Hello folks,

In anticipation of my hides and horns being shipped from Namibia, I am comtemplating doing the paperwork and legwork to get them through customs myself when they arrive in the states. Who has done this, how was the experience, what paperwork is involved, how many different government organizations are involved (I imagine Customs and Fish and Wildlife at a minimum)? This will be a new experience for me so any help or advise will be appreciated.

I know it would be easier to have someone do it for me, but I work a 2 week on 2 week off schedule and have the time. Besides, it gives me an excuse to go to Anchorage and my daughter in college at UAA likes the free meals she gets while I'm there.

I'd do a search of the archives on here. There have been a couple of threads on doing this. You can search the posts I've made if you want; one of the threads had a detailed report of my experience doing just this.

JD,

pm widowmaker 416...he has cleared many trophies from his safaris...

Mike

i've done it a time or two - it really isn't all that bad, just needs some time and a telephone payment plan. There was a gal at fish and game that was really helpful. Worst things are warthogs, bushpigs, etc. then the dept of agrig. gets involved. Make sure they are packaged separately. and if you have a baboon leave the skull there or CDC gets involved.

AKJD:
I'm trying to clear my animals from Namibia now. I have dealt with stupid people in all the Guvment Depts I've contacted. I've talked to people from ADFG, FWS, AgDept, CDC and a few I forgot about. They know absolutely nothing about the process. I thought that was their job.
We have a baboon and hog. Both are mounted heads on plaques. The CDC does the baboon and the AgDept does the hog.
I talked to a guy in CDC named David who knew what he was talking about. He said a permit was not required for a Mounted baboon but he would send one if I wanted it. That was on Sept. 5th, still waiting.
Your best shot, is to talk to one of the Customs guys at the airport who do the inspections. They will give you the no BS info you need.
My advice, go to the CDC, AgDept, FWS sites and down load all the pertinent info. Print it out. If the dummies can read, you may be able get it done. You may have to read it and explain it to them.
And we raise hell about the guvment in RSA! Ours is as bad or worse.
Thats what I'm going to do. Keep us posted.
Good Luck:

Thanks for the information guys.

PostDriver,
I tried a couple searchs before I posted but didn't come across your post, I found it today and it had a lot of helpful information. Thanks.

Hopefully the process won't be to painful. When I get off shift in a couple weeks I'll go to the Fairbanks Airport and talk to customs. After some initial research on the F&W site, It looks like I may be able to get my trophies sent here instead of going to Anchorage.

JD