I just received an email from Maria at Hunter INTL. After almost 2 years my shipment is in San Fran and I should have my ele tusks. This has been a drawn out drama with many twists and turns. No fault of Maria. She has done a great job as usuall. All the dramA was on the Namibian side. I will be even more relieved when the tusks are in my posession and safe. I probably will not be able to get the hide as originally planned because of all the snafu but will be happy with the ivory. I will post more details as I get them.
THANKS AGAIN FOR A GREAT JOB MARIA!

I bet you are smiling big time...

Mike

2 YEARS NAMBIA, SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT.
HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH A TAXIDERMIST?

CONGRATS

Yep the grin is finally here. I wont be fully into Christmas mode until they are in my hands.

Yep also to the taxidermist, ph, cites rep, shipping agent, and a few other players. I can be very patient but when the stories continually change my trust goes south fast. I still dont know the entire story. Lets just say this was a real lesson in politics african style. My elephant hide and a couple curio items are still in Namibia. I wont be holding my breath on getting them. Seven shipments from Africa, two from Asia and 1 from South america. This is the only major trouble I have had. Everthing else took time but was nothing like this.

Congrats Mike! You're right. It's going to be Christmas!

Congrats, Mike. I know you will enjoy your Ivory. I frequently run my hands over my tusks for the shear pleasure it brings.

Sorry about your hide, but if Maria can help more with that be sure you have it shipped WITHOUT any curios. The curios are being held up by USF&W along with anything else in the box.

I am pretty sure we could get the permits and get it shipped. It now becomes a matter of is it worth the cost? I am going to ask for reimbursement for the hide and the curios I paid for. I doubt I will see it but am going to make my point. Oh well, I will have to cover my barstools in something else. As long as I get my tusks and my other stuff is salvageable after this long I will be content. I understand the pleasure one gets from the look and feel of ivory. It is unique in this world.

Thanks for the reminder on the curios. I knew that. The curios mentioned are an ele tail and a couple of the molars made into bookends. I know USFWS has been being very picky about the letter and not the intent of the law. I heard from someone that there was a ruling or policy explanation that actually was in our favour. I dont even remember the source so dont know how true it was.

Cleared customs usda and fish and wildlife!
Now to see what kind of shape the skins are in. I am really looking forward to my tusks! I have an idea but need to run it by my taxidermist. Black granite obelisks with the tops cut flat for the bases and sterling silver for the bands. What do you think?

Mike that sounds very interesting. You may want a wider base for stability. Or just base added to the obelisks.

Mike