New Zealand in May

[RatRodMike]

Okay, my dreams have finally come true. I’m heading to New Zealand for a DIY hunt in May. I’m taking the family but I’ll be the only one hunting. Just a boy and his gun.

I’m hoping to get some advice about bringing back capes, horn and antlers on the airlines. I’ve read a lot and have some ideas but I’m always looking for more information. Anyone have DIY experience with bringing back their trophies from NZ?

 

[SC Living Outdoors]

Its easy. Just get your forms from US and fill them out before coming back. You can also do it online, but I just do the paper forms. A friend of mine did it online and said it was easy too. Get the paperwork from the Department of Interior over there in NZ showing you legally killed the animals. It's pretty easy too but they won't give them to you until you're done hunting. I think its $40ish. If you're taking a gun over there make sure to have all your ducks in a row upon landing to get cleared and you'll need your firearm documentation to bring the gun back into the US to show you didn't buy it overseas. Freeze your capes before flying back and they'll be fine. NZ is a disease free country so its pretty easy to bring stuff back as long as it isn't waterfowl (waterfowl is different). Make sure all your gear especially your boots are clean when you land. Theyre picky about that upon arrival. Some times they'll search your bag and make sure its clean, sometimes they'll just ask you.

 

[Kiwi]

I can't help with advice about taking back capes, horn and antlers back. But let me know if you have questions about hunting here in NZ.

 

[RatRodMike]

Its easy. Just get your forms from US and fill them out before coming back. You can also do it online, but I just do the paper forms. A friend of mine did it online and said it was easy too. Get the paperwork from the Department of Interior over there in NZ showing you legally killed the animals. It's pretty easy too but they won't give them to you until you're done hunting. I think its $40ish. If you're taking a gun over there make sure to have all your ducks in a row upon landing to get cleared and you'll need your firearm documentation to bring the gun back into the US to show you didn't buy it overseas. Freeze your capes before flying back and they'll be fine. NZ is a disease free country so its pretty easy to bring stuff back as long as it isn't waterfowl (waterfowl is different). Make sure all your gear especially your boots are clean when you land. Theyre picky about that upon arrival. Some times they'll search your bag and make sure its clean, sometimes they'll just ask you.

That's all awesome information. Thank you. Do I get the NZ paperwork for the animals from the DOC? They have an office in the town we're staying in.

 

[RatRodMike]

I can't help with advice about taking back capes, horn and antlers back. But let me know if you have questions about hunting here in NZ.

I can't say no to help. We'll be staying in Twizel so I'm planning on hunting within an hour of there. I'm trying to get the family excited about fishing in the canal too.

 

[Bluffgruff]

That's all awesome information. Thank you. Do I get the NZ paperwork for the animals from the DOC? They have an office in the town we're staying in.

Just print this before you go. Free.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/about-doc/role/international/cites/non-cites-declaration-letter.pdf

 

[RatRodMike]

Just print this before you go. Free.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/about-doc/role/international/cites/non-cites-declaration-letter.pdf

I'll print that out right now. Thanks for the help.

 

[appaloosa]

Okay, my dreams have finally come true. I’m heading to New Zealand for a DIY hunt in May. I’m taking the family but I’ll be the only one hunting. Just a boy and his gun.

I’m hoping to get some advice about bringing back capes, horn and antlers on the airlines. I’ve read a lot and have some ideas but I’m always looking for more information. Anyone have DIY experience with bringing back their trophies from NZ?

I brought the antlers from my stag back on the plane as checked baggage. Wrapped them in bubble wrap and sent them through the airline. It was super easy, with a little paperwork from the FWS and an extra stop at customs. I didn't bring a cape though and I don't think you can just bring it back frozen. If I recall, it has to be tanned or treated. That's why I didn't bring mine.

 

[RatRodMike]

I brought the antlers from my stag back on the plane as checked baggage. Wrapped them in bubble wrap and sent them through the airline. It was super easy, with a little paperwork from the FWS and an extra stop at customs. I didn't bring a cape though and I don't think you can just bring it back frozen. If I recall, it has to be tanned or treated. That's why I didn't bring mine.

Got it. Did you just wrap up the antlers and skull up with packing material? Did the airline need it done any specific way?