A client is going to Argentina this year. His outfitter told him the meat cant come back and if they want birds mounted, they would have to come back to a specific taxidermist in Milwaukee WI that has special permits. Its this all correct? I would think you could ship legally shot ducks to any taxidermist in America that has a fed permit. Providing you ship through custums correctly. Am I wrong?
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Tony Finazzo( finazducks@aol.com )
can help you with this answer
They can be brought back into the country whole but they must clear customs and USFW, then they must go to a USDA approved facility to be skinned or have the guts removes and boiled or what ever the USFW and USDA inspector requires for the speices your importing. If your not an approved facility forget it or find a taxidermist who is. Also he will charge you for his labor and the use of his permit.
OJ
If you are in Wisconsin be very careful. I have my USDA approval and have had it for years and the rules are very clear. Restricted items, in this case birds from Argentina, cannot go to any taxidermist other than one approved by the USDA. And if you're thinking of having them brought back to an approved facility in Wis. then have them turned over to another taxidermist, that won't work. I know the USDA inspector for the Milwaukee area since he is the same one for me and he is very sincere about his job and does his quarterly inspections and follows through with his paperwork. The fines for a taxidermist not following through aren't worth the grief plus they confiscate the birds. If you need more info give me a call 9202336003
OJ,
Make sure you follow the rules in 50 CFR Part 20 for importing sport hunted migratory birds. You can only bring 10 ducks back and 5 geese/brant. You also can't "combine" the birds for all the hunters, your own have to be with you. You also have to have a fully feathered wing attached. You must have all your foreign licenses and export permits as well if applicable. This is in addition to the USDA requirements of going to a certified taxidermist.