Trophy Shipping time

[sjones42347]

So I am wondering how long most people are seeing for their trophies to ship out once completed. My trophies from 2026 are completed and have been picked up by shipping company. However, someone told me that it will be 9-12 weeks before they actually ship due to timeframe of getting export permits etc. I am not in a huge hurry so it is not a big deal, and will be asking the shipping company for a rough timeframe, however I was a little surpised to hear that it takes that long. Is that accurate in others experiances recently?

 

[SCHUNTER73]

I think ours took about 8 - 10 weeks once we paid the shipper, even using air freight.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I got fed up dealing with freight ripoffs and screw ups on both ends. Last month I brought back three skulls from 2023 in a small crate as checked baggage. There were a few minor hoops to jump through and all went well until Air Canada left the crate and my gun case behind in Zurich. Thank gawd for AirTags! The stuff was delayed coming in to Toronto after I had to leave and then "lost" at that airport. AC said it was still in Zurich but the AirTags can't be denied. Then they started ghosting me. I sent a formal letter to Ontario Firearms Officer (RCMP) at 3:00 a.m. Someone called from a restricted number at 6:00 when I was asleep but didn't leave a message. Shortly after 9:00 a.m. AC called to say both had been "found" and on the next plane here. AirTags showed they were moving. I had contacted customs at Pearson (Toronto) before leaving and provided them with necessary paperwork to keep both items moving along. Very helpful young agent (and a Canadian person believe it or not - anyone traveling through Pearson will know what I mean). Oh, forgot to mention my documents bag was stolen off trolley at Pearson while I was picking up the one checked bag from carousel that came through with me. Fortunately, I had digital copies of all documents on my phone. Police somehow miraculously recovered the documents/computer bag before I had to fly out. I asked for details and all he would say was "someone made a mistake." Doubtless one of the non-Canadian baggage apes that were loitering against the wall when my bag disappeared. Doubtless caught in the act by security cameras. Hopefully a "mistake" that sent him to the unemployment office.

It was a bit of a hassle getting the trophies home last month but nothing compared to dealing with the freight outfits and brokers, especially on this end. Terrible. Trucking industry here is being run (into the ground) by East Indian mafia. My previous freighted shipments repeatedly went into the Twilight Zone as soon as they were unloaded at Pearson = thousands of dollars!!! Brokers didn't know what they were doing and didn't give a shit! Stuff sat in a warehouse for more than a week because no one was doing their job. Same story for three safaris.

The big difference is this time the trophies came into the country as "personal effects" vs "commercial goods" when shipped by a freight company. Personal effects are checked through customs via a different channel and by different agents. Also no middlemen to mess things up ... and charge you for the delays.

 

[Hunt anything]

Basically in the same boat, paid balance on taxidermy on Monday. I was told that export permits have been applied for and the TOPS permits ((tsessebe and black wildebeest) are in hand. Just waiting on crating and delivery to the airline once I get a few quotes on shipping.

I’m hoping for delivery before December when all of South Africa shuts down for Christmas and New Years.

 

[Trogon]

For my most recent taxidermy from RSA, I was notified beginning of June for paying taxidermist; crating then shipping via Delta occurred mid-July. Delivery to my home was on August 13.

 

[Bugger]

I shot my animals March 2025. They said I’d get the trophies in June this year. Later they said late July this year. A week ago I contacted everyone that had a finger in the pie. They said they had been waiting for one item.
I got the final bill yesterday. I’m going to the bank and sending a wire transfer today.
I am wondering if this is common? Also, how long before it arrives?

 

[sjones42347]

For my most recent taxidermy from RSA, I was notified beginning of June for paying taxidermist; crating then shipping via Delta occurred mid-July. Delivery to my home was on August 13.

Thats pretty quick and honestly about what I was expecting. Was a little surprised to hear from some people that it can take so long just to get permits.

 

[sjones42347]

I shot my animals March 2025. They said I’d get the trophies in June this year. Later they said late July this year. A week ago I contacted everyone that had a finger in the pie. They said they had been waiting for one item.
I got the final bill yesterday. I’m going to the bank and sending a wire transfer today.
I am wondering if this is common? Also, how long before it arrives?

Ill keep you updated on mine once I hear back from shipping company. My taxidermy situation was about the same. Was told by end of May, then that turned into a complete silence from them, and trophies were finally completed late August, then they couldnt find one of the payments I sent (even thought last July they confirmed they received the wire), so that was a week and a half delay where I had to go to bank, get the documents and resend as proof. They finally cleared for pickup last Wednesday and shipping company picked up Friday and crating this week. im curious to see how long it will take for permits to arrive.

 

[ftrovato]

I'm 25 months out on trophies taken in Mozambique in 2024 having taxidermy done in South Africa.

I just made final payment this week as they are finishing up taxidermy.

I suspect another 3 months before I get them!

 

[sjones42347]

Basically in the same boat, paid balance on taxidermy on Monday. I was told that export permits have been applied for and the TOPS permits ((tsessebe and black wildebeest) are in hand. Just waiting on crating and delivery to the airline once I get a few quotes on shipping.

I’m hoping for delivery before December when all of South Africa shuts down for Christmas and New Years.

I will keep you updated on mine. Ill be a little sour (and shocked) if theyre not on a plane by December haha

 

[sjones42347]

I'm 25 months out on trophies taken in Mozambique in 2024 having taxidermy done in South Africa.

I just made final payment this week as they are finishing up taxidermy.

I suspect another 3 months before I get them!

Yikes! Thats a long wait. Mine were shot in July 2025 and were completed late August.

 

[Hunt anything]

I shot mine in late August of 25. The taxidermist sent pictures of finished taxidermy in May, there were some flaws in a couple of mounts, a couple poses not correct or facing the wrong way. They corrected everything to my satisfaction but it took a while.
I plan on making a thread once everything is on my walls.

This timeline will be about average for my previous 4 shipments. 3rd from South Africa all finished taxidermy and 1 from Mozambique dip&pack.

 

[sjones42347]

I shot mine in late August of 25. The taxidermist sent pictures of finished taxidermy in May, there were some flaws in a couple of mounts, a couple poses not correct or facing the wrong way. They corrected everything to my satisfaction but it took a while.
I plan on making a thread once everything is on my walls.

This timeline will be about average for my previous 4 shipments. 3rd from South Africa all finished taxidermy and 1 from Mozambique dip&pack.

What kind of wait time have you seen on previous shipments after taxidermy is complete?

 

[Hunt anything]

Excluding Covid year, I would say no more than 4-6 weeks but not completely sure.

 

[Rare Breed]

So I am wondering how long most people are seeing for their trophies to ship out once completed. My trophies from 2026 are completed and have been picked up by shipping company. However, someone told me that it will be 9-12 weeks before they actually ship due to timeframe of getting export permits etc. I am not in a huge hurry so it is not a big deal, and will be asking the shipping company for a rough timeframe, however I was a little surpised to hear that it takes that long. Is that accurate in others experiances recently?

It starts for me about time not money. If I did dip and pack with my US taxi add at least one year to get my trophy. I use Africa taxi and have never been disappointed. My best time from start to finish was 15 months. My worst was 23 months