Trophy Shipping Cost, Scotland to USA

[Cootmeurer]

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

Yes, but I would go one step further and use the contact information for each port of entry and see which are willing to work with you.

Some, particularly on the east coast, really don’t want to work with individuals. They prefer brokers, and will throw up roadblocks. Others (I can speak for Atlanta and Chicago) are reasonable and willing to work with you.

My last time I had a minor “error” with paperwork (actually wasn’t an error at all, but a disagreement on the species - they said red stag was same exact species as elk/wapiti, whereas I had put the correct species) and we sorted it right there, easy and agreeably.

If you correctly fill out your paperwork ahead of time, you can even get a window when they will meet you. Not really a reservation but they will at least have you on the calendar. Often they are only 1 or 2 people deep and already have certain flights scheduled (for example, if a UPS plane is bringing in a load of tropical fish).

 

[tayweb]

Yes, but I would go one step further and use the contact information for each port of entry and see which are willing to work with you.

Some, particularly on the east coast, really don’t want to work with individuals. They prefer brokers, and will throw up roadblocks. Others (I can speak for Atlanta and Chicago) are reasonable and willing to work with you.

My last time I had a minor “error” with paperwork (actually wasn’t an error at all, but a disagreement on the species - they said red stag was same exact species as elk/wapiti, whereas I had put the correct species) and we sorted it right there, easy and agreeably.

If you correctly fill out your paperwork ahead of time, you can even get a window when they will meet you. Not really a reservation but they will at least have you on the calendar. Often they are only 1 or 2 people deep and already have certain flights scheduled (for example, if a UPS plane is bringing in a load of tropical fish).

Good to know. Do you remember an approximate cost to bring a set of antlers and skull home? I love the idea of letting a shipping company handle all of it, but $1,200 or more is a big bill.

 

[Cootmeurer]

Good to know. Do you remember an approximate cost to bring a set of antlers and skull home? I love the idea of letting a shipping company handle all of it, but $1,200 or more is a big bill.

That depends on the deer and the antlers. Even a monster rod slips inside your luggage. I could probably have for my first red in my luggage as well if I had split the skull. Might even fit a small to middling sika in the luggage.

But, a good red or fallow it gonna have to be checked as a second bag. Same for a medal class, or close to, sika

 

[maxtheflyinghorse]

I moved to the USA 9 months ago took 10 guns with me it was the smoothest process ever. But I left my skulls back in the Uk with a friend as it seemed to be a hassle. I’m still trying to find a way to bring it to PA I have three skulls to bring.

 

[HH375]

That depends on the deer and the antlers. Even a monster rod slips inside your luggage. I could probably have for my first red in my luggage as well if I had split the skull. Might even fit a small to middling sika in the luggage.

But, a good red or fallow it gonna have to be checked as a second bag. Same for a medal class, or close to, sika

Does customs out of the UK airports give you any trouble for taking antlers/skull out as check in luggage or do you need export licences etc for it and declare it?

 

[Cootmeurer]

Does customs out of the UK airports give you any trouble for taking antlers/skull out as check in luggage or do you need export licences etc for it and declare it?

I could be wrong, but it seems the UK has little interest at all for common species antlers departing the country. Arrival into the US is the main hurdle. Do get a signed note from your guide that the game was legally taken under license on permissions that they had permission on. That seemed to make the USFWS officer happier.

On that note - if you know where you are flying back into, call that office ahead of time and ask. The Atlanta, Philadelphia and Chicago offices were all very nice and professional and quite helpful

At least from what I read, it seems the UK is the same. Importing a trophy is far more challenging than exporting one.

 

[sikamalc]

The biggest problem is getting anything into the USA.

The second to last lot I sent the fish and wildlife at JFK could not understand the species of Red Deer. Twice they sent a whole list of sub species, and asked me if the heads were Red deer from the Atlas mountains!!!!!
Thick as dog s..t to be honest.

After I sent them a rather stinging email they released the consignment. Whatever you ship these days its going to be horrendous in cost. Frankly its just another way of finishing off hunting in my opinion. As for a vet certificate to ship out, never been asked for one yet. All the heads we send out are boiled out, completely clean of any tissue, bleached and dried, so all the client needs to do is hang it on the wall.

Common sense these days is sadly lacking, and too many jobs worth on this side of the pond and theirs.

 

[enfieldspares]

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.

This. But as the stalk was planned for 2025 has the OP anything to report back from this old thread? Last seen here on SD in September 2024!

 

[Sol]

This. But as the stalk was planned for 2025 has the OP anything to report back from this old thread? Last seen here on SD in September 2024!

Good question I guess if It were to be happening Its probably about too be happening? peak of the red rut now for most of the highlands.

Speaking of my method though this taxidermist I watch did a video on it recently. (Actually I think she reposted it considering its '22)

 

[enfieldspares]

Good question I guess if It were to be happening Its probably about too be happening? peak of the red rut now for most of the highlands.

Speaking of my method though this taxidermist I watch did a video on it recently. (Actually I think she reposted it considering its '22)

Gosh! I hope masks were worn and worn snug with all that antler dust swirling around. Nasty stuff if it gets in breathed in. Nasty stuff.