Black Bear Skull in checked bag?

[TST123]

Hi all,

Has anybody shipped a black bear skull in a checked bag from Canada to UK (LGW) before?

My guide has said if I take a cleaned skull back in my checked bag on my return flight instead of having it shipped over later on its own it won’t need any CITES permits or paperwork. Is this correct? Has anybody done this before? It might work for USA customers but not entirely sure if it’s correct for UK hunters.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[VSS]

I think @stalker.308 may have some experience with this?

 

[Selous]

I would check with UK Border Force but suspect the answer will be not to do it!

 

[TST123]

I would check with UK Border Force but suspect the answer will be not to do it!

Yeah either way I don’t think it’s worth the risk of getting anything confiscated!

 

[Dunwaters]

Worst case, your dept agriculture gets involved and says no.
Best case, it sails through.
It’s worth a punt, wrap it in tinfoil hope for the best and say that there’s no specific legislation covering bear skulls.
Say you were presented with it by a grateful First Nations representative if challenged.

 

[Klenchblaize]

I thought twice:


K

 

[Loki]

Hi

Interesting - what about the 'rug' - how to explain that?
Just asking for a friend!

L

PS - and the Baculum - maybe could be described as a toothbrush grip..........

 

[Dunwaters]

Hi



PS - and the Baculum - maybe could be described as a toothbrush grip..........

Shoe horn… a half truth is often better than an outright lie.

 

[WW.]

It either needs CITES paperwork or it doesn't, there's no magical pathway that nullifies that. Trying to bring it in without the paperwork (if required) sounds a lot like it could be classed as smuggling of protected wildlife.

 

[Siggy]

American Black bears are covered by annex II of CITES and therefore need CITES export permit, (says google and Wiki - I'm only an armchair lawyer)

 

[Grannysmith]

Mine needes cites paperwork from an office in bristol

 

[Julian S]

you need export permit and import permits .No question about it.

 

[finnbear270]

It either needs CITES paperwork or it doesn't, there's no magical pathway that nullifies that. Trying to bring it in without the paperwork (if required) sounds a lot like it could be classed as smuggling of protected wildlife.

This ^

 

[Covert]

In my opinion and experience as I was involved in the process several times many years ago.
Highly unadvisable.
Unless you like the sound of a rubber glove snapping on the hairy wrist of a customs officer and the following sensation. Not to mention the legal ramifications.
Easier option to suit the outfitter.
If he was reputable he would help you to ship later with CiITIES paperwork.

 

[Chris Richardson]

In my opinion and experience as I was involved in the process several times many years ago.
Highly unadvisable.
Unless you like the sound of a rubber glove snapping on the hairy wrist of a customs officer and the following sensation. Not to mention the legal ramifications.
Easier option to suit the outfitter.
If he was reputable he would help you to ship later with CiITIES paperwork.

so theres no downside then

 

[Grannysmith]

Why would you chance it just to suit an outfitter?
I take it smuggling in cities items is a criminal offence with all the xhitstorm that could bring to a certificate holder.....

 

[merlin]

Hi all,

Has anybody shipped a black bear skull in a checked bag from Canada to UK (LGW) before?

Oh....... hang on a mo....... .

I may have misunderstood the question.

 

[alberta boy]

I think @stalker.308 may have some experience with this?

I sent stalker308s bear skull and rug to him , it did need a CITES permit . Any part of the bear must be accompanied by the relevant permit . I do know people who have taken their bear skulls home with them without any issues , but the potential to have it confiscated is there . Canadian customs won't care about it , but you might run into problems on your end . I would ask UK customs what their requirements are to remove any doubt .

AB

 

[stalker.308]

Hi all,

Has anybody shipped a black bear skull in a checked bag from Canada to UK (LGW) before?

My guide has said if I take a cleaned skull back in my checked bag on my return flight instead of having it shipped over later on its own it won’t need any CITES permits or paperwork. Is this correct? Has anybody done this before? It might work for USA customers but not entirely sure if it’s correct for UK hunters.

Any help is appreciated!

Yes I have done it, but not as you suggest, and would advise you do not bring it back as is.

You need CITES paperwork, which is easy to sort, but requires CITES export AND CITES import paperwork. Yes it’d be easier to do but you could face 7 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

A much better option, as I did, was get the export paperwork sorted, then apply for the import paperwork (I can send you details on what to put) then simply get it sent to you over here via Canada post, with the paperwork in an envelope on the front of the box. Just need someone there to help with that process.