What if you can't bring it home

[EDELWEISS]

So what do you do if you are legally hunting in another country; but your own country won't let you import your trophy? What are some options? Im NOT talking about how to sneak it in....but I am looking for options on how to remember the hunt.

Im having the hunt videoed. I'll take lots of photos; but Id like more. What else can I do?



Oh and thank you US Fish and Game and US Customs and anybody else that had a hand in ruining a dream, Ive had for close to 50 years--I just I hope I can return the favor someday and piss on your dreams.... Thanks from a loyal citizen, whos always paid his taxes and volunteered to serve and went to war and still goes to work everyday to protect you all. Thanks for knowing whats best....

 

[LivingTheDream]

I'm hunting a non export tuskless in Zimbabwe. It will just be pictures and memories for me. Don't let USFW ruin the dream. I'm sure your dream is to hunt one, not to have a mounted one. It does sting but it doesn't sting as much as letting US policy dictate your dreams. With money you save in taxidermy expense you might as well add a buff or shoot another lion!

 

[EDELWEISS]

No its not completely ruining the dream, but (stamp my foot, hold my breath till I turn blue), its a big part of what I've dreamed about since I was young. Heck my safari dreaming is what got me through a bad marriage and a divorce (when she was screaming I could retreat to walking behind Harry Shelby or facing a charge with a 577, and back then I just knew I could never do it); but its the dreams that got me through the bad times.

I first safari'd in 2012 and decided not to hunt Lion then because, I wanted to get Plains game behind me. Well I haven't finished with PG; but Im ready for Lion, and a bunch of bean counters plus some soccer moms have decided I can't bring home what Im legally hunting like its a kilo of cocaine. Hell they let in illegal aliens and terrorist; but I can't bring in a rug.

Yes I'll have my memories, and they'll be even better than my childhood dreams because I'll have my true love beside me. Im already picturing her in Khakis with a pith helmet and satin a scarf blowing in the wind along with a wisp of her hair, as we stand side by side shooting to stop a charge. Then when its over a long embrace with cheers and dancing by the gun bearers and staff, singing "Simba Simba".

Yep we'll have our video and we'll have out pics and we'll have our memories; but I want my damn rug!

 

[LivingTheDream]

Touche and all good points! I got nothing. But the end of the day, you got the love of your life and you get hunt lions....sounds like a pretty good dream hunt to me.

 

[Clayton]

EDELWEISS, I started to "Like" that last post twice. BTW, I've had the same dream since I was 12 years old. I've been forced to resign myself to accept only the dream and still be happy with that.

Thanks for for sharing that like you did.

 

[Velo Dog]

Hello EDELWEISS,

Have a look at:
www.skullsunlimited.com
They have real and reproduced/replica bones, skulls, teeth/tusks & claws that are apparently designed for Biology Professors, Veterinarians and in the case of human skeletons - Medical Doctors/Surgeons, etc., to use as training material.
Unfortunately, they have no replica lion rugs.
However, their full sized and very realistic looking replica of an African Lion Skull, with display stand is $350.US dollars.
(One of their other many excellent products is the replica Saber-Tooth Cat Skull aka: "Delux Smilodon Skull with stand" is 10 bucks less - extremely cool).

Well anyway, apparently you are a survivor of female bullying and government bullying as well.
Tough guys always get back up fighting.
And, I'm convinced that destroys any bully's fun every time.
Join the club brother.

They might kill us but they can't eat us,
Velo Dog.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I figure all of you need to buy your cabin up here in Canada and ship it here and then come up and visit your trophies.

USFWS

 

[AZDAVE]

With the same thoughts I am planning a lioness hunt in 2018. Life is shot and their are no guarantees so live your dream. Take you pictures and video. Maybe at some point the USFWS will start using science rather than emotion to make informed decisions. Barring that I am still going to hunt my lion, dance around the fire and live the dream.

I might also take a nip of the old Irish sipping whiskey while looking up at the southern cross and issue the best Druid curse mixed with what ever witch doctor cures that will assist in wishing pox and the same kindness that they give to us on them for at least 4 generations

 

[robertq]

Hi Edelweiss,
Yes, there are challenges at the moment with bringing home the lion but you are not alone. We are working closely with USFWL for our clients who have harvested the lion. Many have them sitting at the taxidermist studios in RSA until such time that the permit is issued. It may seem dismal now but staying positive helps to keep things in perspective. We will be happy to assist you should you want us to pursue for you. Please give my wife Rosella a call at the office 845 943 5943
Best,
Robert

 

[Ragman]

I figure all of you need to buy your cabin up here in Canada and ship it here and then come up and visit your trophies.

USFWS

Or you can store it at my house! You're welcome any time!

 

[rinehart0050]

Just finished a lion hunt in rsa. I went into it knowing I might not be able to bring it back. My outfitter is doing a full mount on the lion for his lodge. If the importation issues go away, he will sell me the mount.

I suspect many outfitters are "holding" onto trophies for the time being.

 

[caddman]

I would be willing to have your cat rugged and keep him for you (Canada) until your law makers see the light. Your Lion can lay in front of my full mount Leopard if all goes well next month. Best of luck.