4815 S. Watterson Trail
Louisville Ky 40219
502 493 7787

Importing Trophies into the U.S.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are planning a trip abroad,contact us for help at
502 493 7787 or email importing@sportsmanstaxidermy.com
We will register you with an Import Broker that will
handle the logistics of safely getting your trophies through customs and
into our  U.S.D.A.  Approved tannery..We will  supply you with waterproof
game tags to attach to your trophies for their shipment.

Web Site for USFWL importing information   

http://www.fws.gov/le/ImpExp/Info_Importers_Exporters.htm
Where quality is an"Attitude"
Sportsman's Taxidermy LLC
Game Bird Hunting In Canada: Bringing Your Birds Home

If you are a U.S. resident and plan to hunt game birds in Canada, you need to be familiar with wildlife importation rules and regulations enforced by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).  The information below should help you complete your hunting trip within the law.

Service Requirements

•You may bring migratory game birds (ducks, geese, swans, doves, pigeons, cranes, rails, coots, gallinules, woodcock, and snipe) and other game
species that you legally kill in Canada back with you to the United States.
•Each migratory game bird you import must have one fully feathered wing attached so that its species can be identified.  This wing must remain on the
bird until you reach your home or deliver the carcass to an appropriate processing, taxidermy, or preservation facility in the United States.
•Because of this identification requirement, you may not import processed items made from birds you take, such as sausage.
•You may not import any birds belonging to another individual.
•You may enter the country with game birds that you legally killed in Canada through any U.S. Customs port of entry or border crossing.
•You may also mail or ship your game birds back to the United States.  You must put the full name and address of the exporter and importer on the
package.  You must also conspicuously mark the package on the outside with an accurate description of the contents, including the number and
species of birds.
•You may import as many waterfowl as Canadian authorities allow you to export. This number usually corresponds to daily bag and possession limits.
•You may not import doves and pigeons in excess of the amounts found in 50 CFR 20.61(a) during any calendar week beginning on Sunday.
•You may import sandhill cranes (a species listed on Appendix II of CITES--the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) without a
Canadian CITES export permit only when you bring your hunting trophies home as part of your accompanying baggage.  This exemption does not
apply to taxidermy trophies. All other relevant permit, certificate, or license requirements still apply, and these documents must be presented to officials
at the border as required.
•Because you are importing wildlife, you must file a Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish and Wildlife (form 3-177) with the Service or U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you come back to the United States.
•You must also provide any export permits, tags, or other documents required by Canada, including a copy of your hunting license.
•You may download and print a copy of the required import/export form 3-177 or you may contact any Service inspection office or CBP before you
leave.
•If you return to the United States at a border crossing or airport staffed by Service officers, our wildlife inspectors may examine your birds.  Wildlife
inspectors monitor wildlife imports and exports; conducting physical inspections helps them ensure that both commercial shippers and international
travelers comply with U.S. and international wildlife protection laws and regulations.  CBP officers may also look at your birds.
•You may not import waterfowl or other game birds killed illegally under any Canadian law, including provincial hunting rules and regulations.  Such
importations violate both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Lacey Act – a U.S. law that makes it a Federal offense to import wildlife taken in violation
of state, tribal, or foreign law.
•If you have additional questions about importing waterfowl or other game birds from Canada, please contact any Service wildlife inspection office.
Other Agency Requirements

Other Federal agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS), also regulate the importation of game birds. In addition to reviewing the information provided below, we recommend that
you check directly with these other agencies before you travel.

