piece of advice:  When entering the US via the bridge at Niagara Falls post 9-11, you will come up to a white strip on the road just before the booths, which is about two feet wide.  There is a sign adjacent to that white strip that says "stop at the line," or something to that effect.  Well, to me, that means that you place your two front wheels squarely on that line and wait your turn.  Well, apparently the border guards have a different interpretation.  After screaming at me, and I say that literally, for about 5 minutes about the importance of following rules, he decided to determine if my wife and I were a threat to national security.  After the usual questions, which I admit to being a bit less than polite in responding to, he asked where my wife was born.  I said Portsmouth, Virginia.  He says "spell it."  I respond "I, T" and he just stared at me.  Four hours later, I placed everything back in my truck and all was well.  So my advice is this: "Stop at the line" really means "Stop before the line" in Niagara Falls.

It sure was nice back in the day when my dad and I used to cross the border into Canada, do a U-turn on the other side of the bridge to pull into the duty free store, load up on as much Canadian beer as would fit in the back of the truck, and drive back across, no questions asked.

Tommyboy,

The treatment you got was uncalled for. Going into another country should not feel like basic training. It sure would have been nice if you had been wearing a tie and had a hidden camera in it. I'd say it would prove to be very embarassing if exposed. Better yet put it on the Internet and demand their goverment explain it as professional behavior. Hell I'd send it to CNN.

This is the BS they should not get away with. I could see them pulling this crap on someone with a heart condition and it having fatal results.

[taxi1]

I think this thread is quickly turning into what not to do at a boarder crossing.
For instance:
1) do not offer to leave your dog with the boarder guard
2) do not spell "it" when asked to "spell it."

Do not try to cross the boarder w/o your passport.

And whatever you do, leave your firearms at home! (also leave your hi-cap magazines at home too!)
No, it's not from personal experience....

I'd really like to see how they treat someone that look's middle eastern. I'll bet that would be an eye opener. 

[edfalc]

i have not left this great country of ours since 9/11 , but , "back in the day" when i was a professional roadie
you can just imagine some of the horror stories Ive witnessed traveling with a large group of "hippies"

the Border Patrol Guards at the us/Canadian & us/Mexican borders are girlythingcats compared to the Eastern European guards of the early 90's...........remember , these countries were just opening up to democracy at this time and had no idea what to think of us heavy metal freaks......i can not count the times i was literely strip-searched!!!!!!

its kinda funny how the countries that you think you'll have the hardest time getting into will be the easiest...
perfect example being..........landing at Moscow in '92 with Pantera....we thought for sure & planned for a 6 hour
nightmare with the Red Army....instead , there was 40,000+ screaming Russians at the airport  praising our arrival.....
the Red Army was there alright.......providin g the scariest security during any single gig Ive ever been a part of...but they were mostly kids who were just as glad to have us there as the other 1/2 a million screaming Russians we played for that day.........kinda made us wonder if thats how the Beatles felt when they landed in NY..........


R.I.P. DIMEBAG

[jigginstick]

Get a passport it saves a lot of hassle, and i think as of this year its mandatory to go to Canada or Mexico.

[hali-man]

Reading this thread makes me wonder what people must go through to plan a hunting trip to Canada (or vice/versa)!
I think it's pretty sad that sportsmen are harassed to this extent. I would love to go to Lake Simcoe for some ice fishing, but is it worth it?
I have an expired passport and when I lived in Europe often crossed the border into (then still) East Germany on my way to Berlin. I didn't get harassed at all, even being an American citizen...

[Ray4852]

All the years I been going over to Canada there custom officers have treated me really well. I’ve notice some of the women officers can get a little funny. You have to understand we are entering their country. Once we cross the boarder we are governed by there rules not ours. A lot of Americans can get a little crazy over there. When a custom officer ask you a question you reply back with respect and look him in the eyes with a straight answer, no wise remarks. They will ask you if you have any alcohol hardware or drugs. Leave your guns home. If you go on a fishing trip go light with your clothes and fishing rods. If they ask you were you are going, tell them what lake what camp you will be staying at and how long you will be up there. Believe me these guys are well trained to protect their country. Once you enter the booth they have your license plate number. They know who you are if you have a jail record and any dwi. They know what there looking for. A carload of young guys will have a tough time entering Canada. Its better to go with two guys not an army.

