Trophy Import issues into Canada

[toxic111]

Well more BS in this. My stuff finally got to Moose Jaw last week, and today I got another bill for shipping, just about $1000... included in that was $566.47 in storage fees! My stuff was sent for inspection, in DEC & because they (CBA & CFIA) fooled around I get dinged like this. I already paid $1500 to get my stuff to Canada... Very frustrated to say the least.

 

[Diamondhitch]

That sucks, I have a shipment about to come over. I hope nothing like that happens. On the flip side they were great about the Ibex I brought back with me on the plane in oct. I imagine a lot of it probably depends on the agent who deals with it.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Well more BS in this. My stuff finally got to Moose Jaw last week, and today I got another bill for shipping, just about $1000... included in that was $566.47 in storage fees! My stuff was sent for inspection, in DEC & because they (CBA & CFIA) fooled around I get dinged like this. I already paid $1500 to get my stuff to Canada... Very frustrated to say the least.

That is absolutely disgusting.
The bunch of twits did not know the policy and decided to let it wait until it was clear to them what to do... and you have to pay.
I hope you complain to the CFIA.

 

[toxic111]

That sucks, I have a shipment about to come over. I hope nothing like that happens. On the flip side they were great about the Ibex I brought back with me on the plane in oct. I imagine a lot of it probably depends on the agent who deals with it.

You may get lucky, but everything I am hearing from people that my case is the norm now... watch the SCI Canada facebook page.

 

[toxic111]

That is absolutely disgusting.
The bunch of twits did not know the policy and decided to let it wait until it was clear to them what to do... and you have to pay.
I hope you complain to the CFIA.

I'm planning on doing something.. and this was shipped as per the current policy, plastic container, to approved taxidermist etc. I'm just waiting to hear from my agent to get the info I need.

 

[Diamondhitch]

decided to let it wait until it was clear to them what to do... and you have to pay.

I had the same problem years ago with a NM Pronghorn. I came through at around midnight, no one from CBSA knew what the rules were and CFIA was not around so they confiscated it and I spent about a week calling CBSA, CFIA, and fish and wildlife to get it released. None of them would commit to release it because they did not know what agency and what reasons it had been detained for, despite the fact that they all stated they did not require it to be detained. Finally CBSA released it and I was allowed to drive several hours back to the airport to pick it up.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I'm planning on doing something.. and this was shipped as per the current policy, plastic container, to approved taxidermist etc. I'm just waiting to hear from my agent to get the info I need.

You did your job and they were clueless.
I just emailed my taxidermist in Namibia and told him I want the three capes tanned in Namibia so I can try to avoid any issues on this side.
There are a grand total of FOUR approved taxidermists in the entire province. No idea what the local disinfection and transportation would cost. After seeing your nightmare I will make sure there is nothing in the crate they have to have disinfected.
Disinfection costs on top of storage, more insult to injury from a lazy policy maker.

Please share some pictures of the crating and packing that was used if you can. I would like everyone to know.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I had the same problem years ago with a NM Pronghorn. I came through at around midnight, no one from CBSA knew what the rules were and CFIA was not around so they confiscated it and I spent about a week calling CBSA, CFIA, and fish and wildlife to get it released. None of them would commit to release it because they did not know what agency and what reasons it had been detained for, despite the fact that they all stated they did not require it to be detained. Finally CBSA released it and I was allowed to drive several hours back to the airport to pick it up.

The exact scenario of why I like to clear my own stuff and have the policy sitting in my hand.
I plan on meeting the CFIA vet at the warehouse to look in the crate with them.
It may take a little more of my time but I am not putting up with this kind of crap.
I won't do it at midnight either.

 

[garyleach]

Holy SH%$#! what a pile of bullcrap, there is 7 of us going over to RSA this May, it sounds like the right hand doesnt know what the left hand is doing!!!!!!! I guess i better make some phone calls, Brick i also heard that getting the capes tanned over there should help, but my concnern is that i have heard more then a few negatives on the tanning over there.....:rant::beatingdeadhorse:

 

[BRICKBURN]

Holy SH%$#! what a pile of bullcrap, there is 7 of us going over to RSA this May, it sounds like the right hand doesnt know what the left hand is doing!!!!!!! I guess i better make some phone calls, Brick i also heard that getting the capes tanned over there should help, but my concnern is that i have heard more then a few negatives on the tanning over there.....

I'm not too worried.
I have chosen the taxidermists I use very very carefully.