•You must present your Service declaration (form 3-177) to a CBP officer if you import game birds at ports where no Service inspectors are stationed.
•USDA/APHIS regulates the importation of animal parts including game birds. That agency may introduce permit, consignment or other requirements at
any time in response to the outbreak of wildlife diseases (such as avian influenza).
•To obtain up-to-date information on such requirements, hunters should consult the USDA/APHIS National Import-Export Center at (301) 734-3277 or
by fax (301) 734-8226.
Since 1978
U.S. FISH &WILDLIFE SERVICE OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
Importing Personal Sport-hunted Trophies from Africa:
Guidelines for U.S. Hunters
General Requirements
•
Most hunting trophies imported from Africa must come through a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated port. Under limited
circumstances, you may be authorized under permit to use a port that does not normally handle wildlife trade. You must show
that using one of our designated ports would result in substantial deterioration or loss of the wildlife, or would cause undue
economic hardship. If you are importing your trophy through a non-designated port, you must have a copy of your valid port
exception permit. You can find general information on importing, including our ports at: http://www.fws.
gov/le/ImpExp/Info_Importers_Exporters.htm.
•
You must file a Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife (Form 3-177) with our wildlife inspectors at an
authorized FWS port of entry and receive clearance before U.S. Customs and Border Protection releases your shipment. You
may file your declaration electronically (https://edecs.fws.gov/) or in hard copy form (form available at: http://www.fws.
gov/le/ImpExp/faqs.htm).
•
We will charge a premium fee for inspecting your protected species trophy when you clear it through a designated port during
normal business hours. You will pay both base inspection and premium fees if you use a port exception permit. You will pay
overtime fees if you import outside of normal business hours. The Service also charges a fee when you apply for CITES or
other wildlife import permits.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
•
If your trophy animal is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), you will need
an original valid CITES export document from the country of export or re-export. If the animal is listed on CITES Appendix I (for
example, leopard), you also need an original import permit from the United States. You must obtain this permit from the
Service before you import your trophy.
•
Trophies must be imported into the United States before all of your documents expire, and your CITES documents must be
validated upon export by the foreign country’s inspecting officials. Your CITES documents must contain the information
required by our regulations. See our guidance at: http://www.fws.gov/le/ImpExp/Info_Importers_Exporters.htm.
•
If you import worked, manufactured or handicraft items made from your trophy for use as clothing, curios, ornamentation,
jewelry, or other utilitarian items, you must have CITES documents that indicate a purpose other than hunting (H) for the items
(i.e., personal, commercial). If you plan to import curios or other items either separately or in your trophy shipment that you
purchased while overseas, be aware that there might be restrictions on what you can import.
•
You must follow all permit conditions and make sure your trophies are tagged or marked as required. For example, crocodile
or leopard skins must have a CITES tag inserted through the skin and locked in place using the locking mechanism of the tag.
A mounted trophy must be accompanied by the tag from the skin used to make the mount. CITES documents must contain all
the information that appears on the CITES tag.
Stricter U.S. Wildlife Laws
•
You should be aware that there are several U.S. wildlife laws that may restrict the import of your trophy. If the animal is
protected by the Endangered Species Act (for example, leopard, brown hyena or bontebok), you will need to obtain an
endangered species import permit before importing your trophy. You can find the list of endangered species at: http://www.
fws.gov/endangered/wildlife.html. Some bird trophies (for example, hoopoe) may need permits under the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act. You can find the list of migratory birds at: http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/intrnltr/mbta/mbtintro.html.
•
Many countries require export permits for wildlife, even for species not protected under CITES. Be sure to check with the
exporting country for any additional requirements. Importing trophies without permits required by a foreign country is a
violation of U.S. law.
Other Agency Requirements
•
Many hunting trophies are subject to requirements and restrictions enforced by other U.S. federal agencies.
•
General import requirements for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can be found at: http://www.customs.ustreas.
gov/xp/cgov/import/infrequent_importer_info/. If you are exporting and re-importing any guns, you should register with CBP
before you go (http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/register_items.xml).
•
You can find animal import information for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/NCIE/,
including specific guidelines for importing ruminant, swine and bird trophies. Hunters should be aware that some shipments
may need to be consigned and shipped to a USDA approved establishment.
•
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have restrictions on the import of animals that might be vectors, hosts or
agents of disease. You can find information on these restrictions, in particular, on African rodents, non-human primates, and
civets at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal.htm.
For additional information, contact:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
Phone: 703-358-1949
Fax: 703-358-2271
E-mail: lawenforcement@fws.gov
Game Bird Hunting In Mexico: Bringing Your Birds Home

If you are a U.S. resident and plan to hunt game birds in Mexico, you need to be familiar with wildlife importation rules and
regulations enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).  The information below should help you complete your
hunting trip within the law.

