Shipping trophies to Ontario

[Anon]

I hunted Namibia last fall and my taxidermy is being completed at Nyati. I have Advanced Taxidermy in Ontario dealing with the importation.

I’ve been CC’d on email correspondence between everyone and it appears that Nyati is using Pronto.

Is it normal for the taxidermist to just select the shipper?

Should I be intervening and requesting multiple quotes before approving the shipper? I expected to be asked for a preferred shipping agent or provided a few options with quotes. Any recommendations for shipping from Namibia to Toronto?

The taxidermy isn’t quite ready yet but I’d like to be prepared.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WAB]

In my experience the African taxidermist selects the shipper and you select the import agent. Not saying that’s the best way, but that’s how I’ve done it. I have been consulted on shipping mode (air vs water), and asked to approve the shipping quote.

 

[cls]

My 2 trophies from Zambia were shipped to Advanced. The shipping was looked after by the taxidermist that did the dip and pack in Zambia. Have you used Advanced previously?

 

[Anon]

Thanks for the input. I haven’t used Advanced before. This was my first African hunt.

 

[MarkB]

I am a little different. Its been a long and only 1 time since I imported mounted in Africa trophies. (I have my reason in memory room for never again.) All mine since have been D&P, I am currently working with Hunters and Collectors in PE on finalizing my latest 22 animals for shipping. They recommend a freight company but I will never blindly use without some due diligence. They will give me the size, dimensions and weight and I will also get some quotes to verify, confirm and keep things "honest". I am not implying that there is anything wrong but I want verification from others to keep all costs down. I would not buy tires, truck, lumber drops, roof, or any large item without at least a couple quotes and do same for shippers. Only used a Canadian clearing agent once and NEVER again. My Port of Entry is Vancouver, I do my own, yes takes time I am retired so enjoy doing, it is not rocket science, just ensure paperwork is correct and play the game.

Not sure why you have a Canadian Taxidermist handling import of already completed taxidermy work? Unless you have skulls, feathers, or one of the issue species??

MB

 

[Anon]

Mark, I think I may get the dimensions and seek a few other quotes for verification purposes. I’m using them to make the process easier. However, I do have a mountain zebra which is CITIES.

 

[Anon]

My 2 trophies from Zambia were shipped to Advanced. The shipping was looked after by the taxidermist that did the dip and pack in Zambia. Have you used Advanced previously?

How did you like Advanced? So far they’ve been great for me.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Most hunters do not research alternate shipping/ export companies or taxidermists.

Most check out the Outfitter but not the back end. They end up taking what they get, along with the invoice they get.

You also have to realize that Namibia has a few options, not tens of options.

I’d still ask for a competitive quote/estimate from another provider for peace of mind.

 

[MarkB]

Mark, I think I may get the dimensions and seek a few other quotes for verification purposes. I’m using them to make the process easier. However, I do have a mountain zebra which is CITIES.

Hello Anon

In no way is my recommendation the only, correct or right way. Everyone's capability, time and desire for paperwork is different. Me doing mine is right for me, after my Vancouver importers elephant price tripled from quote to final bill and I saw how easy importation was I said never again. I also understand that each Canadian import city is different, I have already been warned on some.

I fully completed my Namibian hunt imports, 30 animals including mnt zebra, leopard, dik dik, antbear and a host of PG. Took all of 2 hrs, that was a few years ago but according to Gov site nothing has really changed, rules are now being enforced better and I am sure more people that do not like hunters are working in CBA so that will have impact.

I certainly recommend taking some time to get a few quotes, ensure apple to apple rules are applied, all details of shipment are planned and ironed out. Then of course costs. If quotes are the same nothing is lost, if you save funds another TF is added on next return hunt.

There are recent threads posted here of extremely high unknown costs being added to final import costs. For the wealthy that means nothing, for me that eats taxidermy supplies/forms and tanning dollars and ultimately slows my return to next safari. Something I do not like.

MB