Any advise on hand carrying African Trophies to the US in baggage

[Jmarlin17]

While on a work trip to South Africa i had a very nice hunt near Alicedale (Eastern Cape). I managed a nice 48 inch Kudu and a Impala. I am traveling back again for another work trip and will have a chance to save money and fly back with the skulls and flatskins in my baggage to save money on shipping.

Has anyone done this before and have any advice?

I know i have to have proper paperwork for USFW and customs.

Any insight is much appreciated.

Jimmy

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I might be wrong, but I dont think you can do this. I think that the trophies have to stay in country for 90 days after being taken.

 

[Odinsraven]

I do it each year collect the previous years trophies usually just a few flat skins but have brought a couple of skulls ...euro mounts back ....However I am travelling to Iceland which is a whole lot more relaxed about these things one thing a 48 inch kudu is not going to fit in your bag and depending on the flight carrier can get more expensive than air freight

 

[Jmarlin17]

The trophies have been in country 90 days so i don't think that would be a problem. The horns measure 37 inches in length once removed from the skull. The 48 in is measuring around the spirals so packing in my bag will not be a issue. Thanks for the comments.

I am trying to figure out all documentation that i will from South Africa so i will not have any trouble with the USFW.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I don't think you can bring in un-tanned hides. These have to go through the USFW inspection and then delivered to a license receiving party, usually a tannery or taxidermist.

Now if the hides are tanned, then it's a different story (I think). Heck, you can buy a tanned zebra hide in the Joburg airport, so it must be okay.

Here's a couple of places to get some advice:
https://www.fws.gov/le/pdf/ImportingPersonalSporthuntedTrophiesAfrica.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/importation/animal-products.html

 

[johnnyblues]

Check with Robert from SSI, he can give you all the info and advice.

 

[sierraone]

I don't think you can bring in un-tanned hides. These have to go through the USFW inspection and then delivered to a license receiving party, usually a tannery or taxidermist.

Now if the hides are tanned, then it's a different story (I think). Heck, you can buy a tanned zebra hide in the Joburg airport, so it must be okay.

Here's a couple of places to get some advice:
https://www.fws.gov/le/pdf/ImportingPersonalSporthuntedTrophiesAfrica.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/importation/animal-products.html

You can also buy zebra hides and a few others in shops in Texas and Florida, and probably others I don't know about.

 

[BRICKBURN]

The trophies have been in country 90 days so i don't think that would be a problem. The horns measure 37 inches in length once removed from the skull. The 48 in is measuring around the spirals so packing in my bag will not be a issue. Thanks for the comments.

I am trying to figure out all documentation that i will from South Africa so i will not have any trouble with the USFW.

Export Permit, Taxidermy Invoice. Vet Certificate.

 

[robertq]

Export Permit, Taxidermy Invoice. Vet Certificate.

Thank you Brickburn.....

 

[rinehart0050]

Hmmmm. This seems like a great way to justify frequent safaris- each trip, just bring back your trophies from the last trip! I like it!

 

[Jmarlin17]

Thanks for the help guys. Packed everything up carefully and flew back to the states. I cleared with usfw and customs in Boston. It was a very easy process only took 10 minutes and I was one my way. Also there was not a fee for any part of the process. The only paperwork that was reviewed was the 3-177, export permit and taxidermy invoice / certificate. The vet certificate was not needed since the trophies were finished.

 

[Scott Slough]

Cool ... thanks for sharing!