Service Requirements

•You may bring migratory game birds (ducks, geese, swans, doves, pigeons, cranes, rails, coots, gallinules, woodcock, and
snipe) and other game species that you legally kill in Mexico back with you to the United States.
•Each migratory game bird you import must have one fully feathered wing attached so that its species can be identified.  This
wing must remain on the bird until you reach your home or deliver the carcass to an appropriate processing, taxidermy, or
preservation facility in the United States.
•Because of this identification requirement, you may not import processed items made from birds you take, such as sausage.
•You may not import any birds belonging to another individual.
•You may enter the country with game birds that you legally killed in Mexico through any U.S. Customs port of entry or border
crossing.
•You may also mail or ship your game birds back to the United States. You must put the full name and address of the exporter
and importer on the package.  You must also conspicuously mark the package on the outside with an accurate description of the
contents, including the number and species of birds.
•You may import as many waterfowl as Mexican authorities allow you to export. This number usually corresponds to daily bag and
possession limits.
•You may not import doves and pigeons in excess of the amounts permitted by Mexican authorities.
•Because you are importing wildlife, you must file a Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish and Wildlife (form 3-177)
with the Service or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you come back to the United States.
•You must also provide any export permits, tags, or other documents required by Mexico, including a copy of your hunting
license.
•You may download and print a copy of the required declaration form 3-177 or you may contact any Service inspection office or
CBP before you leave.
•If you return to the United States at a border crossing or airport staffed by Service officers, our wildlife inspectors may examine
your birds.  Wildlife inspectors monitor wildlife imports and exports; conducting physical inspections helps them ensure that
both commercial shippers and international travelers comply with U.S. and international wildlife protection laws and regulations.  
CBP officers may also look at your birds.
•You may not import waterfowl or other game birds killed illegally under any Mexican law, including state hunting rules and
regulations.  Such importations violate both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Lacey Act – a U.S. law that makes it a Federal
offense to import wildlife taken in violation of state, tribal, or foreign law.
•If you have additional questions about importing waterfowl or other game birds from Mexico, please contact any Service wildlife
inspection office.
Other Agency Requirements

Other Federal agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), also regulate the importation of game birds. In addition to reviewing the information
provided below, we recommend that you check directly with these other agencies before you travel.

•You must present your Service declaration (form 3-177) to a CBP officer if you import game birds at ports where no Service
inspectors are stationed.
•Because of the outbreak of avian flu and the continued presence of Exotic Newcastle Disease in Mexico, the USDA requires
permits for game birds imported into the United States from Mexico.
•Hunters returning with game birds from Mexico must consign them to an approved USDA facility.
•To find out more about USDA/APHIS procedures and permits, contact that agency’s National Import-Export Center, at (301) 734-
3277 or fax (301) 734-8226.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/manuals/port/APM_Chapters.htm

There are also USDA Regulations to be followed in addition to USFWLS
"USDA"                   Guidelines for the Importation of Ruminant, Swine, and Bird Trophies  

A. Fully taxidermy finished trophies:
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Veterinary Services
National Center for Import and Export
4700 River Road
Unit 40
Riverdale, MD 20737
Telephone:
(301) 734-3277
Facsimile:
(301) 734-8226

