USFWS Permit for importation of Sport Hunted Leopard - Processing times?

[rookhawk]

I had heard at a regional SCI convention that the USFWS has moved to an electronic permit system that is streamlined. I was curious if anyone knew about this new system and if it has changed the processing times for review and approval of leopard importation? Some friends of mine were curious about the process and timeline these days and I thought I'd ask.

 

[Shakka]

I'm waiting on mine since September

 

[rookhawk]

I'm waiting on mine since September

Thank you, @Shakka . So others can add-on to this thread and track times, would you mind answering these two clarifying questions for the forum?

-In what country did the hunt occur?
-Did you submit your permit electronically, or using the traditional paper application process?

 

[Shakka]

Your welcome my friend. The hunt took place in Zambia, and although I did mail my application in USPS, the responded to me electronically and made me create a USFW account and told me that the permit was "pending." I tried to contact them several times since then via the account but I didn't receive even ONE response.....since September 2021.

Nice right??

 

[Philip Glass]

I had heard at a regional SCI convention that the USFWS has moved to an electronic permit system that is streamlined. I was curious if anyone knew about this new system and if it has changed the processing times for review and approval of leopard importation? Some friends of mine were curious about the process and timeline these days and I thought I'd ask.

I’ve heard about it but not used it yet. I hope it works well. The word is that FWS will be issuing permits quicker than in the past. We will see.

 

[Hutch01]

I had my Namibian leopard permit filed with the new FWS E-Permit on 10/18/2021. The only response we’ve received is for a request for SCHEDULE E. But no other activity lately. So we are approaching 6 months since filing. All I know is if files ‘sat on my desk’ this long, I’d go broke.

 

[rookhawk]

I had my Namibian leopard permit filed with the new FWS E-Permit on 10/18/2021. The only response we’ve received is for a request for SCHEDULE E. But no other activity lately. So we are approaching 6 months since filing. All I know is if files ‘sat on my desk’ this long, I’d go broke.

@Hutch01 thanks for contributing to the thread too. It will be interesting to see how everyone progresses, whether certain countries or applications get to the head of the line, etc.

I would not be sureprised if your application needs something added, it goes right back to the bottom of the pile. We’ll have to see if someone submitted everything correctly on first go versus having to amend and if that means it takes longer?

It will also be interesting to see if those that had submitted exhaustive supplemental supporting enrichment data get a faster approval using the strategy “exhaust them with documentation”?

 

[buck wild]

@rinehart0050

 

[slam8031]

I hunted and harvested a leopard in Namibia in November 2021. Filed electronically myself 1/22/2022. The report email said expect at least two months before any further response. The dip and ship and pack was ready mid January 2022.

 

[slam8031]

The biggest pain was attaching the extra files to the application. I checked everything multiple times but I think it’s possible they do kick out errors and start the process again..

 

[C.W. Richter]

I have to deal w/ gov't. officials in many capacities for work....avg. callback time during covid/post-covid (Never. No accountability. Most "working" from home, esp. during the period you mention.) Typical response times are 1 human birth cycle (9 months), but I've been waiting for a bond refund since last October and the previous one received took 2 years. They'll fine you for something that was completed in 6 months, is submitted 1 minute late, but take years to respond to you and charge interest for their delay period.

 

[rinehart0050]

@rinehart0050

I'm still awaiting mine. I had my permit submitted before our hunt last June. I'll post once I hear something.

 

[Shakka]

I'm still awaiting mine. I had my permit submitted before our hunt last June. I'll post once I hear something.

Same here brother…since September

I can’t wait

 

[TROPHY SHIPPERS]

The processing period seems to be taking at least 6-8 months from what I have seen lately.

 

[johnnyblues]

In 2019 when I Harvested my leopard it was the same old story with cities permits as it is today. I pre applied before the hunt and low and behold I had the permit in 3 months. Still shocked to be honest. Hunters International handled it all.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

In 2019 when I Harvested my leopard it was the same old story with cities permits as it is today. I pre applied before the hunt and low and behold I had the permit in 3 months. Still shocked to be honest. Hunters International handled it all.

It would seem that when it comes to leopard and other iconic species, the would be hunter of such would follow this path. Get it started before you go and employ the use of a Hunter's International, Safari Specialty Importers or one of the others. Considering the cost of a leopard hunt, the fees charged by the import brokers are well worth it.