USDA Imports & International Trophies
A field guide for hunters bringing trophies home from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, and the high Arctic — without losing them to customs.
A trophy abandoned at a port of entry is the one mistake we cannot fix in the studio. This is the paperwork, the timing, the broker calls, and the species rules every international hunter should understand before the rifle is even cased.
USDA Imports — the essentials
Six articles, hand-picked from the Stehling archive, that answer the questions hunters and collectors most often ask in this category.
African & Exotic Taxidermy
Plains game, dangerous game, and the full pedigree of an African shipment from skinning shed to studio.
Read more →Shipping Trophies to Us
Domestic and international shipping playbook — boxes, labels, broker contacts, and timing.
Read more →Working with a Customs Broker
Why every international hunter needs one, and the brokers we have worked with for decades.
Read more →CITES & Restricted Species
The species that require extra paperwork and the species that simply cannot come home.
Read more →Dip & Pack vs Full Mount
The choice between bringing back finished mounts and bringing back salted skins for stateside work.
Read more →Talk to Us Before You Travel
A ten-minute call before your hunt is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy on a trophy.
Read more →50+
Countries we have cleared trophies from
Frequently asked
The questions we answer most often, drawn from real conversations on the studio floor.
Should I have my trophy mounted in-country or at home?
Almost always at home. In-country mounting limits your form choices, your finish artistry, and your warranty. Salted skins ship cheaper and arrive in better condition for finish work in our studio.
How long does USDA clearance take?
Typically four to twelve weeks from port arrival, depending on the port, the season, and the species. Plan on months, not days.
Do I need a CITES permit?
For listed species, yes — and the permit must travel with the trophy. Your outfitter or broker will handle most of the paperwork, but the responsibility is ultimately yours.
Can you receive trophies directly at your facility?
Yes. We are an established receiver and have working relationships with the major customs brokers handling hunting trophies into the US.
What about the new species restrictions?
Rules change every season. Always confirm current import regulations with your broker before you book the hunt — not after.
How is pricing different on imported trophies?
Pricing is the same. The work is the same. International trophies often need extra rehydration and cleanup, which is included in our standard rates.
Have a project in mind?
Whether you have a specific question about usda imports or you want to brief us on a trophy already on its way, we are happy to help.