I am bring back several completely taxidermied trophys, none are CITES, I live near LAX, so I am planning on meeting the shipment there and NOT using a broker (coppersmith). I spoke with CBP, and they said since its all finished taxidermy, and none of the animals are CITES, the carrier (turkish air) would notify USFWS and CBP, then me once they have inspected the shipment. That seems too easy... From some searching and the USFWS "Importing Personal Sport Hunted Trophies from Africa" I still need to fill out the 3-177. I've looked at the form, and it seems like something the shipping agent in ZA would have to complete since it needs information about the physical shipment.
Am I on the right track here? Is the 3-177 needed? Is/can it be filled out when I pick up, or only ahead of time?