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| One of Us |
I had one buffalo skull, taken at CMS this past March shipped on Qatar from Harare. It was supposed to leave Harare on November 26, 2021 and the "covid lockdown" stopped all Qatar flights from Harare. Several different shipping dates were sent, none happened until last week when the small box (20KG's) finally left Harare, arriving at DFW on 1/21. Qatar's DFW agent notified me on 1/22. USFWS wont inspect on weekends so Monday would be my first opportunity to clear the shipment, Qatar's rep told me that there would be a $260.00 receiving fee and $120.00 per day storage fee, which started at 12:01 am each day, for a total of either $720.00 or $840.00 for a 20 kg box. I told them they could keep the skull. Everyone seems to be out to screw customers these days. The shipping and receiving fees almost equal the trophy fee for the buffalo. Not again. This sort of thing can only hurt the outfitters, shippers and taxidermists. I will add that the Qatar rep is a different company than in the past and the people I dealt with are definitely not from around here. Karl Evans | ||
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One of Us |
Karl, I have not shipped with Qatar, however after my last shipment out of Namibia, I am thinking that I will not be bringing any trophies back. When the delivery, inspection, waiting for proper clearance documents, crating, shipping, deliver to taxidermist, taxidermy work and shipping to your home come in at more than 50% of your trip. At this point, I am now considering doing a professional camera man in the future and calling that good. If in the future if a leopard comes into play, I may have to rethink it. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> "You've got the strongest hand in the world. That's right. Your hand. The hand that marks the ballot. The hand that pulls the voting lever. Use it, will you" John Wayne | |||
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one of us |
Sorry to hear Karl. Shipping and dip and pack costs have gotten astronomical in the past few years. I guess with the supply chain issues and number of carriers not taking African hunting trophies, those that do can name their price. I have a shipment starting it's way back from Botswana and one from Tanzania... will be interesting (if not frightful) to hear what the estimates are. On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! - Rudyard Kipling Life grows grim without senseless indulgence. | |||
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| One of Us |
Karl, How much was the cost of shipping? | |||
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This ridiculous shit started several years ago. It’s one reason I quit bringing stuff home and it’s only going to get worse- sort of like the cost of hunting in TZ……..  Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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| One of Us |
Shipping charge for one box, basically 44”x18”x18”, was slightly over $1900.00. Shipper didn’t email shipping packet with all required forms, but sent them DHL and won’t be here until 1/28. Can’t clear with USFWS or CBP without forms. Air cargo receiver says they don’t have them (someone along the shipping chain has them or they wouldn’t have left Zim) and are charging $120.00 per day storage since 1/21. I have one more shipment in process from Moz and will likely be the last I bring home. Screwed themselves. Karl Evans | |||
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One of my friends recently received a shipping quote for 5 plains game animals from Namibia, it was a bit over $7200.00. He said he told them to keep the heads. Maybe the shipper will refigure, pretty outrageous for one box weighing only a couple hundred pounds. Karl Evans | |||
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All of the above and then some. I hunted Botswana May 2019. Received my shipment last month. Delays due to you know what. The freight cost through Qatar, Maun/Sydney (I live In Melb.) was US$1497 for a 27kg box containing eland/w.beeste skull and cape, duiker skull and a zebra skin. They must have placed the box in the first class section of the plane. Costs to get the box out of Botswana were an extra $560 for a bunch of things including being charged $50 in banking fees! I then paid another ~$1200 in AUS Govt. import charges and my freight agent here. So that amounts to about US$3,300, noting the six day hunt inc. all travel, accomm., meals, alcohol and animals cost $3050. Go figure! | |||
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Awful " Until the day breaks and the nights shadows flee away " Big ivory for my pillow and 2.5% of Neanderthal DNA flowing thru my veins. When I'm ready to go, pack a bag of gunpowder up my ass and strike a fire to my pecker, until I squeal like a boar. Yours truly , Milan The Boarkiller - World according to Milan PS I have big boar on my floor...but it ain't dead, just scared to move... Man should be happy and in good humor until the day he dies... Only fools hope to live forever “ Hávamál” | |||
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Fortunately I got mine and my sons Buffalo heads home just before covid screwed up all the shipping.. From now on out, no trophies from Africa or Argentina are coming home.. Hoping I can find a way to carry my Marco Polo and Ibex home with me in checked baggage!! "At least once every human being should have to run for his life - to teach him that milk does not come from the supermarket, that safety does not come from policemen, and that news is not something that happens to other people." - Robert Heinlein | |||
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My wife and I have 2 safris worth (19&20) sitting in Zim waiting on export permits. We have discussed this very issue and have agreed that if the shipping cost is outrageous, they can keep the heads. We are already 2K in and they have not moved. I'm not sure if we will ever bring anything home again. | |||
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Too many people want an egg from the golden goose……..  Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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Might try shipping Turkish. | |||
