PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks and the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are reaching out to hunters, gun dealers, sports associations, law enforcement organizations and others to help get the message out concerning the rules for transporting firearms, firearm parts and ammunition.

"For two years, TSA has been aggressively pursuing public education on shipping prohibited items, yet firearms enthusiasts still have issues with properly transporting guns and ammunition aboard commercial air carriers," said GFP Regional Law Specialist Marty Pennock of Sioux Falls. "In recent months, reports have included at least three or four gun incidents each day across the country. Checkpoint screeners have done an excellent job in detecting the weapons and keeping them off airplanes, but each situation causes delays in the screening process."

Another related cause of delays is the frequent occurrence of weapons not properly declared and packed. Baggage screeners often find guns-loaded and unloaded-amidst clothing and other items in checked bags. Since most instances involve travelers who are not aware of the gun transport rules or who have unknowingly presented the weapon at a checkpoint, the TSA hopes a massive public information campaign will help reduce the number of incidents and resulting unnecessary delays.