I may be done with africa, at least for a while

[375Fox]

I have no clue. Sounds messed up.
But I never underestimate the ability of the government to be stupid

You never stated the broker you used. I’d suspect this to be a problem with the broker more than the government.

 

[62flint]

You never stated the broker you used. I’d suspect this to be a problem with the broker more than the government.

How so? If the USDA requires insp? I dont understand how the broker could be at fault.

 

[WAB]

You never stated the broker you used. I’d suspect this to be a problem with the broker more than the government.

Agreed. A good
Broker has the inspections lined up before the shipment arrives.

 

[WAB]

How so? If the USDA requires insp? I dont understand how the broker could be at fault.

The broker works with USDA to ensure all required inspections are available and scheduled. If USDA starts to do something stupid, their job is to intervene.

 

[375Fox]

How so? If the USDA requires insp? I dont understand how the broker could be at fault.

I reread your posts in this thread. I never heard of Laing international or using them for trophy shipments prior to now. Use Coppersmiths in Atlanta or Coppersmiths or SSI in New York. The only call you should be getting from an experienced trophy import broker is where do you want it sent by truck and paying your bill.

 

[WAB]

I reread your posts in this thread. I never heard of Laing international or using them for trophy shipments prior to now. Use Coppersmiths in Atlanta or Coppersmiths or SSI in New York. The only call you should be getting from an experienced trophy import broker is where do you want it sent by truck and paying your bill.

Spot on!!!

 

[62flint]

Spot on!!!

I went with who was recommended by the Taxidermist, Overall I can not say Laing has done bad. The USDA is requiring insp, which in it self is strange since its a finished product. Maybe Laing had controll over that or not I am not sure.

 

[WAB]

I went with who was recommended by the Taxidermist, Overall I can not say Laing has done bad. The USDA is requiring insp, which in it self is strange since its a finished product. Maybe Laing had controll over that or not I am not sure.

I have done many shipments into Atlanta, both finished and unfinished. In every case I used coppersmith and have never had an inspection issue. In every case they have kept me apprised of the inspection procedures and status. In one case they bullied their way into Turkish airlines’ warehouse and found a shipment Turkish had declared lost. I’m sorry for your frustration, but Laing did a poor job for you.

 

[Philip Glass]

I just got my mounts to the states , landed in Atlanta , required to be cleared by taxidermy.
So they fly the crate to Baltimore to then be picked up by the taxidermy folks for insp.
Make good sense.
Fly finished trophies and tanned hides to the states. Only then to fly them all around the east coast saying they need inspection,,,
All finished shoulder , European mounts and tanned hides. Plains game.


I agree I am not going to Africa with out my own rifle.
And I will eventually go back.
But with current airline prices and other government mandated bs.
I choose to catch up on some dream hunts in North America.

Wow that is crazy. Who was your import broker?

 

[62flint]

Wow that is crazy. Who was your import broker?

Laing international.
Nylstroom taxidermy, recommend zingela shippers, zingela recommended Laing.
I simply stuck with the recommendation.
Things have not really been that hateful. It’s more sticker shock and aggravation. Seem at every turn some one has their hand hung out for more money.

It’s almost at the end. Once it gets inspected I will drive to Pennsylvania and pick up the crate.
I would have much rather preferred.
Pay the shipper over in SA
And pay an importer once a quoted fee that was accurate.
I will go back to Africa as I have said. But I won’t be shipping home a big crate. I really don’t have enough room any way. I am remodeling my shop / man cave for these heads.
It’s kinda like the story. You give a mouse a cookie.

 

[Doug3006]

Safaris are expensive, complicated and not without risks (financial, legal and personal.) As others have mentioned, we can take steps to reduce the complexity and risk by hiring experienced and reputable travel agents, hunting outfits, shippers and taxidermists….and buying insurance to get our carcasses back should something bad happen!
Safaris are also the last form of real adventure available in this rapidly modernizing world. Someday, I’ll reach the point that safaris are no longer possible. I hope that point is many years off.

