Sealskin sporran

**Lallans** · 14th April 11, 06:10 AM

I'm not sure how US Customs officially regard a wildlife product that is in private hands, in private utilitarian use, and will not be left in the USA. I do know from my native friends that they are hypervigilant about ceremonial eagle feathers, but it seems that is mostly because those have a high commercial value that affects an endangered species- seals are not that. I suppose it would be best to just leave the thing at home in Canada, but frankly that would not have previously occurred to me with mine. Dang it, do I now have to pay big bucks for a cheap sporran? (Actually there are no cheap sporrans, just inferior ones at slightly reduced prices.)

I'll probably be going down to the US this Easter and unless they're otherwise giving me a hard time at Customs, I'll ask about it. Of course one border agent's opinion is not binding on another, but perhaps there is a real policy. Where I cross, they're crazy on the topic of Granny Smith apples from AUS and NZ, and not in an approving way- other places they never ask.

**ForresterModern** · 14th April 11, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

I'm not sure how US Customs officially regard a wildlife product that is in private hands, in private utilitarian use, and will not be left in the USA. I do know from my native friends that they are hypervigilant about ceremonial eagle feathers, but it seems that is mostly because those have a high commercial value that affects an endangered species- seals are not that. I suppose it would be best to just leave the thing at home in Canada, but frankly that would not have previously occurred to me with mine. Dang it, do I now have to pay big bucks for a cheap sporran? (Actually there are no cheap sporrans, just inferior ones at slightly reduced prices.)

I'll probably be going down to the US this Easter and unless they're otherwise giving me a hard time at Customs, I'll ask about it. Of course one border agent's opinion is not binding on another, but perhaps there is a real policy. Where I cross, they're crazy on the topic of Granny Smith apples from AUS and NZ, and not in an approving way- other places they never ask.

Cousin Cannuck, and OP Ken

My recommendation, purely for simplicity and safety's sake, would be to leave the seal skins at home if you are coming to the US for a visit. I would be more than happy to ship as loaners one or more of my dress or semi-dress sporrans to you for your use here in the states (must be to a US address), as long as you promise to return it by shipping it from within the US before you leave the country. I have a couple of dress and semi-dress sporrans in "interesting and familiar" fur that would I am sure be suitable for your needs, and can send photos to an email address if you would like to see and hear more about them.

Customs folks are just humans like us who are doing their jobs (really, Wompet is a decent guy, I have met and drank with him), that job being to enforce the laws as they are set and as they understand them, although this can sometimes allow for a bit too much leeway one way or the other.

jeff

**Lallans** · 14th April 11, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by AKScott

As an american who has driven over the border a couple times, I expect a more stern inspection from Canadian than US customs.

I would speculate your chances of crossing both borders both ways without it coming up at all is greater than 50%.

I would likewise expect a US customs officer to just sign the form and hand it over, and I would expect a Canadian customs officer to ask me how I could prove the thing was made before 1975. No offense. I think there are only 22 rude people in all of Canada, but they all work on the US border as immigration agents.

AK,

You are on the wrong track regarding Canadian polices about sealskin products. Such things are freely traded here and are in fact a major source of income for various impoverished Candian communities. If Canada Customs ever hassles you or anyone on that issue, please let me know and I will see that a couple million native people and Newfoundlanders are unleashed on them.

Based on some considerable experience, customs people in all countries are almost universally unpleasant at times, but if I put myself in their position, being resented and lied to on a regular basis, and between the US and Canada always at the risk of violent offenders travelling in either direction, I am able to be understanding. And BTW, if you watch TV and movies, Canadian agents are regularly mocked by Americans for being too friendly.

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

Cousin Cannuck, and OP Ken

My recommendation, purely for simplicity and safety's sake, would be to leave the seal skins at home if you are coming to the US for a visit. I would be more than happy to ship as loaners one or more of my dress or semi-dress sporrans to you for your use here in the states (must be to a US address), as long as you promise to return it by shipping it from within the US before you leave the country. I have a couple of dress and semi-dress sporrans in "interesting and familiar" fur that would I am sure be suitable for your needs, and can send photos to an email address if you would like to see and hear more about them.

Customs folks are just humans like us who are doing their jobs (really, Wompet is a decent guy, I have met and drank with him), that job being to enforce the laws as they are set and as they understand them, although this can sometimes allow for a bit too much leeway one way or the other.

jeff

Coz Forrester,

You are typically, and far too, generous but I will certainly keep it in mind. However, what kiltwearer really minds 'having' to buy a new sporran? And regarding customs workers, what you said as well.