It is sad that this occurred while I was in the middle of it all. Just like many other unfortunates.
Sad that the government can not bother to provide a reasonable notice of or before changing enforcement or administration of policies.

 

[toxic111]

Brickburn, I'll see if there are any pictures on the crating etc...

 

[Diamondhitch]

Holy SH%$#! what a pile of bullcrap, there is 7 of us going over to RSA this May, it sounds like the right hand doesnt know what the left hand is doing!!!!!!! I guess i better make some phone calls, Brick i also heard that getting the capes tanned over there should help, but my concnern is that i have heard more then a few negatives on the tanning over there.....:rant::beatingdeadhorse:

You are right to be cautious, there is plenty of sub par "tanning" in RSA, I use quotes because much of it is called tanned but is actually just pickled and poorly at that. Being a Taxi myself I have done research up the wazoo, several award winning Taxis that specialize in African mounts recommended them.

Universal Trophy services out of Pretoria does a top notch job of tanning and they pick up from much of RSA (with the exception of the eastern cape). They have done an outstanding job on my tanning and will be getting all of my work on future hunts.

Professional Outfitters for your African Hunting Trophy

 

[garyleach]

Much appreciated for the info Hitch!!!!

 

[Diamondhitch]

Much appreciated for the info Hitch!!!!

No problem. I had to learn the hard way, no sense letting others do the same. They actually do a better job than Canadian tanneries IMO. Great stretch and the care taken fleshing delicate areas puts Canadian tanneries to shame and for a small fraction of the cost (similar to US tanneries).

 

[BRICKBURN]

After much research I have finally found out about some of the costs inside Canada, post CFIA change in policy.

There area so few "CFIA certified taxidermists" in Canada that they are charging what they want.

Since many hunters were/are caught in the middle with the short notice provided for this change in policy implementation.

Here is one Summary:

$150 per skull/cape
plus a charge for pick up at the airport
plus a disposal fee for the crate.
It added about $2600 for one hunters shipment here!

I think Canadian Taxidermists are going to be taking a real hit.

Can you say Euro Mounts or Photographs!!

I know all my trophy shipments are about to get some new instructions Monday morning.

 

[toxic111]

After much research I have finally found out about some of the costs inside Canada, post CFIA change in policy.

There area so few "CFIA certified taxidermists" in Canada that they are charging what they want.

Since many hunters were/are caught in the middle with the short notice provided for this change in policy implementation.

Here is one Summary:

$150 per skull/cape
plus a charge for pick up at the airport
plus a disposal fee for the crate.
It added about $2600 for one hunters shipment here!

I think Canadian Taxidermists are going to be taking a real hit.

Can you say Euro Mounts or Photographs!!

I know all my trophy shipments are about to get some new instructions Monday morning.

Was that the importer's fee? or CBA fees? mine was just extra storage fees..... I guess i just used the right person...

 

[BRICKBURN]

Was that the importer's fee? or CBA fees? mine was just extra storage fees..... I guess i just used the right person...

I could only imagine what the bill would be with storage fees on top of it all.

I do not have the exact break down, but this is my estimation of the breakdown:
Typical broker fee $150 to $300
$150 per trophy x 12
Delivery charge: $350
Disposal: $150



I hope the local taxidermists that want some work hurry up and get this certification to bring some sanity to this process.

 

[garyleach]

Thxs Brick, i guess i better be talking to my taxidemist again, options are limitied and it sounds like costs are very high. So if you do the tanning over in RSA would that save on most of the charges, I am looking at going thru a broker that is CFIA approved or at least that is what i was told....

 

[enysse]

After much research I have finally found out about some of the costs inside Canada, post CFIA change in policy.

There area so few "CFIA certified taxidermists" in Canada that they are charging what they want.

Since many hunters were/are caught in the middle with the short notice provided for this change in policy implementation.

Here is one Summary:

$150 per skull/cape
plus a charge for pick up at the airport
plus a disposal fee for the crate.
It added about $2600 for one hunters shipment here!

I think Canadian Taxidermists are going to be taking a real hit.

Can you say Euro Mounts or Photographs!!

I know all my trophy shipments are about to get some new instructions Monday morning.

You guy up north due have great hunting and fishing but you are getting $%&$* (Screwed) awefully hard on this shipment BS.

 

[Diamondhitch]

You guy up north due have great hunting and fishing but you are getting $%&$* (Screwed) awefully hard on this shipment BS.

I agree.

You guys have the ESA screwing you out of a lot of hunting, I hope this import crap doesn't screw us in the same way.