Category Archives: Uganda

International Hunting and US Customs Form 4457

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What U.S. Hunters need to know before taking that International Hunting Trip of a lifetime! This knowledge could save your gear from confiscation or costly import duty.

The last thing anyone who travels internationally to hunt, including Canada and Mexico, is more delays or problems at the airport. If you book your hunting trip direct with the foreign outfitter, you are usually on your own to find out what paperwork is needed for TSA, The Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection, Foreign Customs, etc. When you book your trip thru a professional hunting consultant they will supply you with all of the forms and instructions on how to fill them out.

One of the most important forms the International Hunter will need is the US Customs and Border Control Form 4457. This is a small form (5.5”x4.24”) is proof that the equipment listed on the form was purchased and owned in the United States. The significance of this document is to keep U.S. Customs and Border Protection from thinking you may have bought the items abroad and thus charging you U.S. Duty (Tax) upon reentry into the United States. If you are a hunter and will be carrying a firearm(s), the form will also tell the US Customs and Border Patrol agent that the firearms listed on the From 4457 have been checked thru the U.S. Stolen Firearms database and the firearm is in a “legal” status.

What information goes on a US Customs and Border Control Form 4457?

You will want to put all items of value on your US Customs and Border Control Form 4457. Most important are items with serial numbers. Most international hunting travelers will list their firearms, scopes, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, etc. Also consider listing any electronic equipment such as laptop computers, iPods, etc. If you are traveling with expensive jewelry or watches, they should be listed as well.

Other information on the US Customs and Border Control Form 4457 is your full name, address, port, date of issuance, your signature and the signature of the U.S. Customs Agent. Remember, your 4457 isn’t valid until you sign it. Make several copies of this form and carry the original with your passport. It’s a good idea to keep a copy in your gun case. Always keep a copy of your passport in your gun case should you lose your original.

How do I get a US Customs and Border Control Form 4457 filled out?

There are two ways to get your US Customs Form 4457 filled out. The first way is to locate a US Customs Officer. You can usually find their office at any International Airport. Some larger cities will have an office downtown you can go to. You will need to make an appointment and physically take all of your articles to the airport or US Customs office so the officer and log them into the form.

The second way is to complete this online which will save you time, hassle and gas money. You can fill out the online form on the Global Sporting Safaris site by clicking here. The form content goes to the US Customs and Border Protection office at the Natrona County International Airport in Wyoming. The US Customs officer there will run your firearms thru the U.S. Stolen Firearms database and do a quick background check to make sure you are legally allowed to travel outside the United States. Then your Form 4457 will be mailed directly to you. There is no charge for this service and you will usually get your Form 4457 in 7 days or less.

When you receive it, sign the form immediately and make your copies. This is one of several steps you can do to reduce stress and potential financial loss on your next International Hunting trip.  Your US Form 4457 is good for life.  Keep it in a safe place.

About Global Sporting Safaris
Global Sporting Safaris, Inc. is a Full-Service Hunting Booking Agency established in 1991. We have a staff of 7 Hunting Consultants and Fishing Travel Agents with a combined 175 years of experience. We hold Integrity, Ethics and Honesty in high regard and deal with each client in a one on one basis. 

More On The Suspension of Sport hunting In Uganda

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The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is issuing a clarification on its announcement that sport hunting throughout the country is being suspended. According to on-the-ground sources, the suspension has been narrowed to specific concessions. Safaris on other concessions will continue without interruption.

You’ll recall we told you about a letter issued to operators by the executive director of the UWA announcing an immediate suspension of sport hunting throughout Uganda, except for current safaris. It seems our bulletin stirred up a wave of panicked inquiries from hunters. Safari operators went to the UWA in protest, requesting clarification. According to a source we trust, the UWA is about to issue an official statement clarifying what areas are affected by the suspension. Also, we are told that safari hunting will continue on the following: Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, East Madi and Sesse Islands concessions operated by Lake Albert Safaris; Lake Mburo concession operated by Game Trials; and Matheniko-Bokora, Iriri and Karenga in central and north Karamoja operated by Karamojo Safari.

