From the TSA Blog: Camping Hunting & Fishing Gear

As you may know, one of Homeland Security's components, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has a terrific blog.

TSA is always asked about what folks can and can't bring on a plane. Blogger Bob, a Transportation Security Officer for TSA and popular voice on the TSA blog, took on the topic of traveling with camping and hunting and fishing equipment.

I received an e-mail from someone today asking about bear mace, and thought maybe I should write a blogpost for all of you summer campers, hunters and fishermen out there. (And in case you didn’t know, bear mace is more effective than a gun, as bullet wounds usually just make bears more aggressive)

• Animal repellants can go in your checked luggage if the volume is less than 4 ounces and its active ingredient is less than 2%. Bear Mace usually exceeds these limits.
• Camp Stoves can go in either your carry-on or checked bag. Oh yeah, you do have to empty the fuel first. (It has happened)
• Insect repellents that are sprayed on the skin are considered a personal use item and are permitted in carry-on (3-1-1 applies) and checked baggage.
• Insecticides that are used to kill little creepy crawlies (Ant killers, cockroach killers, spider killers etc) are prohibited altogether."
• Empty Gas Cylinders are allowed in checked or carry-on bags as long as the regulator valve is removed and we can see inside.
• Flare Guns are allowed in your checked baggage, but they have to be stored and declared just like a regular firearm. The flares are a no go and have to be purchased at your destination.

See more about fishing polls, guns, bows, matches, lighters, hatchets, knives and more at www.tsa.gov/blog. Thanks, Bob, for your tips, and for your comment welcoming The Blog @ Homeland Security.

-gk