Fully taxidermy finished1 trophies have unrestricted entry according to import regulations maintained by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), National Center for Import and
Export (NCIE). However, the importer should contact the Department of Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their import
requirements.
1Fully taxidermy finished refers to the professionally cleaned (free of dirt, blood, insects, putrid odors, etc.), processed and
preserved hunted animal or parts of the animal. These trophies have been professionally prepared, and they may be stuffed,
mounted, for the purpose of personal exhibit. If fully taxidermy finished trophies are shipped with unfinished trophies they will
be subjected to the same restrictions as trophies that are not fully taxidermy finished. The remainder of this document
provides guidance mainly for importing trophies which are not fully taxidermy finished (“unfinished”).
B. Hides and Skins:
Hides and skins of ruminants, swine and birds are eligible to be imported UNRESTRICTED if one or more of the following
conditions is met:
1. Ruminant hides/skins:
a. The ruminant hide has been processed into a finished product (i.e. leather, rug, jacket, etc.)
b. The ruminant hides were derived from ruminant animals that originated from countries free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)
and Rinderpest (RP). A certificate of origin may be requested by port inspector as proof of origin.
c. The ruminant hides/skins are flint-dried (hard-dried).
d. The ruminant hides have been tanned.
e. The ruminant hides/skins have been pickled in a salt solution containing mineral acid and the pH is verified to be 5 or lower.
f. The ruminant hides have been limed and dehaired and are pliable.
Page 1 of 4
Safeguarding American Agriculture
APHIS is an agency of USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Guidelines for the importation of … trophies (cont.) Page 2 of 4
2. Swine hides/skins:
a. The swine hide has been processed into a finished product (i.e. leather, rug, etc.)
b. The swine hides were derived from swine that originated from countries free of FMD, RP and African swine fever (ASF)
diseases. A certificate of origin may be requested by port inspector as proof of origin.
c. The swine hides have been tanned.
d. The swine hides/skins have been flint-dried and originate from countries considered by USDA to be free of ASF. A certificate
of origin may be requested by port inspector as proof of origin.
e. The swine hides/skins have been pickled in salt solution containing mineral acid and the pH is verified to be 5 or lower.
f. The swine hides have been limed and dehaired and are pliable.
3. Bird hides/skins “capes”
a. The bird cape has been processed into a finished product (i.e. leather, mount, etc.)
b. The bird capes were derived from birds that originated from countries free of exotic Newcastle disease (END) and highly
pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 (HPAI, H5N1). A certificate of origin may be requested by port inspector as proof of
origin.
c. The bird capes originated from a HPAI, H5N1 free country and have been adequately processed according to USDA, APHIS, VS.
4. If none of the previous conditions are met, the ruminant, swine, or bird hides/skins/capes
must be consigned to a USDA approved establishment for treatment to guard against the dissemination
of FMD, RP diseases and END.2 USDA, APHIS, VS, NCIE does not place bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) restrictions on
ruminant hides3.
2Please note: This option DOES NOT apply to bird skins/capes that originated from countries that USDA, APHIS, VS, NCIE
considers to be affected with HPAI, H5N1. These bird skins/capes must be processed in the country of origin to inactivate the
HPAI, H5N1 virus and be imported accompanied by an import permit issued by USDA, APHIS, VS, NCIE.
3 To view the country disease status listing as considered by USDA, APHIS, VS, NCIE, please visit our website at www.aphis.usda.
gov/vs/ncie/country.html.
Guidelines for the importation of … trophies (cont.) Page 3 of 4
C. Bones:
1. Definition:
Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (9CFR) makes a distinction between bones imported as trophies (Part 95.11) and bones that
do not meet the conditions and requirements of a trophy (Part 95.12). It states that bones imported as trophies that are clean
and dry and free of undried pieces of flesh, hide, and sinew may be imported without further restrictions. Therefore, it is
important to understand USDA, APHIS, VS, NCIE’s definition of trophy.
For the purpose of this document, bone “trophies” are defined as, the bones (including skulls, antlers, teeth, horns and hoofs)
of an animal carcass that can be used as a remembrance or souvenir of “the hunt” that are in a condition suitable for immediate
mounting and are for personal use only. Distribution in any commercial channel is prohibited.
Shipments of “bony souvenirs of a hunt” that DO NOT meet the USDA, APHIS, VS’s definition of “trophy,” will be regulated as a
shipment of commercial bones4.
4Please note: Commercial shipments of ruminant bones (except cervid bones from Canada) are prohibited from regions
considered by USDA, APHIS, VS, NCIE to be affected with/or at risk of having BSE as listed in 9CFR Part 94.18(a).
A copy of the importer’s hunting license/permit will be required to determine whether a shipment of bones is to be considered
trophy instead of commercial. The hunting license/permit (or other documentation that conclusively demonstrates lawful
possession of a game animal) from the country of origin must be issued by the foreign government (at the Federal, Regional, or
Departmental level), not by the outfitter. This documentation must be in English or be accompanied by a government endorsed
English translation, and it should identify the animal species and (if applicable) indicate to the quantity of animals allowed to be
hunted. The USDA limits the quantity of bone trophies allowed to be imported to those taken from 2 animals unless a greater
number is authorized by the hunting license/permit.
2. Import Requirements:
a. Ruminant bony trophies (including bones, antlers, teeth, skulls, horns, etc.) may be imported into the U.S. under the following
conditions (which are subject to port inspector verification):
1) The ruminant bony trophies are clean (free of dirt, blood, insects, etc.), dry, free of undried pieces of hide, flesh, sinew, AND
the bones are offered as trophies, (or for consignment to a museum) provided there is no distribution into commercial
channels.
Such ruminant trophy or museum bones, (even though not fully taxidermy finished) can be released to the importer or broker
without restrictions.
Guidelines for the importation of … trophies (cont.) Page 4 of 4
2) Ruminant bony trophies which do not meet the conditions above, may be imported if consigned to a USDA approved
establishment where they will be treated or processed in a manner to guard against the dissemination of FMD, RP and anthrax.
NOTE ***As mentioned above, commercial shipments of ruminant bones (except cervid bones from Canada) are prohibited from
regions considered by USDA to be affected with/or at risk of having BSE.
b. Swine bony trophies (including bones, teeth, tusks, etc).
1) Originating from a country considered by USDA to be free of ASF:
a) The swine bony trophies that are clean (free of dirt, blood, insects, etc.), dry, free of undried pieces of hide, flesh, sinew,
AND offered for entry as trophies (provided there is no distribution into commercial channels) have unrestricted entry.
b) Swine bony trophies which do not meet the conditions provided in “a” above (i.e. the trophies are dirty or are for commercial
distribution), may be imported if consigned to a USDA approved establishment where they will be treated or processed in a
manner to guard against the dissemination of FMD, RP and anthrax.
2) Originating from countries considered by USDA to be affected with ASF (regardless of cleanliness):
a) These swine bony trophies must be consigned to a USDA approved establishment.
D. Trophies from Canada
1. All of the above conditions apply to trophies that originate in Canada, except for cervid (deer, elk, moose, and caribou)
trophies.
2. Cervid trophies – The USDA has not imposed any restrictions on cervid products from BSE minimal-risk regions (Canada)
because of BSE. Therefore, cervid trophies from Canada are not subject to BSE restrictions. Hunters may import their cervid
trophy that was hunted in Canada without restriction. Hunters should have documentation that demonstrates proof of Canadian
origin for their cervid trophies (i.e. Canadian hunting license/certificate [Provincial, Tribal or CFIA issued], Game Farm or
Outfitter receipt, or other document provided by the Game farm or Outfitter, etc.). Hunters are also advised to contact the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service for their import requirements.

