United States of America in Recreational shooting
Shooting sports such as hunting and competitive shooting are widely practiced. Rifle ranges often offer shooter safety and other classes for beginners.
Anyone who wishes to hunt must first purchase a hunting license valid for the state they will hunt in. Licenses are available at many rural stores or by mail/internet directly from the state. They are usually valid for a set period of time, or a set number of kills.
Foreigners on non-immigrant visas who wish to import guns for hunting or competitive shooting must file Form 6 NIA with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms , as well as have a valid hunting license. Approval generally takes 6-8 weeks, so plan ahead.
It is only legal in the US for US citizens and legal permanent residents (green card holders) to purchase or own firearms without any special permit. Foreigner, who are illegally or unlawfully in the United States, are specifically prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Foreigners lawfully admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa may possess firearm if they are admitted to the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes or are in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States. Another option is to borrow or rent guns from the shooting range of your choice to shoot on premises -- call ahead to see if this is an option.
Individual US States have a significant say over most of the regulations of firearms within their state. Travelers will want to check with individual states to make sure other restrictions will not apply to them. The pro-gun lobbyist organization, the National Rifle Association (Commonly referred to as the NRA) provides an excellent service that explains most relevant state-by-state laws.
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Recreational shooting
