I was pondering this the other day, how does one get their capes and antlers home from the hunt. My assumption would be that you take them on the plane, but how does this work for animals like elk with large antlers? Can some one direct me on the best way to go about getting my capes and antlers from Montana back To California (this is assuming I get an elk and/or deer). Thanks for your help.

Sevens

I have shipped them home UPS and checked them as baggage.

Some airlines no longer accept antlers as checked baggage; in that case you have to ship them air frieight.

Some airlines have specific costs for shipping/transporting certain items like antlers and perishables (hides or meat for example). These days Alaska Airlines has a set cost and procedure for shipping complete (unsplit) sets of antlers to given destinations. Items have to be packaged so that they are not damaged or so that they do not cause damage. I have flown from Alaska to Oklahoma with caribou antlers and a bunch of caribou meat as checked baggage (and they did not charge me extra either)...but that was in the '90s when things were different. If perishables are packaged in waterproof containers and are frozen, you might be able to take them as checked (extra) baggage. I think it would cost just about the same (or less) to UPS or FedX your trophies home. Many taxidermist provide expediting services as well. Ask your airlines about transporting trophies and perishable....most airlines have policies and guidelines on this type of materials.

WHERE in Montana?? IF your close to Great Falls there is a great tannery that I have do a lot of my work. One just capes the animal, drop off the cape and in a few months they send the processed cape directly to You or your taxi.

Or the idea of salting WELL and sending home UPS works, though it's expensive.

Delta and Northwest both charge an extra fee for antlers. Like $100 I think. And you MUST tape hose over the ends of the antlers, wrap the antlers,etc. And for a truly large set of elk antlers I think it's even more.

FN in MT

Sevens: Do it like Frank says. I've had Taxidermists in several states and Canada handle the salting and/or caping and send it after the hunt. The only time I take it back with me is if i'm driving.

Well, I went to Delta's website and it was quite helpful. They have a link for dealing with antlers. It is $100 for antlers up to 120 inches before it becomes air cargo. Though it does say they may not be able to get them on the same flight as you are, but will hold them till you can come pick them up. (Hope they can get them on my flight.) It says perishable items (which would assume include skins) can be frozen and kept with frozen gel packs and carried on as long as it fits the weight and size limits. How much does an elk cape weigh? (They limit to 40 pounds) I will have to look into having it tanned then shipped as we will probably have to go to a taxidermist to have them skin the head out. Let's hope this is as easy as their website says.

Sevens

I will be in the Butte/Anaconda area. We are flying Delta airlines. If you guys haven't guessed, this will be my first time doing this. I'm not going with an outfitter. My guide is are family that live up there. I have talked to my taxidermist about this and he told me to freeze the cape, put hose over the horn tips and send it home and just pay the excess. I do find your guys' tips to be very helpful. I think I will send an email to the airlines. I would prefer to have the antlers and capes (or at least the antlers) come home on the plane, but I'm concerned about them being damaged. What are your guys experiences flying with antlers. Should I cut the skull in half so the antlers take up less room and have the taxidermist glue it back together when we get home? If I had only deer antlers, could I possible bring them on the plane with me as my carry on? I appreciate your guys help and lessons learned from past experiences.

Sevens

Though I haven't done it recently, I've carted three sets of caribou antlers and the capes home with me on planes.



With two of them, I used 1/2" sheet foam and duct tape to cover all the antler tips, then also taped a stout stick (broom handle is good) across the main beams from one side to the other near the tops. That helps to avoid them cracking through the skull plate into two halves. Probably also serves as a handle for the baggage folks.



With the last one, I split the skull plate, padded the tips, then nestled both halves together, tied with cord and wrapped them in a tarp with duct tape and more cord holding it all together.



To split the skull plate, use a saw to do it most of the way, but leave enough intact where you can then break it apart. This makes it easier for your taxidermist to fiberglass it together so the spread is right because the cracked part should match up. But don't do this if you plan to have an official measurement.



The taxidermist in NZ is doing this to my red stag so the packing crate will be much smaller. That will cut down on the international shipping cost since it's priced on dimensions & weight. If you bring antlers on the same flight with you, they will likely go by weight as an excess bag. Best to EMAIL Delta to verify; that way you have something to print out and have with you when you check in with the antlers.



As for the cape, just freeze it solid in double plastic bags and pack just prior to leaving. No need for salt. -TONY