Self Clearing Trophies w/ Baboon Skulls at DFW

[Sevens]

All,

Looking for a little input. Just completed a hunt in Zimbabwe, was not originally planning to bring trophies home, but may have changed my mind. I've shipped stuff home before and know it adds up quick, so I'm wanting to clear my own trophies and avoid some costs. With that said, have a few questions.

It would be skulls for the following
-Baboon (2)
-Impala
-Blue Wildebeest

Here are my questions:
1. How difficult is it to self-clear trophies (specifically at DFW airport)?

2. Is it advised to have the skulls cleaned in Africa (i.e. finished goods versus "raw" - I am assuming a finished skull is easier to clear than skulls that are just dipped and packed.) Also, does the skull need to be on a wood panel to be considered "finished?"

3. Since the shipment contains baboon skulls, I understand the process has an extra step or two. What do I need to know and what is different? The taxidermist in Zim says they will have their own packing within the crate as the baboon must be "quarantined" within the shipment. Does a "mounted" baboon skull still require the USDA inspection and a taxidermist to spray them with some chemical?

Appreciate the input!

 

[jeff]

I didn't clear it myself but I had a baboon skull finished in SA and it cleared with no permit from the CDC and it was shipped straight to my shop and not a USDA facility.

 

[Hogpatrol]

No immediate help but there are a few threads about clearing your own trophies.
I've done it four times. You will deal with:
A. People that should be in mental institutions
B. Government employees that in another life were in the Gestapo or some other secret police apparatus.
C. Shippers that will have ZERO interest in delivering your trophies.
D. Banks that have no interest in international money transfers and their attendant incompetent employees.
E: The best for last, loading dock workers.

Good Luck!

 

[cmc]

You will have no issue with finished skulls and according to Coppersmith when I asked they don’t have to be on a board. CDC, and USFW main concerns is the hide and hair.

 

[BWH]

In response to #1.... clearing your own at DFW. I have done 2 times. It is a process. I would allow a few hours. After you have done all of your paperwork online with USFG, it’s approved, then contact them for appointment, the will inspect, go to cargo for paperwork, then go to TSA for a rubber stamp, then go back to cargo for loading of shipment.