Export / Import Restrictions per Country

[Northern Shooter]

I had a recent conversation with some US hunters who were under the impression that no African hides, mounts, ivory etc could be imported into the US from Africa.

From what I have seen on this forum this does not appear to be the case, without maybe the exception of ivory.

I’m interested to hear what the various import and export restrictions are from Africa into the US, Canada, EU, Australia etc.

Can ivory be imported into any of these countries? I’m particularly looking into Canada as an elephant hunt sounds less appealing if no trophy can be brought home. I know that CITES applies to certain species but believe that just requires some additional paperwork.

I believe SA won’t export elephant trophies on the African side but I imagine this varies country by country.

Curious to hear all the differences.

 

[Puddle]

It sounds like those 'some US hunters' have never hunted Africa?

One suggestion is to start your education by visiting the CITES website.
Another suggestion is to visit the websites of AH outfitters members in the countries of interest
and ask them the question regarding the species you're interested in.

 

[rookhawk]

I had a recent conversation with some US hunters who were under the impression that no African hides, mounts, ivory etc could be imported into the US from Africa.

From what I have seen on this forum this does not appear to be the case, without maybe the exception of ivory.

I’m interested to hear what the various import and export restrictions are from Africa into the US, Canada, EU, Australia etc.

Can ivory be imported into any of these countries? I’m particularly looking into Canada as an elephant hunt sounds less appealing if no trophy can be brought home. I know that CITES applies to certain species but believe that just requires some additional paperwork.

I believe SA won’t export elephant trophies on the African side but I imagine this varies country by country.

Curious to hear all the differences.

It's far more complicated than "no".

Can the ivory or hides be exported from Africa?

Maybe if #1: The nation of export has CITES registered quota.
Maybe if #2: Provided that they maintain a comprehensive plan that has been deemed suitable by the US Fish and Wildlife Services. (I believe Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are presently compliant)
Maybe if #3: If the operator selected for the hunt has 3 years of data they will share with the client that shows numbers of elephants, increasing or stable populations, sources and uses of funds, antipoaching conducted, snares found, poachers arrested and prosecuted, local investment made, and that the death of the elephant ultimately encourages the survival of the species.

Maybe if #4: If the domicile of record for the US citizen does not have State based ivory bans that prohibit their import or possession in their State. (Illinois and NY have those bans, but they aren't enforcing the ban as far as entry-port being Chicago even though the State arguably could prevent it?)

 

[Northern Shooter]

Being a Canadian I am mostly concerned with how these laws apply to Canada. Having now done some digging it looks like as of Jan 2024 we started prohibiting the import of both Elephant and Rhino Ivory although it was completely legal to import prior to that.

In terms of all other game I'm trying to determine if taxidermy has to be completed prior to import or if they can be sent to a taxidermist here within Canada.

Hoping someone can chime in.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Being a Canadian I am mostly concerned with how these laws apply to Canada. Having now done some digging it looks like as of Jan 2024 we started prohibiting the import of both Elephant and Rhino Ivory although it was completely legal to import prior to that.

In terms of all other game I'm trying to determine if taxidermy has to be completed prior to import or if they can be sent to a taxidermist here within Canada.

Hoping someone can chime in.

We follow CITES for the most part. Until, as you discovered, the Ottawa muppets decided to join Facebook decision making instead of using science regarding Ivory and horn. Who knows whats next.

CFIA inspection upon trophy arrival.
Finished or not
Unfinished need to go to an "authorized" facility. Taxidermist with a federal facility approval.

Most PIA airlines joined the same FB page and banned many hunting trophy carriage.

 

[Northern Shooter]

We follow CITES for the most part. Until, as you discovered, the Ottawa muppets decided to join Facebook decision making instead of using science regarding Ivory and horn. Who knows whats next.

CFIA inspection upon trophy arrival.
Finished or not
Unfinished need to go to an "authorized" facility. Taxidermist with a federal facility approval.

Most PIA airlines joined the same FB page and banned many hunting trophy carriage.

Assuming you've taken many trophies home in your hunting career, do you opt for taxidermy to be completed in the African nation or do you have it done here when back home?

 

[BRICKBURN]

Most I had done by taxidermists in Southern Africa. It takes some work to find skilled shops, but it can be done. My nightmares are posted as a warning!
Some trophies were done here.
It is a very personal choice artistically, quality wise and budget wise.

It will take a monumental or very special trophy for me to get it sent to a taxidermy now.