 

[Troubleshooter]

Hang in there, 62Flint. Once those trophies are on the wall most of this will be nothing but an afterthought.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Laing international.
Nylstroom taxidermy, recommend zingela shippers, zingela recommended Laing.
I simply stuck with the recommendation.
Things have not really been that hateful. It’s more sticker shock and aggravation. Seem at every turn some one has their hand hung out for more money.

It’s almost at the end. Once it gets inspected I will drive to Pennsylvania and pick up the crate.
I would have much rather preferred.
Pay the shipper over in SA
And pay an importer once a quoted fee that was accurate.
I will go back to Africa as I have said. But I won’t be shipping home a big crate. I really don’t have enough room any way. I am remodeling my shop / man cave for these heads.
It’s kinda like the story. You give a mouse a cookie.

Your issue is you went with the “recommendations”. TIA everyone is getting a kickback from someone

Outfitter gets a kickback from the taxidermist for your referral. Taxidermist gets a birddog fee from the shipper, shipper gets one from the importer, etc.

 

[coreydb]

Just recieved word that my trophies from last summer are done. Ready to be shipped. The importer I had lined up will not be taking shippments through NewYork any more. They refered me back to my exporter in africa for alternative destination. I am in VIrginia and would prefer Baltimore. I do not know about importing animals and all the nuiances that go with it. Thats why I thought I had hired a importer. They could work with the exporter and get my heads to my door. Not me running between the two trying to figure something out.

So here I am with a Buffalo hunt booked next summer. Between plane tickets, firearm paper work and getting trophies home I am really considering canceling the trip. Its just gettign to the point of the aggrivation and hidden costs just isnt worth it to me.
I also found out getting a buff/big 5/wart hog and cat back in the country is more of a issue.

I may go back but I wont be taking guns or bring much back. I may change my mind just frustrated right now.
Oh initial quote for shipping my crate to baltimore is $2835.00 231kg volumetric weight.

rant over..

I use Trophy Takers as my import agent, but I heard great things about Coppersmith as well.. I too live in Virginia and came across the same issue as you. The TT rep explained in detail why certain airports are avoided and others are used. They ultimately use the airports that are the most efficient/fast in the USFWS clearance process. Some airports like Baltimore and Atlanta are not efficient in the clearance process and the trophies sit idle until the inspectors get to them. Until then, YOU have to pay a daily demurrage that adds up real quick and is added to your bill. Since the shipping is already so expensive, the import agents are acutely aware that if too expensive, they lose customers fast. Follow their guidance because the shipping and transport costs are already expensive.

 

[JES Adventures]

For the American members here, one thing to consider about your mounted trophies is the potential value to your estate.

I import everything I hunt and have it mounted to be enjoyed by many who visit my trophy room.

When I am deceased, my estate can donate the collection to a boa fide 501C3 for a sizable tax deduction, thus reducing the liability of the inheritance tax.

John Ed

 

[Hunt anything]

@JES Adventures , any updates on your trophy room? Just curious

 

[JES Adventures]

@JES Adventures , any updates on your trophy room? Just curious

Sorry, I’ll post an update now. I went off to Canada for moose then played catch up so didn’t have much time at the ranch. It is 98% at this point, @SETH RINGER and some of this family and friends will be the first AH Members to see it. They start a hunt there tomorrow.

 

[YancyW]

The expense of getting stuff home an then having it mounted isnt even close to worth it for me. If I get a monster, I will do it, but otherwise, i'm leaving it there.

 

[migrabill]

Yes, the shipping prices seem to have doubled post Covid. I’ll be looking at ‘own use’ hunts in future. Cheaper hunt and no export costs seems like the way to go

Just got word my dip and controls are ready to leave RSA. 14 trophies. 2 crates. $3500 via Air. I didn’t think that was bad

 

[Mountaineer]

I went on an own use cape Buffalo hunt in September. So I only got the pictures. I had 20x30 inch pictures framed. I love the picture, but I would much rather have a shoulder mount. I had to choose between not hunting or hunting and only getting a picture.