Lets try to keep this simple.
1. Which cites permit do I need?
2. Does one need it 'in hand' before taking an
ele?
3. How long does it usually take to get the
permit?
4. How long is the permit usually good for?
As always....Thank a million.

Confirm all this with your Outfitter/PH, but you don't need a US issued Cites permit for shipments Botswana. Their own management program is sound, and is internationally recognized as the authority to issue the required permits.

A couple of years ago my PH suggested shipping and tanning with Mochaba in Maum, phone: 267-6862-671, or check www.mochaba.com. Took me about five months total to get my tusks in Houston, and that was extended by a month or so because of a US F&W attempt (initiated from the Chigago office I believe) to require additional permits for Cites exports transiting through South Africa. Debbie at Mochaba wisely suggested we not ship while that issue played out. I also agreed to then wait out the Christmas peak shipping period - probably added another month not necessarly required.

Just stepped over to stroke those tusks a couple of times to confirm they are here...

Best wishes,
Emory

Check the USFG website under CITES permits for details.

has been argued over ad infinitum here. some folks(me included) think you should get your US Cites import permit prior to the hunt and others argue that it is OK to get it after you are successful. regardless, you WILL have to get a US Cites permit before the tusks can be shipped to the US. whether you get the import permit before or after the hunt is up to you but it is safer to have it in hand when you go to Bots so you can give a copy to the outfitter and local shipping agent at the end of the hunt. went through the same thing with a leopard i shot in Bots- the permit is good for a year and only costs about $100. if you apply after a successful hunt, it's just that much more delay getting the paperwork to the shipping agent.

Botswana Elephant are classified as CITES II not CITES I. For an explanation of what that means, see here:

http://www.shakariconnection.c...frican-trophies.html

and here:

http://www.shakariconnection.c...an-game-species.html

Check the second page of the USF&WS website here: http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/salaet.pdf

Where it says:

What steps should I take?

1. Obtain an import permit from this office (except for elephants hunted in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe). etc

That said, you might like to consider contacting USF&WS and get them to confirm in writing that no permit is required so as to ensure no hassles at a later date...... because as you'll see from Emory's post, they like to think they can make their own rules.... and apparently often get away with doing so!

If you want to apply for a permit, so they can write to tell you it's unnecessary, you can get the application forms here:

http://www.shakariconnection.c...ument-downloads.html

Regarding CITES I permits. A lot of people don't bother to get them issued in advance but as the USF&WS website clearly states, you should...... and by not doing so, you might find you have a problem later on if someone moves the goalposts in the interim period such as the recent problems with Namibia Leopards.

You should also bear in mind that Botswana only has one company licenced to export hunting trophies and they like to take very long holidays, so the sooner you get all your ducks in a row, the better.

Botswana,Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe-required permits United States -none, foreign yes CITES

Tanzania- required permits United Staes Yes Cites, foreign Yes CITES

In 2007 my husband shot a Zimbabwe elephant, no U.S. permit needed.

This information is from the U.S.Department of Interior imported hunting trophies information sheet.

bcolyer, who and where are you going with in Botswana? We will be there in September with Johan Calitz.

bcolyer,

You can also check form 3-200-19page 2 of 5, Import permit not required for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa , or Zimbabwe. Note: Once imported, ivory cannot be re-exported.