A number of other agreements, however, are currently under review, specifically: Ajai and Kafu concessions operated by Uganda Wildlife Safaris; Pian-Upe and Amudat in South Karamoja operated by Karimojong Overland Safaris; and the Katonga concession operated by Game Trails. If you are booked for hunts in the near future in any of these concessions, check in with your operator right away. We understand that UWA is endeavoring to make the revision process as speedy as possible. Except for imminent safaris, cancellations or postponements may not be necessary right now – unless your operator tells you otherwise. Issues may be resolved in time for your hunt to be conducted. Look for more information in the upcoming September issue of The Hunting Report. – Barbara Crown, Editor.

Reprinted with permission from Barbara Crown and published by The Hunting Report.

About Global Sporting Safaris

Global Sporting Safaris, Inc. is a Full-Service Hunting Consultant Agency located in Casper, Wyoming and established in 1991. We have a staff of 7 Hunting Consultants and Fishing Travel Agents with a combined 175 years of experience.   We hold integrity, ethics and honesty in high regard and deal with each client in a one on one basis.   Global Sporting Safaris invests time, effort and financial resources in developing our outfitters and guides with a constant eye on the quality and professional services they offer.

Uganda Announces Suspension of Sport Hunting

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     The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has suspended sport hunting in Uganda until further notice. The agency distributed a letter to safari operators sometime last week informing them that “sport hunting is suspended with immediate effect save for any clients who may already be in Uganda and on safari.” The letter is signed by UWA Executive Director Moses Mapesa. After acquiring a copy of the letter, Hunting Report Editor Barbara Crown called the UWA to confirm the information and was told the suspension is in effect and is nationwide.

     Crown immediately contacted several safari operators, all of whom confirmed receiving such a letter or hearing about it. Some of them were actually in the field conducting safaris and had not been to their offices to follow up with UWA. The letter has raised more questions among operators than it has provided answers. Operators specifically question whether a blanket suspension can be issued in the middle of the hunting season and in spite of their contracts. They pointed out that a new Board of Trustees has been installed and may not be aware of the far-reaching complications of a suspension in the middle of the safari season.

      The reasons for the suspension mentioned in the letter include concerns about illegal hunting, the need for an agreed upon scientific criteria for quota setting and “equitable benefit sharing from the sport hunting activity.” However, when Crown spoke with a UWA representative, he insisted the only reason was the need for a better method to set quotas. The letter also said that a number of concerns had been raised by the public and stakeholders in the wildlife and tourism sector about sport hunting, causing the Board of Trustees of UWA to examine the matter and resolve that sport hunting be temporarily suspended. The official that Crown spoke with could not say when the suspension might be lifted.

      Where does this leave hunters booked to Uganda? Operators urged that no one take any drastic actions in their hunting plans until they’ve had the chance to address the situation with the UWA. They all promised an update within the next week or so. Here at The Hunting Report, our advice right now is to stay in close contact with your operator if you are supposed to hunt in Uganda in the very near future and be prepared for a change of plans. Those booked farther out on the calendar should hold off on changing any plans for now. Let’s see what safari operators are able to work out. Look for an update from The Hunting Report soon. – Barbara Crown, Editor, The Hunting Report  Reprinted with permission by Barbara Crown.

Last Minute Update: Barbara Crown already learned that the “suspension” is likely NOT going to affect any remaining safaris for 2010. She will have more details in a few days from her contacts on the ground in Uganda.  See the The Hunting Report for more details.

Global Sporting Safaris, Inc. is a Full-Service Hunting Consultant Agency located in Casper, Wyoming and established in 1991. We have a staff of 7 Hunting Consultants and Fishing Travel Agents with a combined 175 years of experience.   We hold integrity, ethics and honesty in high regard and deal with each client in a one on one basis.   Global Sporting Safaris invests time, effort and financial resources in developing our outfitters and guides with a constant eye on the quality and professional services they offer.

Global Sporting Safaris always recommends Hunting & Fishing Trip Cancellation Insurance from Travel Guard.  For an instant quote, click this link.