Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Out Of State Hunting => Topic started by: demontang on November 15, 2016, 12:22:22 PM
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Ok so I got a chance to go hunt impala and warthog hog in South Africa. I know some guys on here have hunted abroad and lmao looking for any help I can get to makes this a trouble free trip. Thanks guys
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I went there back in June... you'll have a great time, I'm sure... as for what ya need to know... about 4-6 weeks before leaving get with your doctor for a hepatitis shot.. not required but to be on the safe side if ya drink water not in a bottle, or eat anything from street venders... the only part of the country with malaria problems is Zululand (north east corner).. ya get pills for that if your going in that part, if not ya don't need any other shots... next, your weapon... if your doing archery, no problems, just make sure ya have a strong case (airlines bang your stuff up pretty good) same thing for your arrows... if your gun hunting, check with the airlines early and get the required paper work done for both directions well in advance... also check for any special instructions for casing and locking your weapon... you can not take ammo on the flight, so you will have to buy it there... check with your outfitter to make sure they know of someplace close to buy your caliber... most places have the common ones but if it's something special, ya might not be able to find it... biggy... ya need a passport with at least 6 month left on it when ya return... if you need one or need to renew an old one, do it early... it can take as long as 8 weeks to get it... now on to your trophy's... if your getting them mounted back here, they have to be cleaned, dipped, and packed there, so two taxidermy fees... if your not sure of the taxidermist there, get it done here... I've heard some horror stories of stuff that got done there... to get it into the states (mounts or skulls, horns, and hides) you need a broker here to do the customs stuff... I used Coppersmith, inc. Global Logistics. (206-242-6181)... they were recommended to me by my local taxi... or ya can use who ya want... ask your local taxi for recommendations.... hope this helps ya... BTW... who's your outfitter?? and ya using gun or bow?? Good luck on the trip.. you'll have a blast... take lots of pics...
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I brought my own ammo with no problem. I would suggest insurance on your weapons, it's cheap.
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I've done load development and ammunition for guys going to South Africa.
I do remember something about ammunition weight, but regardless you can bring your own ammunition.
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I've done load development and ammunition for guys going to South Africa.
I do remember something about ammunition weight, but regardless you can bring your own ammunition.
The limit is 5 kilograms. No problems taking your own ammunition.
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thats odd... I was bow hunting, so never checked with the airlines, but while doing my research for the right outfitter, many of the outfitters that did rifle hunts websites said you can't bring ammo.... well... if ya can fly with ammo... then disregard that part of my original post ;)
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Also you don't absolutely need a broker to import the trophies back to the us. I handled all my own when I imported from New Zealand. Just takes some leg work and time. The us fish and wildlife people are a big help.
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thats odd... I was bow hunting, so never checked with the airlines, but while doing my research for the right outfitter, many of the outfitters that did rifle hunts websites said you can't bring ammo.... well... if ya can fly with ammo... then disregard that part of my original post ;)
I've always used Henrys Rifles Permits to process the firearms paperwork when flying to JNB. It was well worth what I paid which I think was around $100. After flying 10+ hours, the last thing I'd want to do it negotiate the release of my checked firearms with the South African Police at the airport.
http://riflepermits.com/regulations/
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Think I'm going to take my bow and rifle. I do kind of got a leg up on importing stuff since I'm a licensed aco and do export papers every day. I've sent a email to copper smith just to get an idea from them. My outfitter is boss safari and the owner has been very helpful.
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The taxidermist I used in Oregon is a broker too. All broker fees were waived.
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Could you send me their info?
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My Dad, Brother, niece, and I went in May 2015. It was during the time when Obama had implemented an executive order that basically said you had to be an exporter/importer to bring your rifle back into the country. That EO has been rescinded, so it shouldn't be that hard. At the time no one really understood the process, so my brother paid someone $100 to do the paperwork for 3 Rifles. We flew Delta Airlines and there were no issues traveling with Ammo. It just had to be in your checked luggage separate from your rifle. We arrived at the airport 3 hours early, just to make sure we had enough time. I did all the paperwork myself to get my trophies back, but since my dad was out of the country at the time, I had to go through Coppersmith to pick up his. Both the USF&WS and Coppersmith were great. Customs made me a little nervous but overall I had no issues. Inspector Abernathy is who I worked with at USF&WS. I can't remember the name of the woman at Coppersmith but she was easy to work with as well. Basically communicate well with your outfitter, taxidermist and USF&WS and things should go smoothly.
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Your post didn't indicate whether you were rifle or archery hunting. I've traveled to South Africa hunting three times, took my firearms on the first trip. Here are my suggestions:
Once you book your flight, go to that airlines website and find out what THEIR regulations are on transporting firearms. Copy their regs and have a copy in hand when you travel.
Then go to Customs to get your firearms noted as originating in the U.S. Take that form in hand with you on your trip.
Then go to TSA website and get their information on firearm transport out of and into the U.S. Print it and take a copy in hand with you.
You don't mention if you are hunting with a SA citizen or an outfitter/professional hunter. If it is a commercial (professional hunter) go to websites for hunting in Africa and search your outfitter and PH. This will give you an idea of what/who you are hunting with.
Your note said "impala and warthog". These are two common game animals but are, by no means, slam dunk on harvesting. I didn't get my warthog until my third trip. These two species may also be "teasers" to get you on a hunt. Believe me, if you are hunting a good area, you won't believe the variety of game species and the numbers of animals. You might want to allow for shooting a few extra animals and be aware of their corresponding trophy fees. By the way, if you wound an animal and it isn't recovered you are still responsible for paying the trophy fee.
If you have questions or needs for lodging, the Africa hunting websites can give you lots of information.
Also note that the vast majority of hunting in South Africa is on large, to huge, private private ranches that are high fenced perimeters. I balked at the idea of hunting "high fence" animals but I worked my tail off for the animals I took. As my outfitter said "Our animals do not commit suicide". And there is always something exciting about crawling on your hands and knees, through tall grass, your face a couple of feet from your PH's butt, knowing that the weather is still warm and the puff adder you saw this morning is still in the area.
If you have time, there are great national and private parks throughout SA that offer wonderful photo opportunities. Addo Elephant park was self drive and a wonderful experience.
Enough.
Get excited, shoot a bunch of practice rounds off of shooting sticks and plan to be spoiled by your hunting experience.
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Get your airline tickets/itinerary lined up well in advance and make sure there are no extra requirements. When I flew through Amsterdam on the way home from SA I had to have a permit for them as well. Another thing, they say things run on South African standard time - that doesn't mean it has its own time zone, but that they have their own way of doing things, sometimes on schedule, sometimes when they get around to it. Be flexible and enjoy every minute of the experience. Practice shooting from standing shooting sticks A LOT. Most of my shots were off standing shooting sticks and with a PH and trackers all watching, it can be nerve racking. Don't shoot unless you feel good about the shot, if you hit an animal and lose it - it's still yours to pay for. Take a good quality camera and lots and lots of photos, of everything.
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Looks like I'm taking my bow and rifle. Bought my tickets going delta through Atlanta. I'm starting a clean eating diet to be in good health/shape and I'm going to start shooting my rifle and bow as much as light allows. I haven't decided 100% on which bow. I'm thinking my 3d/target set up because I'm just a lot more confident in how it shoots but my hunting rig is still netting me 6"group at 60yards.