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Might try a boycott and telling the gougers to fuck off and keep the stuff.  Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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Trophy shipping has become such an expensive thing, I have given up bringing any trophies by air. What little I do bring, comes by sea. A lot cheaper. | |||
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| One of Us |
With all the hassle, I’m likely done with Africa. I’m happy to hunt here. I posted on another thread that I had a dip and pack call me about a baboon skull that was ready to ship. Problem was, I shot the baboon 10 years previous! I told them to keep it. | |||
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I had a shipment come on Turkish Air that left Joburg mid August, was lost for 37 days and we’re it not for a very kind CBP agent in Houston who took the time to search the USDA hold area in their warehouse, I’m afraid I never would have received the shipment. Turkish Air had sent the shipment to the warehouse minus the shipping packet. Luckily ai had copies which I emailed the CBP agent and the crate was released the same day. In total, 43 days from Joburg to my house. To say Turkish Air didn’t care would be an understatement. Rather not use them again (I have another shipment about ready to ship from SA), but not a lot of choices. Karl Evans | |||
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What would similar size/weight air cargo rates be without the apparent "premium" for being trophies? Might be an opportunity for somebody to consolidate shipments and send a container by ship once a month. "If you’re innocent why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?”- Donald Trump | |||
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At those prices, I've got enough buffalo skulls. | |||
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| One Of Us |
I had a similar experience on my Feb 2019 safari on the East Cape, and "specialists" were involved!! Dip, pack, shipping, unwinding 100% USDA inspection in Atlanta, and brokerage clearance at arrival airport...ALL BEFORE COVID!! Cost- more than my daily fees!! Do you think the airlines are in cahoots with the Antis trying to stop trophy imports.?!! Too many hands out between Outfitter and receiver... everyone wants a payday!! I agree with Saeed... SEA is the way... but consolidated shipments are an issue unless properly documented and handled by knowledgeable freight broker on arrival! It's a STICKY WICKET!! No more trophies coming home... I am old anyway...DOWNSIZING... dismal for young hunters... 470EDDY | |||
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Jason, I am seeing more who just hunt for the sport and the adventure. Also, a common trend is to vacate here and mix it with some hunting. The advantage is you get to see some fantastic country and combine it with our sport. I would not give up on Africa and simply dismiss what you consider is a hassle. Cheers ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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On some level I feel guilty if I don’t ship things back. My trophy room is getting full. I wish I knew how much I spent on all the shipping and taxidermy. I am going to have to seriously rethink all of this. | |||
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You cannot get sea freight out of Botswana. Whatever way you look at it, all-in hunting costs are the cost of the hunt+++, so say if the hunt alone cost you one dollar, at the end of it it will cost you two. Add the airfares and incidentals, make that almost three. Ok if you are well heeled. I am not. Only did Bots., and Namibia. Glad I did and loved both trips. Next one will be subject to a lottery win. Good luck to those that can afford it in the future. Crazy times. | |||
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I do believe many air freight carriers quit the transport of trophies. Those that still transport trophies will take advantage. I hate this situation. I have a few foreign trophies I hope to collect, but we shall see. I meant to be DSC Member...bad typing skills. Marcus Cady DRSS | |||
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| One of Us |
If no trophy is taken home, a VAT is applied (around 15%) to the trophy fee. How does this work if you later decide to tell them to "keep the heads"? Are you liable upon re-entry later? I also wondered if one could save by only taken the horns after boiling and leaving the skull. I think the VAT does not apply if ANY part is taken. | |||
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| one of us |
For a first time Africa wannabe hunter this thread is the kiss of death. How many here would have embarked on their first Africa hunt knowing this? It was not too long ago when shipping was not a big issue. This issue will zero out recruitment. | |||
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| One of Us |
We may have to revert to having taxidermy done in Africa. Then trophies can be shipped as finished product via sea container.. I've only done that once as I use my regular taxidermist but it may be a good option for first timers for sure.. "At least once every human being should have to run for his life - to teach him that milk does not come from the supermarket, that safety does not come from policemen, and that news is not something that happens to other people." - Robert Heinlein | |||
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| One of Us |
A little update, Qatar is “reviewing” storage charges as for whatever reason they didn’t have the shipping packet and box couldn’t be cleared without packet. Shipper finally sent copy of packet overnight, I filed eDecs with USFWS and shipment cleared within 30 minutes. The USFWS people at DFW are on top of things. Now waiting on Qatar for resolution to storage charge issue. We will see. Karl Evans | |||
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One of Us |
That is truly outrageous. I do hope Qatar does the right thing here. I am combining finished taxidermy from Zambia in 2019 and Botswana last year into one shipment to save costs. I use ocean freight only. Also, as time passes, more shipping containers are manufactured and more free up, and the backlog at US ports eases, I think we can expect costs to come back closer to normal. Now is not a good time to be shipping anything. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
