CITES permit delays

22 December 2006, 09:07

L. David Keith

CITES permit delays

Just wondering if any of you have experienced delays in getting your CITES permits? Last July (2006) while in RSA, I took a Bontebok. Upon returning home I mailed in my application along with a letter from the Outfitter and fee. I received my confirmation dated August 11th. After hearing nothing else, I called the F&W service on November 10th and was told that my application was entered into the Federal Registry on October 13th, and that my 30 day wait would be up in a few days. I should receive my permit within a week and if not, call the person who was handling my application. Their name, number and extention was provided. I have since called twice and left a message, including my full name, species and PRT number. I have yet to receive a phone call or permit. In the beginning I was told to expect up to a 90 day wait, and as you can see by todays date, it's long over due. My hunting partner and I have been notified by our RSA Taxidermist that our capes, skins and horns are ready for shipment but will be held until the permit is received. Anyone shed some light on this? Thanks for any comments.

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22 December 2006, 17:32

Chris01

I applied last August and received the CITES permit in October. There was a mistake on the form and I had to re-apply. It took two weeks to get the permit corrected and returned to me.

I have heard from several sources that it's not very productive to try and call them. I would send them a letter requiring a signed receipt so at least you know they got it.
.

22 December 2006, 22:08

Die Ou Jagter

I have applied for two CITIES permits and received both within weeks. This trip I will not apply until I return and I am sure this wil be plenty of time but I will apply the day I return if I am sucessful. I can't believe it would not be ready by the time the trophyis ready for shipment - Africa just doesn't work that fast. That has been my experience for 5 safaris.

22 December 2006, 23:59

D. Nelson

2006 was the first time I had problems and delays in receiving a CITES permit. I also received the same info you described re: "they had received it, it was being processed and the corresponding contact info".

I applied in June and hadn't received it by August. When I called they told me it was being processed and I should receive it shortly. I gave up and decided to wait until returning from my safari, because if I didn't get my ele I wouldn't actually need it. I never heard anything more, and didn't get the ele but in November decided to call anyway. Finally a fellow told me they were holding it because they needed a physical address rather than a PO Box. I gave him the info and received the permit a few weeks later. I didn't dare tell him I didn't need it at that point... as I was sure that would cause all kinds of processing problems and maybe even problems for me with future permits. So I just let it go through the bureacracy. But I was shooked as in '97 and '01, I received them within weeks of application and no problems.

Looks like this is another way to harrass hunters and make it difficult to get our trophies home.

Regards, D. Nelson

26 December 2006, 10:22

Use Enough Gun

I believe that they are good for one year from the date of the permit. I had the misfortune to have to have them re-issued (renewed) after the trophies had already been shipped. They did not arrive before their expiration, in spite of assurances at the time from Coppersmith's reps that I would be ok, and that the shipment's arrival would beat the expiration dates on the two Cites permits. When they found out that all of my animals could be confiscated, they got right on it and had them re-issued(renewed) by the US Fish and Wildlife Service without delay, but only after I raised hell about it with them. The two permits were for Bontebok and Scmitar Horned Oryx. So, if you're close to the deadline get them re-issued (renewed) and don't take any chances.

27 December 2006, 04:50

L. David Keith

Thanks for the replies everyone, I appreciate it. Here it is December 26th and still no permit or a phone call. The F&W received my application AND $100 on August 11th. My trophies have been ready since December 10th and actually before that, but due to not receiving my permit, they are sitting at Taxidermy Africa and they are now closed until Jan., 10th. I might add that I have been very pleased with Taxidermy Africa (RSA). I don't mind the delays, I just am irritated about not returning my two messages. All of the Federal employees have been very nice to talk to, but unfortunately the one that is handling my application doesn't check her messages??? What a crock, as this is only my first of several I'm going to need. One of you said it; just another way to jerk us around. I hope all of you enjoy the holidays and have a great new year. Good hunting, David aka: grayghost