anyone done this? after being able to do this for a few of my lasts hunts, I am determined to try and see if its possible. I've filled out enough forms that I feel totally comfortable on the import end once I get into LAX.

Seems that the usual holdup is making sure the skins are dry enough. But what if I didn't even care about the skins? Maybe just bringing back tahr skull/horns, chamois skull/horns, possibly stag.

any thoughts? From what I understand I'd have to find someone willing to clean the skulls right away, then acquiring the proper export docs. right? I have 5 extra days after the hunt before I fly home.

even if its a larger box, would still be well worth paying for it to come back with me vs. having it sent later, dealing with a broker, shipping from airport to taxidermist or tannery... when all i want is the skull anyways.

any advice or suggestions?

outfitter is busy with hunting clients, so don't want to bother him with it. thought I'd try and do a little leg work to see if it's possible.

oh and just curious, what animals need CITES export permits from NZ?

Last year my guide had 3 days to clean and prep for return. i had no troubles at all. Got their export documents at a place not too far from the airport. Coming back through LAX was interesting. I had tried to contact USFW service. They didn't want to talk to me. Got to customs and the officer asked few questions. First ( relating to capes/horns) was had i notified USFW service? I replied that I had called 5 times. Left messages with flight times and date. I also had e-mailed them the same info with no replies. They couldn't seem to find a USFW officer to come take a look. His next question was if the horns/capes had been professionally cleaned and prep'd. I said yes and they sent me through. They threw away my US import documents that I had filled out... So I had no troubles bringing back my trophies as luggage. MUCH cheaper than having them crated up and being shipped in... My guide claimed he does it this way with all of his USA clients. Bruce

thanks for the info Bruce. Do you happen to remember who you used for the export documents? Also what animals did you bring back? skins also?

I've learned to call Fish and Wildlife a couple weeks before the trip. Write down names, and then call the day before (or have a fam member call) and remind them of our arrival time. Twice they were there, and no problems. One time no one was there and they acted like they had no idea what I was talking about. But I had my stack of paperwork ready to go, along with names of who I talked to, and they let me thru again. Fish & Wildlife followed up the next day and emailed me my approved import docs. I guess its just a matter of finding people in NZ willing to help me get it done in a few days.

Take your skins home with you, unless import to the USA is banned.

Nothing worse than ditching the headskins and later deciding that you want a mount.

Thar especially look so much better mounted,with that long mane.