Trophy Shipping Cost, Scotland to USA

[tayweb]

Does anyone have experience with shipping a red stag mount from Scotland to the US? I’m planning a trip in 2025. One company I spoke to estimated $1,200-1,800 (USD), which seems very steep.
I’ve thought of trying to bring the skull and antlers with me on the flight, but the logistics with customs seems extreme.
Any suggestions for an estate to look into would be appreciated!

 

[devon deer stalker]

That sounds about right.
You could try Rainbow Freight in Heathrow, they arranged a trophy for my client....but it was only a taxidermied Roe Buck and it was a few years ago

My friends son works for Blair Atholl estate, they provide a good hunting experience

 

[Jon P]

Don’t think rainbow freight take taxidermy now, I had used them in the past for taxidermy from SA to UK. They told me that they had to stop the taxidermy as a they had a contract with a large company who stated they would only use them if they dropped the taxidermy transport. But things may off changed again.

 

[Sol]

Take the head too a local taxidermist and get him to tan the cape and set up a removable antler system then import to the USA I would say.
Should reduce the cost by like 75% at least minus the tanning fee and antler preparation.

America has way more options and way more quality regarding taxidermy If I were a US resident I would always bring back to be mounted in country rather than out of country.

 

[tayweb]

Take the head too a local taxidermist and get him to tan the cape and set up a removable antler system then import to the USA I would say.
Should reduce the cost by like 75% at least minus the tanning fee and antler preparation.

America has way more options and way more quality regarding taxidermy If I were a US resident I would always bring back to be mounted in country rather than out of country.

I hadn’t considered this. Would it be less expensive since the overall size is smaller? I plan to do a European mount, so no need for the hide.

 

[Sol]

I hadn’t considered this. Would it be less expensive since the overall size is smaller? I plan to do a European mount, so no need for the hide.

Ah I see I was under the impression you were referring to a piece of taxidermy If the skull alone costs that much I think I'm not able to provide much input sadly.
Very expensive for a single head though I admit? SA - UK typically averages out to like 600-900 per animal head at the total cost of everything at the end, really expensive just for a single stag head to get into the US>

I'm sure detaching the antlers would reduce it a bit but perhaps not worth the issue of a hundred or two quid saved.

 

[tayweb]

Ah I see I was under the impression you were referring to a piece of taxidermy If the skull alone costs that much I think I'm not able to provide much input sadly.
Very expensive for a single head though I admit? SA - UK typically averages out to like 600-900 per animal head at the total cost of everything at the end, really expensive just for a single stag head to get into the US>

I'm sure detaching the antlers would reduce it a bit but perhaps not worth the issue of a hundred or two quid saved.

I’ll probably have to just bite the bullet and save up some more. Looking forward to a nice set of antlers as a memory of the upcoming adventure.

 

[Cootmeurer]

I had a box full shipped over about 3 years ago and I seem to remember $900 being the cost all said and done. The box had a full red stag shoulder mount, a sika stag shoulder mount, and 6 other sets of antlers.

Understand that they will ship based on 3 things, cubic area, weight, and permits required. That box and the permits cost the same with 1 head or several.

You will also need to look at arrival airport. In the US you must use an approved port of entry for wildlife products. Some, like Newark NJ will on,y deal with brokers, so you will need to pay the importer/broker fee as well. Others, like Atlanta, will let you do the paperwork yourself, saving a little bit of money.

Message me and I can share a bit more.

 

[tayweb]

I had a box full shipped over about 3 years ago and I seem to remember $900 being the cost all said and done. The box had a full red stag shoulder mount, a sika stag shoulder mount, and 6 other sets of antlers.

Understand that they will ship based on 3 things, cubic area, weight, and permits required. That box and the permits cost the same with 1 head or several.

You will also need to look at arrival airport. In the US you must use an approved port of entry for wildlife products. Some, like Newark NJ will on,y deal with brokers, so you will need to pay the importer/broker fee as well. Others, like Atlanta, will let you do the paperwork yourself, saving a little bit of money.

Message me and I can share a bit more.

Thanks for the input. Sounds like it may be worth adding a Sika or other animal.

 

[devon deer stalker]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like it may be worth adding a Sika or other animal.

You got to find and shoot a deer first

 

[VSS]

You got to find and shoot a deer first

It's not like we're short of them though, is it?!!

 

[jthyttin]

Sounds like a 7 night transatlantic crossing is cheaper... quite sure somebody would try to create hassle if bringing the head along...

 

[wildfowler.250]

Don’t think rainbow freight take taxidermy now, I had used them in the past for taxidermy from SA to UK. They told me that they had to stop the taxidermy as a they had a contract with a large company who stated they would only use them if they dropped the taxidermy transport. But things may off changed again.

Are they the same as quest freight? Or merged into quest freight? Someone had recommended them recently and this was in the back of my mind so thought worth asking

 

[Jon P]

Are they the same as quest freight? Or merged into quest freight? Someone had recommended them recently and this was in the back of my mind so thought worth asking

I am not sure I believe quest freight to be a separate company- I am just looking at emails from last year and speedbird freight recommended Colleen Stanley and Vera Sadler of SBS Logistics as a potential importer . I have no contact details for these though.

 

[sikamalc]

I ship every year for clients who hunt in Scotland with me. Have done for over 38 years.

 

[tayweb]

I ship every year for clients who hunt in Scotland with me. Have done for over 38 years.

Do you know if $1,200 - $1,800 is an accurate estimate for shipping a set of stag antlers? Do you have any tips to reduce cost?

 

[sikamalc]

I use a company called KG Logistics. Any air freight has to be in air grade timber box.
Freight prices by air our now ridiculous prices.

 

[devon deer stalker]

It's not like we're short of them though, is it?!!

Very true, but nothing is guaranteed in a wild deer hunt!

 

[Cootmeurer]

If all you plan to bring back is antlers, then they can be carried as personal luggage. I’ve watched several sets go out wrapped in pool noodles , pipe insulation and duct tape. It’s easier if you spilt the skull to allow nesting the antlers.

However, to got this option you need to shoot your stag with enough time to allow skull prep. Shooting on the day before departure isn’t going to provide time to clean and dry that skull.

US Import rules say it must be cleaned and free of all flesh. Then you will need to bring it in through an official port of entry. If you are carrying this as luggage you will need to claim baggage, exit the airport and go to clear wildlife and ag, assuming you’ve correctly completed your permit applications online ahead of time.

 

[tayweb]

If all you plan to bring back is antlers, then they can be carried as personal luggage. I’ve watched several sets go out wrapped in pool noodles , pipe insulation and duct tape. It’s easier if you spilt the skull to allow nesting the antlers.

However, to got this option you need to shoot your stag with enough time to allow skull prep. Shooting on the day before departure isn’t going to provide time to clean and dry that skull.

US Import rules say it must be cleaned and free of all flesh. Then you will need to bring it in through an official port of entry. If you are carrying this as luggage you will need to claim baggage, exit the airport and go to clear wildlife and ag, assuming you’ve correctly completed your permit applications online ahead of time.

This is very helpful.
So I would need to plan flights to one of the specific airports that qualify as a port of entry.