The government shutdown impacts trophy import

Had this very issue attempting to ship an European trophy of red stag horns through Canada. (A fellow servicemember imported to Canada on my behalf, as I took the trophy just prior to PCS). The offices at the border kicked back my package altogether and all that was returned was a piece of paper... perhaps this is the issue...
 
My leopard is in Coppersmith’s New York warehouse awaiting USDA inspection. It arrived on the 6th of October. USF&W did their inspection last week, so they were working up until then. Coppersmith tells me that USDA inspectors are considered essential workers, so they expect it to clear soon.
 
I have a big box of goodies in the mail too. It should hit the “epicenter of all things” (JFK) next week. I’m hoping for the best and expecting the worst.

I also very much need a 4457 form filled out in the next couple weeks. Hope that goes OK.
 
The USDA signed off on my leopard today! Coppersmith is planning to ship it to Kanati Taxidermy tomorrow. I plan on creating a new post to relate the steps and costs involved getting it here.
 
I have a big box of goodies in the mail too. It should hit the “epicenter of all things” (JFK) next week. I’m hoping for the best and expecting the worst.

I also very much need a 4457 form filled out in the next couple weeks. Hope that goes OK.
I am pretty sure that since U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are essential workers, you should be able to get the 4457. I wouldn’t wait too long. It may take longer than usual to get an appointment.
 
Ive been patiently waiting on a crate for months at this point..

I was notified back in August that my crate had been delivered to the shipper from the taxidermist in SA.. but.. they were missing TOPS permits for a pair of Black Wildebeest.. so we would be in a holding pattern until the govt of SA got around to delivering the documents required..

6 days ago the permits finally showed up... but for whatever reason the crate has still not shipped and no further action has happened that I am aware of (followed up with all parties today to find out whats going on)..

Its not like Im in a hurry however.. Im sure once it lands at DFW there will be additional delays with USFWS and other agencies working on skeleton crews, etc..
 
I am pretty sure that since U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are essential workers, you should be able to get the 4457. I wouldn’t wait too long. It may take longer than usual to get an appointment.
Stopped at the SLC airport today. The customs guy there was uber-helpful and super efficient. No appointment needed. He said they’re still getting paid during the shutdown.

Stupid government. I just hope my flight in a couple of weeks doesn’t get cancelled.
 
Ive been patiently waiting on a crate for months at this point..

I was notified back in August that my crate had been delivered to the shipper from the taxidermist in SA.. but.. they were missing TOPS permits for a pair of Black Wildebeest.. so we would be in a holding pattern until the govt of SA got around to delivering the documents required..

6 days ago the permits finally showed up... but for whatever reason the crate has still not shipped and no further action has happened that I am aware of (followed up with all parties today to find out whats going on)..

Its not like Im in a hurry however.. Im sure once it lands at DFW there will be additional delays with USFWS and other agencies working on skeleton crews, etc..
What shipper in SA did you use @mdwest ? My crate showed up finally a few weeks back.
 
Ive been patiently waiting on a crate for months at this point..

I was notified back in August that my crate had been delivered to the shipper from the taxidermist in SA.. but.. they were missing TOPS permits for a pair of Black Wildebeest.. so we would be in a holding pattern until the govt of SA got around to delivering the documents required..

6 days ago the permits finally showed up... but for whatever reason the crate has still not shipped and no further action has happened that I am aware of (followed up with all parties today to find out whats going on)..

Its not like Im in a hurry however.. Im sure once it lands at DFW there will be additional delays with USFWS and other agencies working on skeleton crews, etc..
You had better call your importer and have them find an entry port that not charging the new USDA fee and then have the shipment head to DFW.
 
You had better call your importer and have them find an entry port that not charging the new USDA fee and then have the shipment head to DFW.

All the additional fees have gotten a bit out of control…

Shipping was $3100 for this crate..

Granted it’s pretty big and heavy.. 4 shoulders and 4 euros and a couple of skins…

But damn… the last crate was only marginally smaller and lighter and was only $2k…
 
I am pretty sure that since U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are essential workers, you should be able to get the 4457. I wouldn’t wait too long. It may take longer than usual to get an appointment.
I was there last week and can confirm open for business.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
64,143
Messages
1,412,886
Members
128,929
Latest member
MaggieRbd8
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Beautiful Aardwolf for our Spanish client and good friend Alberto
WhatsApp Image 2025-11-12 at 17.27.22 (2).jpeg
C-YA-L8R wrote on PaulB's profile.
Hi PaulB,
I have a Ballard Arms Model 1885 chambered for .333 Jeffery Flanged. Do you have any idea where I can get ammo for this?

I am new to this forum so I am sorry if I am doing something wrong!
Thank You!
Bruce D
Lakewood Village, California

BALLARD ARMS MODEL 1885 .333 Jeffrey Single Shot Falling Block SN 1178 - (1).jpg
BALLARD ARMS MODEL 1885 .333 Jeffrey Single Shot Falling Block SN 1178 - (2).jpg
BALLARD ARMS MODEL 1885 .333 Jeffrey Single Shot Falling Block SN 1178 - (11).jpg
BALLARD ARMS MODEL 1885 .333 Jeffrey Single Shot Falling Block SN 1178 - (5).jpg
STARCHEDUPDAD wrote on Acopperdawg's profile.
what's up buddy how are you doing today
Updated available dates for 2026!

1-27 feb is open
13-31March is open
1-10 April is open
17-30 April is open
1-6 May is open
24-31 May is open
12-18 June is open
24-30 June is open
1-17 July is open
August is now fully booked
7-30 September is open
October is wide open

Get your hunt booked today!
 
Top