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| One of Us |
Thanks Andrew. If I ever decide to go back, you would be one of the Outfitters I would call. There is a very good chance that if I was to return, I would leave all my trophies behind. It probably sounds ridiculous to some but the cost of it just does not make sense. The pictures and memories would be good enough for me. | |||
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| One of Us |
Mike - I brought a shipment in by container back in 2007. Fauna and Flora handled it and it came into NYC port, which my understanding is one of the few seaports approved...? "At least once every human being should have to run for his life - to teach him that milk does not come from the supermarket, that safety does not come from policemen, and that news is not something that happens to other people." - Robert Heinlein | |||
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| One Of Us |
One of the major issues with all of these delays and further if considering SEA Freight is to make VERY SURE that your Export Permits issued by the Foreign Governments have a LOOOOONNNGGGG Expiration date!! (I don't know why an Export Permit would have a "valid date" or "Expiry date" but they do!! A hunting partner hunted in Mozambique (mid-2000s), with many delays of trophies, and by the time his leopard finally reached USF&W in the US... EXPIRED License, Trophies seized and destroyed, with NO OPPORTUNITY to obtain a new license!! That is really counterproductive!!... but it is reality!! 470EDDY | |||
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Jason - I agree with your assessment. The hassles from soup to nuts has dissuaded me from even giving a single shit about it anymore. I've killed pretty much all of it, hunted most of the countries. I left nothing there. The greed, the look at US sportsmen as ATM's, as the thread states, robbery on trophy shipments, the firearms hassles, out-going, in country and on return. Taxidermy is astronomically expensive, but part of the overall package (in my mind). Every aspect of international big game hunting has become a buzz-kill for the enthusiast. Anyone who doesn't agree, I'd be happy to a respectful debate on it. Social Media, I think you all understand my stance on it. The list goes on and on and on. I completely understand, and have no quarrel to those who still wish to participate, enjoy every minute of every day, just as I did. My last trip to Tanzania, got me weighing the enjoyment against the hassles. I think my third ammo counting drill in two days pushed me over the edge. I just think its important for the guys here on the other side of the desk to understand how some feel. I just am outspoken and don't care. I have 5 or 6 other outdoor hobbies that I enjoy, just as much and don't cost a fortune, make me sit on an airplane for two days, and all the other hoops we've all jumped through. Fast Boats, Bicycle Racing, kayak fishing for giant catfishes, South-America fishing, Renewing my love for shooting for fun. All of which give me great pleasure without spending 20-100K going hunting. BTW, I had a crate go from Bangui to CDG France, Bongo full-skin, 2 Buffalo shoulder cape, LDE full-skin plus all the other 9 or 10 species. 6600.00 just to CDG from CAR. Formerly "Nganga" | |||
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Going and getting back with your guns and gear had become a goat-roping prior to COVID. Now, with COVID, it has just become a cluster-f**k. But, that does not just pertain to Africa…I just missed 2 weeks in Hawaii due to my totally asymptomatic son getting a positive PCR the day before boarding. I am going to make 2 more trips…then I may call it quits too. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. Lane Easter, DVM A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991. | |||
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| One of Us |
The real risk in Covid with all the omicron around is showing With a positive test 24 hours or less before a flight. Airlines will simply not give a boarding pass with a positive Covid test. I won’t travel with groups. I won’t make stop over. I will quarantine my self 14 days before travel to make sure I have minimal risk. I will get tested in the 14 weeks prior to to travel pcr test. In African hunting maybe your ph can make a plan and move dates around. But if I am fishing on a long live aboard fishing trip - the boat leaves with or without me and my complete trip cost is wasted if I test positive for Covid. Mike | |||
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| One of Us |
The way things are going, camp skinners will become a thing of the past!  Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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| One of Us |
Scott, I have always used Fauna and Flora through NYC. Never had the slightest issue or complaint. But given current conditions, I am going to go shopping this time around. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
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| One of Us |
Shopping costs are more than in the past for sure. For my Tanzanian hunt last June the dip and pack was included by the outfitter as part of the hunt cost. My shipping to The US was $1402. Came into LA and then up to Portland. Clearing costs and shipping to my Taxidermist was another $1160. There are 6 animals in the crate. Guess it could be worse. Bruce | |||
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| One of Us |
As far as I know airfreight calculation is based on volume or weight of the box at the carrier's discretion. If the cost to airfreight from TZ to the USA was $1402 it isn't such a dramatic charge in comparison to $1160 paid for clearing and delivery from one city to another .. approx. 10,000 between continents and 900 miles from city to city. All in all though, freight and clearing charges have indeed become a relevant cost factor to the client who has already spent a small fortune between travel, hospitality services, and the hunt itself. | |||
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| One of Us |
Steve: Great post. Too many crooks. I do feel sorry for the good and honest Outfitters. It’s a shame others taint the industry. $6,600 to crate those animals is ridiculous. | |||
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