Cost to import trophies from Europe compared to South Africa

[Sabre]

For anyone that has hunted and imported trophies from both South Africa and Europe how did the costs compare?

Specifically I'm wondering about the 6 British deer species.

I am in the early planning stages of a trip to go over and hunt for the 6 British deer and am wondering how difficult or expensive the importation of the trophies after the fact is.

Thanks for any info anyone can provide.

 

[Throwback]

ive done both but please specify, exporting from uk or which country in continental europe? in general, my bill seems to be less from europe but its less animals than from africa. ive also had taxid done in in italy and shipped as a done product vs s africa where i did dip and pack.

 

[375Fox]

I can’t speak specifically to the UK, but Shipping from Europe to US has been considerably less expensive for me. My last two shipments from Romania in 2024 and Spain in 2022 were $750 and $808. Clearing has been less expensive as well.

I’ve also just brought clean roe deer skulls back in my bag and declared to customs on arrival.

 

[Sabre]

I can’t speak specifically to the UK, but Shipping from Europe to US has been considerably less expensive for me. My last two shipments from Romania in 2024 and Spain in 2022 were $750 and $808. Clearing has been less expensive as well.

I’ve also just brought clean roe deer skulls back in my bag and declared to customs on arrival.

I was wondering about that too as far as bringing cleaned skulls back in luggage if they can get them done quickly.

I also am not opposed to splitting the skull caps on larger antlered animals to make the shipment smaller if it makes a huge difference.

I kind of figured it might be cheaper just because less animals in the shipment. But with Africa sometimes that doesn't make that big of a difference either. Feels like an economy of scales type situation with Africa sometimes.

 

[Throwback]

ive brought back roe deer skulls and antlers in checked baggage. legally you should declare on arrival, ill say no more. i think practically you may find it a tight timeline to get boiled and cleaned up in time. it is cheaper for sure if you have the time and room. in general, europe cheaper than africa for exports imo.

 

[UKHunter]

It takes about 45-60mims to boil and clean a skull. Depending on length of your trip you shouldn’t have issues having that done and taking them back in your luggage

 

[375Fox]

I was wondering about that too as far as bringing cleaned skulls back in luggage if they can get them done quickly.

I also am not opposed to splitting the skull caps on larger antlered animals to make the shipment smaller if it makes a huge difference.

I kind of figured it might be cheaper just because less animals in the shipment. But with Africa sometimes that doesn't make that big of a difference either. Feels like an economy of scales type situation with Africa sometimes.

I’m not sure if any of the introduced deer species fall under CITES I’d make sure of that before bringing them in your luggage.

I think European shipping is considerably cheaper because European trophies aren’t the emotional issue African trophies are and more airlines will carry them.