Shipping costs

[Beeker]

I'm hunting in Namibia this coming July and have been sorting out how to handle the trophies. I have been told about getting them handled over there, but also want to look into mounting State side. Anyone have an idea what the cost would be to ship the hide and horns from 4 game animals from Namibia to Seattle WA? Thanks

[pomoxis]

You may want to check out the services that you booking agent uses to get the trophies back. One of the "problems" you may encounter is clearing the trophies through customs. There are some clearing agents that will let you avoid to having to learn all the US Customs rules and regulations.

If you want I can give you the name of the agent that got my mounted trophies through customs. PM if you want the name and website address.

[Beeker]

Thanks Pomoxis, but I have already done my research on costs of having them done at Reiser's and having them shipped.

My agent will handle the customs issures. What I am looking for is the costs for dipping and shipping the hides and horns back to be mounted by someone local.

I know of someone who dose very good work for a very reasonable rate. I would also be able to have any problems handled quicker and be able to check in on progress as they are mounted.

So just info on dipping and shipping unmounted trophies please.

Thanks

[Steve Franks]

I just received my trophies from RSA. The cost of shipping was $3000 total. That was for six large heads, several really heavy carvings, and ten hides. All the customs cleareance was done once the trophies were in LA by a broker recommended by both the taxidermist and my PH. Time from when I was notified they were ready for shipment to when they were at my door step was 13 days.

I had my animals mounted in RSA for three reasons. The first is price, it simply couldn't be beat in the US including shipping. The second was time, they could do it faster because they are tanning skins all the time due to the volume of business. Finally, I wouldn't think of having a South African mount an elk, simply because he probably doesn't do that many each year.

My professional hunter took me by a taxidermy shop to show me the guy's work and to let me see what the animal "really" looked like. He showed me where to shoot them at different angles and this alone paid off big dividends in the field.

[Beeker]

I know I don't post here often, however. I have asked a very specific question, and that's the only one I would like answered. As I said I already did the research into having it done there. I just want to explore all options. Also the person here I talked with has done several mounts of African game and I as well as my agent have seen them.

So if anyone has some idea what the shipping would run please let me know, other wise..........

[Steve Franks]

Not to be rude, but read the second line of my post. Specific enough of an answer?

[grayghost]

You asked about dipping, packing and then shipping from what I read in your posts, so I will attempt to answer those questions. Dipping/packing will vary from Taxidermist to Taxidermist and country to country, but will average $100 per head plus or minus $15. This includes boiling/bleaching of the skulls, tagging horns. Fumigating hides/capes and tagging. Shipping will be out of control in some cases so I recommend hiring a Customs Broker. I use Fauna & Flora (John Meehan) but there are several excellent companies. They dicker the price if needed so you aren't charged $5,600 for a $1,600 shipment. If you are going with another hunter, combine your skulls/hides together and split the cost which shouldn't run more than $1,600 if that much. BE SURE each of you has your own game list. Do not combine all game under one persons name. You will have your trophies seized by the F&W Service. Good hunting, grayghost

[Beeker]

Thanks Grayghost. Thats what I wanted to know.