Debate on “Regulatory Czar” Ended By U.S. Senate           A threat to hunting

Vote Held Despite Senator’s Attempt to Put Hold on Nomination
(Columbus) – 9/9/2009    Tonight the U.S. Senate voted to end debate on the nomination of one of the most outspoken animal rights, anti-hunting,
and anti- Second Amendment individuals to a high government position.  By a 63-35 vote, cloture was invoked and debate stopped on the
nomination of Cass Sunstein to serve as the head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).  
Of the 63 senators that voted in favor of Sunstein, an anti-hunter, 22 were members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, or 42 percent.  

The vote was held despite the efforts of Senator Johnny Isakson (R- GA) to place a “hold” on the nomination of Sunstein.  

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) made this confirmation fight a top priority.  These efforts
were also aided by many conservation groups from around the nation such as: National Shooting Sports Foundation, Masters of Foxhounds
Association of North America, Fur Takers of America, National Trappers’ Association, Conservation Force, Shikar Safari Club, Mule Deer
Foundation, Delta Water Fowl Foundation, Pope and Young Club, Dallas Safari Club, Whitetails Unlimited, Inc., Houston Safari Club, Texas Wildlife
Association, and the Wild Sheep Foundation.

The efforts of those groups and many others were instrumental in persuading Sen. Isakson to attempt placing a “hold” on Sunstein.

“We are disappointed with the outcome of tonight’s vote, especially that so many members of the Senate claiming to be pro-sportsman voted in
favor of a nominee who has expressed that recreational hunting could be banned,” stated USSA President and CEO Bud Pidgeon.  “Nonetheless,
the USSA and our partners had an obligation to fight this appointment. Sportsmen all across America will clearly be able to see which senators,
along with Sen. Isakson, were willing to stand up for them.”

The USSA and others argued for weeks that Sunstein’s views on giving animals standing in court and banning recreational hunting would pose an
intolerable threat to sportsmen given the critical position the OIRA has in the implementation of all federal rules.

Click Here for a full list of how senators voted.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and
trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs.  For more information about the U.S.
Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org
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