I feel like peope are still not really understanding the issue fully. So I'd like to try to explain again. I apologize if I'm off a bit on timing or exact facts.
Actually the regulations do allow for importation of elephant trophies into the US. Again, the issue is that the beurocrats are not doing their jobs. They are simply not processing the applications.
Yes it is legal to import elephant trophies into the US if they meet the qualifications. The most illegal thing about this whole situation is the agency ignoring the applications and not doing their jobs. And doing so under direction by the president. Via tweet. Who could have imagined back in the days of Reagan that such a travesty could happen?
See K-man's post below for more of the truth.
Elephants are actually importable from many African countries under the current "case by case basis " rules. Including Zimbabwe which has become the place for great deals on elephant hunts since 2014. So now that everyone is basically playing under the same rules, the prices are coming together as this thread obviously points out. Many Namibian and now Botwana Outfitters are charging huge money and letting clients believe they will get their trophies imported. No reason to believe they ultimately won't, but no more guarantee than RSA or Zimbabwe, or Tanzania for that matter.
As I said before, this is one heck of a deal on a South African elephant hunt. Some people really seem to prefer to hunt in South Africa for whatever reasons they may have. If you fit into that or just like the idea of hunting with Dave, or his area, or whatever.... why not book this? Yes you take a bit of a chance on getting the trophies imported but that is largely why the price is down. Spend some time researching and talk to importers. Talk to SCI and DSC.
Get this hunt done, trophies stored, paperwork processed as far as you ca . Especially on the RSA side... and get the best import agent you can find on this side to submit it. Then at least it will be in line for review and possible (likely?) Approval whenever they start doing them again.
And donate to SCI or DSC with it specified to go the effort on elephant.
Have molds made of your actual tusks and have replicas made to enjoy for now.
And most importantly, enjoy the adventure, the anticipation, the challenge, the preparation, practice, training. And the absolute thrill of facing off against the largest land animal on the planet. And if you are human, the wash of various emotions after the shot and that incredible beast crashes to the earth. Be the first human to lay hands on that ivory and not be killed. Feel its heavy solidness. The density of it, the Mark's in it from decades of survival in that environment. And join an elite group of hunters who can only really understand what I am attempting to describe but failing miserably
But then I'd have to give up many of my guns so shit I don't know.... But the memories of that elephant hunt are mine to keep until alzheimers takes them away
