I have a shipment coming. All that is in it is a finished zebra rug, and a couple of cast aluminum replicas of the feet of the ele bull I shot last April. The ivory, for obvious reasons, will remain in Zim for at least the time being.
Since there are no unfinished skins or CITES animals involved, is there any need to go through a customs broker, or can this come directly to me?
I live in rural South Dakota, so no international airports nearby, but I could drive 200 miles to a customs office if I needed to.

It is my understanding that ANY shipment coming from another country must go through customs.

Marty: It is really easy to self clear your hunting trophies, just requires you to go to the airport where you choose to have them shipped. I've done it several times (but I only live about 55 miles from DFW). Look at the USFWS website, there is plenty of info regarding self clearing hunting trophies and contrary to what others have posted, I have had nothing but good experiences with USFWS regarding trophy clearance. In fact, I have a shipment in Atlanta on the way to DFW which I will clear myself. PM if you want or need more info.

Karl

I second what K Evan said. Find an airport that has USFWS office and choose that location. Myself and my friends have cleared 9 shipments ourselves from Namibia, Zim, and South Africa.

Staff at both USFWS and customs have been professional and been in and out in less than 30 minutes.

Very straight forward process - especially with finished trophies.. I clear mine at BWI - the first time I did it myself I explained to the US F&W agent it was my first time and he was very helpful - stated that the import companies are the one responsible for spreading all the horror stories as they want us to think we cannnot do it ourselves.. Clearing the last shipment cost me something like $68.00 total..

Cleared a shipment today at DFW (skulls and skins) and it took 53 minutes from the time I walked into the Delta Air Cargo office to get paperwork until I was on my way home with my crate (Delta Air Cargo-USFWS-CBP-Delta Air Cargo). Probably 35 minutes of that was driving between the three offices. Very easy.

Karl

at BWI you walk about 30ft between USFWS and Customs.. Then drive a couple hundred yards to the warehouse ramp....

I have never cleared my own when I had swine (dept of AG) - I doubt it is a problem just a little more coordination ..