For what its worth, the Interstate Commerce Permit from USFWS is not hard to get. Although the application form is long, its a general application that is used for all kinds of take of protected animals for scientific research, etc. You just have to fill out the part dealing with the Interstate Commerce Permit, not everything else. On the plus side, I've never known anyone who was denied a permit, but it can take months for it to come through.

Good luck.

Robert Harper
Ubiquitous Serpent