Bringing in hunting trophies is a great way to remember your safari, but there are some traps to watch out for when importing the hides, skulls or fully processed trophies from another country. US Fish and Wildlife monitors those trophies to ensure that the animals were not poached, and also monitors veterinarian health inspections to avoid the importation of diseases. For the most part, reputable Safari organizers or Trophy Taxidermists know what forms will need to be obtained in their own country, and they will arrange the proper documentation for your trophies. If the trophies are not fully processed overseas, the trophies will require further inspection and processing at a USDA/APHIS approved facility, and this additional step ensures that no pests can be brought in that can contaminate any crop or infect any food animals.
For the most part, your Customs Broker can clear a shipment of trophies if he has the documents indicated:
Please note that Original documents and CITES forms (not copies!) usually travel with the shipment and are REQUIRED for submission to US Fish and Wildlife. Sometimes these can get lost and a good tip is to have Certified Copies available. You may be able to obtain these for a slight additional charge when arranging for your trophies to be shipped.
If you have any questions on your documentation or shipment, please do not hesitate to call us at (404) 766-0207 or email us here at Jean D. Duncan.