Hank2211
AH legend
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2010
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- 3,424
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- SCI, DU, Pheasants Forever
- Hunted
- Canada, United States, Zimbabwe, South Africa (Eastern Cape; Northern Cape; North West Province, Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo), Namibia, Cameroon, Benin, Ethiopia, Liberia, Mozambique, Argentina
Many African (and many non-African) countries have rules about what can be imported into the country. Hunters are typically aware of the rules surrounding firearms, bows, etc., because those are pretty obvious and the outfitter will often get whatever permits you might need.
But hunters may often or ordinarily travel with items which are less obvious, but which might be controlled by various countries.
For example, Ethiopia requires permits for the importation of what they define as 'military equipment." Firearms, of course. But less obvious are things such as binoculars and GPS devices. On my last two hunts to Ethiopia I had to obtain a permit for my binos, and the permit was checked on arrival. My outfitter, who came on the hunt, only had a photocopy of the permit for his binos, and had to get a new original from the government and then go back to the airport to pick up the binos.
I have no idea what countries which regulate GPS devices do about iPhones, or the Zoleo I often carry with me, which can operate as GPS devices.
Many countries also regulate satellite phones, spotting scopes, thermal or night vision equipment, etc. (and some, including the US and Canada, tend to regulate the export of such devices). Some also regulate the importation (and wearing) of camo clothing.
This came to mind today when I read about a Canadian currently in jail in Ethiopia for arriving with some Amazon-acquired walkie-talkies: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitc...r-man-ethiopia-prison-walkie-talkie-9.6943035
Just something to be aware of . . . I tend to want to limit my interactions with authorities in the African countries I visit . . . (a rule I also apply at home!).
But hunters may often or ordinarily travel with items which are less obvious, but which might be controlled by various countries.
For example, Ethiopia requires permits for the importation of what they define as 'military equipment." Firearms, of course. But less obvious are things such as binoculars and GPS devices. On my last two hunts to Ethiopia I had to obtain a permit for my binos, and the permit was checked on arrival. My outfitter, who came on the hunt, only had a photocopy of the permit for his binos, and had to get a new original from the government and then go back to the airport to pick up the binos.
I have no idea what countries which regulate GPS devices do about iPhones, or the Zoleo I often carry with me, which can operate as GPS devices.
Many countries also regulate satellite phones, spotting scopes, thermal or night vision equipment, etc. (and some, including the US and Canada, tend to regulate the export of such devices). Some also regulate the importation (and wearing) of camo clothing.
This came to mind today when I read about a Canadian currently in jail in Ethiopia for arriving with some Amazon-acquired walkie-talkies: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitc...r-man-ethiopia-prison-walkie-talkie-9.6943035
Just something to be aware of . . . I tend to want to limit my interactions with authorities in the African countries I visit . . . (a rule I also apply at home!).
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