In 1995 I shot a Leopard in Zimbabwe. Got the CITES and imported it. My Leopard was tanned in 1996 and has been in the taxidermist freezer ever since.

On Thursday, the Federal game warden stopped by the taxidermist shop and asked if he had any cats.

He showed him the Leopard.

A month ago he started the work to mount it. First thing he did was to cut off the metal CITES import tag. (Rusted by now)

He did not throw it away, he still had it on his work bench.

Now, the agent wants me to fax him my import papers to prove that I imported it legally.

Over the last 11 years, I have somehow misplaced my import papers. Go figure. I think they were destroyed in a file cabinet in a leaky garage.

How long do you have to keep these and how long do you have to show proof of legal import is my question?

I am sure the agent will understand when I explain to him the length of time that has passed. I am not too worried about the situation, but, obviously a bit concerned.

Damn, that is a good question! Do they really expect people to keep that paperwork forever? I mean, the feds should have copies of your paperwork as well, no? States plug sheep horns and such but I don't think there is any such procedure for cats, elephant tusks etc. is there? If I legally buy a set of elephant ivory grips from Ajax I'm not expected to have copies of the permits illustrating their legality and there are no markings on the grips to indicate it. Given that, what's to keep a USFWS officer from confiscating them when he sees me at the shooting range?

Damn, I'm sorry but all I can offer you is "Best of luck".

John

I would think that the USFWS has a copy in their archives, of every Cites Permit that they have issued. I would also think that if you used a Customs Broker that they would have that information as well in their records. I would start there. I think that if you can obtain copies, along with an explanation to the agent you should be good to go. By the way, DO NOT LET ANYONE THROUGH THE TAG AWAY. Try Keith Garrison at the USFWS in Virginia, or Carol Rutowski at Coppersmith. Both may be able to help you directly or offer additional advice or information.

Shouldn't be a problem Wendell. But if it is, there are 13 Federal prisons in Texas, with the nearest being in Fort Worth. If you need someone to "ranch sit", let me know.

quote:

Originally posted by SBT:
Shouldn't be a problem Wendell. But if it is, there are 13 Federal prisons in Texas, with the nearest being in Fort Worth. If you need someone to "ranch sit", let me know.

I'll be happy to take care of your double rifle for you. Just send it my way, and I'll send you pictures of it every month until you get out.

If your taxidermist does not have a copy, check with USFWS.

quote:

Originally posted by Lhook7:
I'll be happy to take care of your double rifle for you. Just send it my way, and I'll send you pictures of it every month until you get out.

Sure, I have seen it before, you send a pic every month, then you get about a month behind, next thing you know, the pictures stop alltogether!

I am not falling for that one again!

SBT,

Thanks, I knew I could count on you.

Wendell,

I did a bunch of checking for you and found some good info that should help you. I sent it all to you by PM.

Wendell,

Wendell, plese keep us posted as to what you find. I just looked at my CITES, I made a color copy of mine. There is no indication of how long to maintain the papers. I would start with the agent who cleared the trophys into the U.S as they would be the ones to first receive from you your original CITES. They should have the forms on file.
I was unable to locate any info on USFWS web page about time limit on maintaining the forms. They did have some info on requesting copies. It indicated that permits would be maintained by Microfich, computer and reports, so they should have the copy you need.
When you call them give them the name of the Warden requesting the info and get the name of the person you talk to. They may contact him for you and provide the verification he wants.
Good luck.

Thanks guys.

I cleared my own shippment back in March or May of '96. So I can not go to the agent because he (me) has no idea where the papers are.

I will keep everyone updated. This is certainly an unusual circumstance.

Problem solved.

The agent was very understanding and was only doing his job to check on the legality of it.

He was very helpful and even gave me some information on other questions I had for him.

Thanks for everyones help, and thanks to SierraBravo45 for your research.

Damn!!! I already had a spot in the safe picked out for that 470.

OOPS... I meant to say, "I'm glad it all worked out for you Wendell."

quote:

If your taxidermist does not have a copy, check with USFWS.

Your Taxidermist should always have a copy of it, He should make sure he has all the paper work plus licenses and tags, and permit at the same location as the animal while he is doing the work, and keep a "all time" file with copies. The cites and any permits have to be with the animal forever

You have to keep your Fish and Wildlife paper as long as you have the animal. There is no statute of limitations like there is on Customs documents. I always suggest to my clients that they make a copy for each one of the animals they have mounted - fold it up into a clear ziploc bag and affix it to the back or bottom of the trophy where it can't be seen.