Explain non-exportable elephant

Keelebilly

AH member
Joined
Sep 1, 2025
Messages
42
Reaction score
125
Location
Tennessee
Media
3
Hunted
Plains game
I’ve seen some ads for non-exportable non trophy bull elephant versus exportable non trophy bull elephant. Could someone explain the difference, please? Is this something that varies legally by country or just outfitter preference?
 
There are lots of knowledgeable folks here that can go into the weeds but essentially it's this:

An exportable elephant counts against the CITES quota for that country. Lots of science goes into determining the quota. Exportable does not mean Importable. You'll need to check your country's import laws to see if you're allowed to bring it in (ex. In USA the USFWS places additional restrictions and permitting on top of CITES).

A non exportable elephant is generally determined by the country's government to be legal to hunt, but not to count against the CITES quota. These might include problem animals, community use, etc. Confirm with the outfitter what exactly qualifies the elephant as non exportable to ensure everything is legit. Example- forest elephant are legal to be hunted in Cameroon, but are not legal to export.
 
There are lots of knowledgeable folks here that can go into the weeds but essentially it's this:

An exportable elephant counts against the CITES quota for that country. Lots of science goes into determining the quota. Exportable does not mean Importable. You'll need to check your country's import laws to see if you're allowed to bring it in (ex. In USA the USFWS places additional restrictions and permitting on top of CITES).

A non exportable elephant is generally determined by the country's government to be legal to hunt, but not to count against the CITES quota. These might include problem animals, community use, etc. Confirm with the outfitter what exactly qualifies the elephant as non exportable to ensure everything is legit. Example- forest elephant are legal to be hunted in Cameroon, but are not legal to export.
Yes, this. Also, the outfitter has a LOT of paperwork to do to make it eligible for export, as well as proving the conservation requirements for the concession. You are getting a better price because that isn't included. And, yes, that will vary by quota and concession and country. Keep asking questions of your outfitter also. The hunting experience is the same, enjoy!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
66,228
Messages
1,464,173
Members
139,995
Latest member
PattiMatto
 

 

 

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

MooseHunter wrote on TX_GreatPlains's profile.
Would you want a Ruger Super Blackhawk in trade for the HUsky?
'68boy wrote on JG26Irish_2's profile.
Do you still have the Browning .375? If so do you want to sell and how much? DM me please
Full trigger cam cull video!
bpdilligaf wrote on Bejane's profile.
Be careful of hunting Chewore South, the area has been decimated.....


Curious about this. I hunted Chewore South with D&Y in September and they did tell me it was there last hunt there.

Which outfits shot it out?
 
Top