[billybono]

landing at Moscow in '92 with Pantera....


R.I.P. DIMEBAG

are you saying you were at the monsters of rock??? if so you sir rule!!!!

          billybono


             

[J_MAKI]

I'd really like to see how they treat someone that look's middle eastern. I'll bet that would be an eye opener. 

I'm sure it isn't very pleasent to say the least on both sides of the border.

Reading this thread makes me wonder what people must go through to plan a hunting trip to Canada (or vice/versa)!
I think it's pretty sad that sportsmen are harassed to this extent. I would love to go to Lake Simcoe for some ice fishing, but is it worth it?
I have an expired passport and when I lived in Europe often crossed the border into (then still) East Germany on my way to Berlin. I didn't get harassed at all, even being an American citizen...

I'm sure you won't have too much trouble even if you did isn't fishing worth it
On a serious note I think what you said about your past experience in Europe sure contradicts what we have been told by so many for so many years. Think about it how many people say "Just be thankful you don't live in Eastern Europe or Russia" when they have never even been there or know people that have been there. They are just regurgitating garbage they have been brainwashed with since the end of WWI. I mean sure if you went over there talking about their government and how "bad" it was you would have trouble but isn't that the same thing that is happening now within our borders.

Jeremy

[hali-man]

On a serious note I think what you said about your past experience in Europe sure contradicts what we have been told by so many for so many years. Think about it how many people say "Just be thankful you don't live in Eastern Europe or Russia" when they have never even been there or know people that have been there.

I can assure you the DDR had no problem with me crossing their boundaries to visit and/or drive through. I even spent a few days in E Berlin before the wall came down.

Granted- It was heavily armed and to create problems would have been suicidal; but they were professional and courteous. It's sad we can't say the same here. 

Our frequent trips to Holland, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Austria were completely problem-free. I can't say the same about France.

[Ice Dog 67]

Not to completely hijack this thread, but what if anything can a person do before their trip to get there crossing ok'ed if they do have a DWI?

[Ray4852]

Ice dog 67 let somebody else drive over; you leave your car home. When you pull up to the booth you can see the officer is looking at a computer screen. They know everything about you. Your name, were you live, were you work and more. They have ask me what’s my social security number. They’re checking to see if I’m the real person driving that car that’s in front of them.

[taxi1]

I can assure you the DDR had no problem with me crossing their boundaries to visit and/or drive through. I even spent a few days in E Berlin before the wall came down.

Granted- It was heavily armed and to create problems would have been suicidal; but they were professional and courteous. It's sad we can't say the same here. 

Our frequent trips to Holland, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Austria were completely problem-free. I can't say the same about France.

What is it with those Frenchies? I was in France a few years ago and ran into two very rude people although I have to say there were some nice folks too -- expecially that really cute gal in the Normandy tourist center. 

Back in college there were three French girls. Two of them were shacking up with guys within a couple weeks. One hit on me and was quite cute but the F.O. turned me off. 

[BUCKSKI]

This thread got me thinking, Been hassled less at the border than coming and going to dead shows in the 80's. If you had a dead sticker on your car, you got pulled over, buckeye lake in Ohio coming back a saw over 50 cars pulled over by Ohio's finest crap spread all over the road looking for things. Last time I check hippies were no a threat?

[camo_fish]

Not to completely hijack this thread, but what if anything can a person do before their trip to get there crossing ok'ed if they do have a DWI?

Pray that they don't pull you into the office and do a back-ground check on ya.  They have a no-tolerance to DWI people, even if it was over 20 years ago and you haven't touched it since.
At least that is what we got over 5 years ago trying to cross on a 7 day fishing trip.
I'm sure the fee has gone up in the last 5 yrs. too, that is to process you so they can get a few more $$$ coming in to there country. 

[cstolp]

Pray that they don't pull you into the office and do a back-ground check on ya.  They have a no-tolerance to DWI people, even if it was over 20 years ago and you haven't touched it since.
At least that is what we got over 5 years ago trying to cross on a 7 day fishing trip.
I'm sure the fee has gone up in the last 5 yrs. too, that is to process you so they can get a few more $$$ coming in to there country. 

It's called extorsion