I used ocean shipping with F&F for my Namibia trophies in 2007. I had all raw trophies and everything made it to the tannery and my taxidermist in excellent shape, no issues at all. It is the way to go IMO.
Posts: 333 | Location: Rio Rancho, NM | Registered: 16 March 2005
Had the same experience from SA via F&F in 2008. Trophies taken in June were in NY in December. No issues whatsoever and at a great savings compared to air freight.
"Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult."
Posts: 1313 | Location: The People's Republic of Maryland, USA | Registered: 05 August 2006
Ocean shipped mounted trophies (Archery from Melorani in SA) in 2003 and 2005 both times with F&F. Absolutely no issues either time. Crates arrived at my front door in perfect shape and on time. Lots cheaper than air freight.
Posts: 911 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: 09 January 2005
Had taxidermy work done in Zim and shipped via Flora & Fauna by sea . Everything arrived in excellent shape but be prepared to spend some time getting the boxes open and screws out.
Posts: 74 | Location: Maryland | Registered: 24 February 2009
great people to work with. I hunted Zim in December of '08 for Cape Buffalo. They kept in touch and I shipped ocean freight. It took not quite eight months from the day I shot my Buff until the truck delivered it to my taxidermist. Great shape. Would not use anybody else.
By the way, I have had four shipments by ocean and all of them arrived without any problems. The next shipment of mine is due to arrive either on Dec. 1 or 2 and then it will be cleared through F&F and transported overland to my home. I am looking forward to receiving this shipment. It has my leopard in it!
All the quotes I get for raw (heavy) trophy shipments dont show an appreciable difference between air and sea (10% less only for sea). Maybe with bulkier shipments (completed taxidermy) it might be cheaper to use sea??
I just had trophies shipped from RSA. The difference (about a 130 lb. box) between ocean and air freight was $300 or $400 so I went with air freight. For me, the extra cost was worth it to get my trophies sooner.
Shipping by sea from Namibia was considerably cheaper than by air. The trophies arrived in fine shape. It took a little longer, but taxidermy takes forever anyhow.
Most of the material was raw, the zebra hide was tanned.
I have done both... I am cheap and use surface most of the time. The last time Jonas did some kind of customs exception and the crate full of trophies and household came to my home in Wyoming. I didn't pay a broker... The other time I drove from Kansas to Dallas and cleared them myself. They came air. Aaron
Posts: 581 | Location: Cheney, KS or Africa Somewhere | Registered: 07 January 2005
In 2006 there was little to no price difference so we went w/air.
Oryxhunter1983, Where in Texas are you located? PM me for more on who I used.
Robert
If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of taking care of them, they must become happy. Thomas Jefferson, 1802
Posts: 1207 | Location: Tomball or Rocksprings with Namibia on my mind! | Registered: 29 March 2008
By the way, I have had four shipments by ocean and all of them arrived without any problems. The next shipment of mine is due to arrive either on Dec. 1 or 2 and then it will be cleared through F&F and transported overland to my home. I am looking forward to receiving this shipment. It has my leopard in it!
