I just got done with my Stalking part of my holiday and am now getting ready for the Family portion. But I am a little concerned about getting the antlers/skulls back home to the US. When I booked the trip the estate told me that they can arrange it and now they don't sound so confident.

Does anyone know a shipper/imported that can ship the skulls/antlers to the US and get them to California?

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

I'm guessing you are currently in Scotland?
Are the Estate happy to ship to a UK address for forwarding?
I know my taxidermist does it - but there is a cost involved.
If it was Europe I would happily do it for you, I just dont know the US regs.

When I went to Scotland, my antlers were sent to a taxidermist who sent them to me here in Oregon. No problems.

It's a bit long winded and costly but any decent taxidermist will do for you.

I sent a Pere David and Sika antlers earlier this year and cost me £225 all in

Brad - have sent you a pm with a contact.

Hi, Brad, I just returned from scotland las week, using Delta via Amsterdam then Atlanta, than Dallas, I had my skull and antlers with me and had no problems at all.
Ony thing is if you hunted a red deer and was still in velvet like mine, it will take a lot of boiling to really dry the antlers, I too did some vacation after the hunt and by the time I flew back they were startin to stink. But had no problems at all in the airport.

Hi everyone, thanks for the replies.

I am in France right now and did not have time to sort things out before I left. I did not want to risk bringing the horns in to France then back in to the UK when I go to London in a week and a half then back to the US.

My last stag was in velvet and I don't think that they had time to prepare the horns for me before I left if I wanted to.

So I am pretty much down to shipping, I will make some inquiries with some of the taxidermists mentioned.

The funny thing is that my wife is more concernd with them getting back to the US than I am. She is now worrying about it. She wants to see them in the house, go figure

I told her that if they get lost I will just have to go back and shoot more...

Glad to hear you had a successful hunt Brad, fill us in when you get home.

Obviuosly you need to come back in September / early October to get a good pair of antlers that are not in velvet. Explain to the long haired controller that antlers in velvet never clean up as nicely etc, and you are only thinking of the aesthetics of the house etc etc

I just got a quote from a shipping agent in Aberdeen, it is 495 pounds to pick up, box and ship the 4 stag heads to Los Angeles (100 miles from me).

The odd thing is that he is telling me that I am responsible for airline fees and clearing customs. I have no experience in this so it may be normal but it seems odd to me? Does this sound normal?

I am still abroad and will be going home in a few days. Any help advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Brad,

PM me the details of what you have and I will be in Aberdeen in a couple of weeks. If I can I will do what I can to get you the items shipped.

It strikes me that with a decent corporate rate you could Fedex them cheaper door to door.

Are the skulls already boiled and bleached?

Rgds,
K

By he way it is normal that you would need a clearing agent for commercial goods imported or trophies, (they also need evaluation by customs apparently)at the destination port in the USA. The shipping cost landed to a port of entry in the USA is usually part of the cost quoted though.

The shipping cost varies due to volumetric weight so it is impossible to quote until it is boxed and sealed and the package can then be measured and weighed.

Strangely enough over night FedEx is often the cheapest if you have an account as you can get spot rates for shot notice deliveries that are discounted depending on demand. They may also be able o clear customs for you stateside if it is non commercial.

Rgds,
K

Kiri,

I sent you a PM

Hi Brad,

I just got your skulls from chris. I also have a letter from the taxidermist so we should be good to ship to you as soon as I get home next week.

Rgds,
K

Kiri,

I just saw that you posted an update here, I am glad that you have them and they are safe and sound. What do I need to do to arrange for payment and get the paperwork in order?

Thanks again for all your help!!!

Hi Brad,

I work with Kiri at Athina Sporting. Your four heads are all safely at my house (rather than doing a 5 day detour with Kiri on the way back from Scotland)and I'm arranging for them to be professionally packed and shipped to you - I'll get a couple of quotes so you have a choice.

I'm assuming Kiri has all you contact details - if not you can email them to me at adam@athinasporting.com

Adam.

Adam, an e mail is on its way

Hi Brad....I am sorry you are having such issue. We specialize in importing trophies worldwide and will be happy to discuss your particular details. Please be aware that sport hunted trophies, even just skulls, must clear USFWL, USDA, CDC and Customs. The last thing you need is a situation where the skulls are sent to you directly which would trigger the Lacey Act and you will be subject to hefty fines that may include the confiscation of any trophies you already have. We are personal importers and will be happy to assist you so that you can make a decision. Please visit our website at www.safarispecialtyimporters.com and give us a call...good luck!

As I recall a friend of mine has the skulls of the Red Stag's he shot split rather than ship them intact - he said it was much less expensive.