Taking venison to the US

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Workin Man

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I'm going to Michigan in June to the Nascar races courtesy of a client. I only have to supply food and gas money. I was thinking of bringing some venison steaks, but I don't know what kind of hassle this will cause us at the border. I would only be bringing enough to feed 4 people for 1 meal. Would we still have to go though the whole export permit deal for just a few steaks? Is it worth the trouble, or should I just forget this idea?
 
if they dont ask dont say anything if they ask its just your supper in the cooler i dont think that would be any hassle last time i went to the states i had 5lbs of fresh lobster in a cooler in the back seat they asked what was in the cooler i just told them my meals as i am trying to save moneyand yes to some lobster is not saveing money but where i am from lobster is CHEAP and everyone brings lobster home from work like pencils and pens for office staff *gotta love lobster fishing towns LOL
 
For what you propose the export permit from the MNR is free. With the export permit it is not a problem on the US side--I do it all the time with Moose meat--however the MNR requires a hunting lisc. number for the game and they sometimes ask a lot of questions. Maybe it's just me.
 
I have done this a few times, going sledding in Montana, and a trip to Idaho last June. You need a export permit from your provincial FW office. Costs about $25.00 here in Alberta. Has to be used for personal consumption. The trip to Montana was hell. Had a cooler with about 4lbs of moose burger and 1 roast all frozen. Had the permits, but US Border guys (2 of them) didn't know what to do, sayiing can't bring it in, and was going to confiscate it, saying the permit was invalid. After being in line for about 45 minutes, the border guys' superior came over to see what the delay was. The 2 guys said what the problem was, their superior looked at the permit, said everything was in order, filled out correctly and told me to have a nice trip, sorry for the delay!

My suggestion is you check with your local FW, and then make sure you tel the the border guys. If you don't and they decide to check your vehicle, you will be busted, and be delayed, meat confiscated, and possibly turned away at the border.

You're 1 lucky guy to goto a NASCAR race this season, hopefully next year I can make it to Daytona!

Enjoy your trip/race.
 
Not sure about the regs if you're going to carry the stuff yourself, but if you were shipping it you'd at least need some paperwork for the U.S. FWS, and the FDA and USDA would also get involved at some level. Basically it all depends on the quantity you're bringing in and on the "reason" for import. Export from Canada is one thing, Import in the U.S. is an entirely other ball game.
 
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