I've got my first hunt outside of the US planned for next year in New Zealand.

I've been able to get approximate dip/pack cost from the agent (he says estimate $75 USD/head). Can anybody give me an appropriate estimate on shipping cost? I understand rates change but I've never shipped a trophy and I'm curious what I should be prepared for.

Thanks
Tim

I really have no idea,but $75US sounds very cheap.

How long is a piece of string! All freight will be air freight and that does not come without considerable cost.
I seriously recommend you contact some NZ taxidermists and or shipping agents for a idea of aproxi costs. I'd think $1200-$1500 depending on the volume of the box etc.
Ask the pro's www.taxidermy.co.nz

our bill form the taxidermy shop for shipping prep etc. for stag, tahr, & fallow was $1601 to chicago in june last year

$75 per head is not right, too low.

Whatever you do DO NOT BRING BACK ANY DUCKS!!!!

They are considered migratory species and you have to get fed wildlife agency involved other than just customs.

My animals were in limbo for 4 months because of that bullshit.

In '07 I paid $700 or so for a stag, a fallow, 2 tahr, a chamois, an arampalu ?sp ram and those 2 fn ducks.

quote:

Originally posted by FMC:
$75 per head is not right, too low.

Whatever you do DO NOT BRING BACK ANY DUCKS!!!!

They are considered migratory species and you have to get fed wildlife agency involved other than just customs.

My animals were in limbo for 4 months because of that bullshit.

In '07 I paid $700 or so for a stag, a fallow, 2 tahr, a chamois, an arampalu ?sp ram and those 2 fn ducks.

No reason why you cant have ducks sent back if the paperwork is correctly handled. federal wildlife agencies are involved with ALL trophy shipments into the USA anyhow!!

the reason is that USFW are mostly comprised of assholes, who will do anything they can to screw you

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
the reason is that USFW are mostly comprised of assholes, who will do anything they can to screw you

Isnt that your federal govt fullstop mate??

It has been 5 years and I've slept since then, but the ducks were indeed the hold up for 4 months. At that time they needed one more regulatory agency involved because they are migratory animals.

IIRC it was also around that time when a lot of the 911 stuff went into effect and there was some hold up in getting my mule deer out of ol' Mexico.

Regradless, $75 per head is awfully cheap. I would expect at least high hundreds to over a grand to ship these days.

I suspect the $75 doesnt include the shipping cost itself - just the prep and pack???

It was around $1,700 to ship our six heads, capes and a half dozen possums...including insurance.

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
It was around $1,700 to ship our six heads, capes and a half dozen possums...including insurance.

How long ago was that? I contacted the lodge down there and they estimate around $200/head for prep and pack and $1000/head for shipping. The cost is what is; I just want a decent idea of what I'm looking at.

I got back from NZ last week and the total for prep and ship 2 Red Stags and a Fallow buck is slightly over $1600.00 (US dollars).

We just got our stuff before Christmas. Total bill was just over $3,000 if I remember correctly for caping and the prep of 6 heads for shipping by the taxidermist, tanning of 6 possum hides, crating and the shipping.

quote:

Originally posted by big_foot:

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
It was around $1,700 to ship our six heads, capes and a half dozen possums...including insurance.

How long ago was that? I contacted the lodge down there and they estimate around $200/head for prep and pack and $1000/head for shipping. The cost is what is; I just want a decent idea of what I'm looking at.

Whatever you do shop around.

All the Gun shops over there have contacts. Most are on the web.
The outfitter will also have their preferences.
The taxidermists will have phone numbers.
Do a www search.

I was quoted A$1K last year for a red deer full shoulder dip and pack with paperwork and freight, NZ to Aus and I passed. I thought it way too much. Brought the boiled skull and antlers back as extra luggage for a euro mount.