What is the average cost to get get a crate back from Oz with a buff skull and cape inside? There are 5 of us (all AR regulars) heading over in June 2012 for buff, etc..

We'll be paying 400$ for the crate to be built, the caping of the critters and boiling of the skulls and the packaging of the trophies.. I'm just looking to get an idea of what its going to cost us to get the crate back over..

On the same lines, can 2 hunters share a crate and pack their trophies into one crate and share the expense? I know this is not allowed in several (if any) African countries.

Thanks for the info, guys..

talk to a taxidermist www.taxidermy.co.nz for a start.
long and short is yes can crate thenm together buts its the customs guys at your end that get argo. they think your ripping them off by not each and seperately filing and paying import costs. They like burning things I hear.

Sea or Air is the other question? Air is by volume so its all about the size of your crate AND be very careful what you build the crate from only a limited number of products meet regulations.
shortcuts don't always work mate, but worth the ask.

No AR members in the States who've sent back their crates from Aussie?

Although I only took pictures, I know that michael458 brought back several heads and capes.

Hi Scottyboy

For us I do all of our own trophy shipment and it is definitely cheaper to pack them all together, so long as they are all in one name and you accpt the risk that it is not strictly legal to have multiple clients products packed in the one shipper into the USA now. To put things in perspective - if I send one buffalo cape + bits from Melb-Dallas it will cost about $900 in air-frieight. If I send 4 the freight charges will be about $1800-$2000 total. Depends a bit who the shipper is and where it is sent from (city here) and destination in the USA. The destination in USA doesnt make a big difference, so long as it is a major international airport. Dallas, SF,LA, NY, CHIC,etc.

PS - I am not saying that we do pack multiple clients together but we have never been questioned about this in the USA... ever!! IMO the reply would be, if questioned, that the Consignee OWNS all of those trophies, for whatever reason.

Thank you, Matt. I appreciate it.

Those prices sound about right and not too far out of line.

No worries - to clarify the multiple clients thing is a potential isse in the USA, not Australia - so if you go that path it would help to employ a quality receiving broker in the USA!!!

Yes Matt, same as bringing in crates from Africa.. Coppersmith has always done us right!

Thanks again!