I have choosen to wait to see if I get an elephant in Tanzania before I apply for a US cites import permit. Should I have applied first?

I talked to USFW at SCI and they are confused to say the least. In fact all the stereotypes you ever heard about the United States Government, are single handedly set forth by USFW.

I have only hunted elephant in Zimbabwe but never had to apply for any import papers. I'm sitting here looking at my tusks from Zimbabwe. I brought them in thru Coppersmith and they were delivered by truck to my front door.

SG - A CITES import permit is required for a TZ - elephant, into the U.S. If you choose to wait until you get your elephant, that's fine. Just submit the application upon your return.

Thanks Aaron! That's the plan.

I'm a bit out of touch because we're relocating and don't have a good enough connection to check but I think you'll find that If you read the USF&WS website, you'll see they advise you (or at least they did a while ago) to apply (I think they say at least 6 weeks) before you leave for safari.

In practical terms, this only becomes important if they change the rules between when you go and when you import but the downside is your import permit might expire before you import so you have to renew/extend the original permit.

I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone what bloody minded pillocks the USF&WS are so it might be better to cover your bases and apply beforehand ....... the cost after all is irrelevent.

quote:

Originally posted by SG Olds:
I talked to USFW at SCI and they are confused to say the least. In fact all the stereotypes you ever heard about the United States Government, are single handedly set forth by USFW.

Seems not much has changed with USFWS in the last 30 years since I worked with them. Their ranks are now mostly filled "non-consumptive" users of the wildlife resources and their motives in addressing hunters' concerns can be questionable from my experience.

SG Been there done that. Your app has to say what you are bringing back of you bull ele ivory, front feet, skull, left ear, and skin panels how many, trunk and tail.
Have it printed out and fill out minus the dates and finish on return and send to USF&G with a return FEDXor US Mail prepaid envelop inside and tracking numbers.

Mike