quote:

Them safaris require an urgent need for big $$$$$ so you can't be doing to bad

I get this kind of stuff every now and then too. All I have to say is you do not have to be well off or rich to hunt in Africa, you just have to love it and make it a priority in your life.

This is interesting stuff to me so I will keep posting on it

People often come back from their first safari praising their PH and they feel like it could not have been a better trip. After a few more trips or from more research they realize that they could have done better and had a higher quality hunt for the money somewhere else. This realization does not sit well with people. Taxidermy is no different.

The number one thing is that you should be pleased with the work. However, just because you are pleased with the work does not make it quality taxidermy. Could be that you have low expectations, nothing to compare it to, or just can not tell the difference. Just like the guy coming back from his first trip.

Hopefully at some point you will have, and be able to both recoginze and appreciate quality hunts and quality taxidermy.

Jorge, because you asked I will comment on your mounts but like you said this is not easy from the photo and I could be way off.

First of all the taxidermy is not terrible.
The ear anatomy on the bushbuck looks a little off. The ear butts or ear muscles look like they are set too far down on the head. normally this group of muscles that move the ear attach to the back of the head so that it is almost flat across from the top of the head to the ear. This is hard to explain.

The bushbuck looks a little stiff. I do not see soft wrinkles in the skin. An animals skin is loose on the carcasss not stretched tight. This look is difficult to achieve.

The leg skin and hair patterens look a little twisted on the front leg.

I can see where it looks like the shot was repaired in the shoulder. If this area is a bald spot where the hair has slipped, it should have been cut out and carefully sewed together.

I think I can see where the transition line is from horn to putty to hair. Not sure.

The horns look painted or stained black.

My biggest criticism is the base. It looks fake and cartoon like. The plants look plastic and look like something you might find in a cemetary. The good news is the base is easily improved.

I cant tell much on the cape buff but he looks like he might be painted black also. This is a matter of taste but he looks too clean. They always look dirty alive, so should the mount. Overall I think he looks pretty good.

I hope I do not come across as an ass saying all of this. But you wanted opinions right?

This makes me think maybe we need a new forum. The taxidermy judging or review forum! Different from the trophy room forum where everyone has kind things to say. Who has got some mounts they want judged?

Believe me I have got some stinkers around my house too. That is the main reason I started mounting my own stuff!

Please understand that a few taxidermists are trying to raise the bar. Unfortunately taxidermy is one of those things where you do not have to be good at it to stay in business. A grotesque, unrealistic looking mount is not good for the already tarnished image of hunting and taxidermy. I see education as the only way to help with this. Hunters are educated by learning what the animals are supposed to look like when alive. Taxidermists should keep on improving or quit. Nobody knows it all and if you stop learning and getting better you SHOULD be left behind.

Sorry for the long post. I am going to rest now.

What I DON'T want my leopard to look like:

Thanks Grafton. The buff is not as black as it appears on the photo. It is sort of a light brown underneath the hair and not black at all and I think they did a good job on the skin folds as the buff's neck looks right. In fact, I am rather pleased with that. The biggest critique I have are the ears. Not a bad job on the outside, but the insides are way too shiny for me even though they preserved the hair and I would have LOVED it if they could have given it more of a "Dagga Boy" appearance with more mud. THe cape really looks good up close though!

On the bushbuck, I'll take your observations on the animal and try and find them myself. I will tell you though there is no hair slippage on the shoulder and there is no bald spot, but I do see what you mean. The shot is not visible from this angle as I shot him through the chest and the bullet came out in front of the off side rear leg, away from the photo. The horns are dark and I do have an issue with that, but if you can believe it, they appear to be lightening up for some reason. Overall the cape is in fine shape, but I agree with you the neck's a bit stiff-looking, but there are some real good folds on the neck right at the juncture.

There is no visible putty anywhere that I can see. They did a good job on the "family jewels" tough and it was my choice as to the animal's pose, maybe standing up would have been better, but I have a serious space problem in my trophy room. Overall and this I've asserted from the beggining, they are by no means on a par with the top drawer taxidermists I've seen here in the states.

Unfortunately, the cheapest bushbuck quote I obtained here was 2800 bucks and that did not include the couple of hundred bucks in packing and shipping from the taxidermist in Reno to here. On the base, it's really not as bad in real lifeI guess I should take heart that to you, an obvious and knowledgeable professional, the overall appearance was in our words, "not terrible" and they look "good" at least to the many folks that stopped by to look at them. Maybe you and I can negotiate for my next taxidermy endeavor? Thanks very much for your honest assessment. This is the right kind of discourse I look for in these forums and not the ususal sniping when one is told the baby's FUGLY! jorge

Well I think the answer to the orginal question is.....It is your own preference on how you want your investment to look. The same old thing keeps popping up......"you get what you pay for".

My opinion is that US taxidermists are much better, more knowledgable, and more willing to do what you want them too.

I have had work done here in the US and Africa. My US work far exceeds the quality of my africa mounts. When I looks at all my $ records from shipping to taxidermy fees. The overall value is better in the US.........thats my opinion!

Thanks for your comments jorge. I must say that I had reservations about giving you my observations. I did not want to come across like a jerk telling you how things should be, especially since it is real hard to tell anything from a photo. I believe you understand where I am coming from and I appreciate that. If you want to touch up those ears PM me and will help you if I can. Enjoy your animals.

Thanks, Grafton. jorge

quote:

Originally posted by Widowmaker416:

quote:

Isn't funny that the ones that complain the most are those in the business.

Lb404 - - - -

Not complaining here just tired of people pointing the finger at USA taxidermist, that we charge to much. Yes I am very proud to be in the taxidermy field, been doing taxidermy for well over 30 years, and plan to die with a modeling tool in my hand. I don't like being generalized!

You guys are making it personal and it shouldn't be. What ever you want to charge for your labor is fine with me. The original poster was wanting some ideas on Taxidermy and you gave yours and I gave mine. You don't like my idea? Tuff. I think that the Taxidermy in Namibia is for the most part as good as anything but show quality stuff some sell in the USA. Not many are capable of Museum quality or superior quality work. If you can produce that level of quality and I can get close for half the price, I will save 50% any day and don't care if you like it or not. The original poster was looking for a direction and many have rendered an opinion. My opinion is no better and no worse than yours.

quote:

Originally posted by Widowmaker416:

quote:

After all it is only a shoulder mount

WOW!!! What a statement!! You save your money, plan out safari of a life time, pratice shooting for your trip, spend all kinds of money to make sure you have the best equipment and it's in top shape. Spend hours on end calling and talking with all kinds od safari companys, flying over, hunting hard, you shoot some beautiful trophies then - - - - - - - -

"It's only a shoulder mount!"


The only part of a great safari you will be looking at the rest of your life! Sad!

Very sad! "It's only a shoulder mount - - - - -

Many on the forum have suggested that pictures are at least as good a chronical of the hunt as are mounts on the wall. This is one of many choices people may take. As expensive as it is to hunt, the transfer and taxing of the trophies brought back to the USA is getting rediculous. Again the taxidermists on the forum are taking it personal when not one soul has singled any one taxidermist out for gouging or overpricing a good or service. Sharing ideas with others is what this forum is about. If someone thinks that good taxidermy only comes from the USA then that is fine but not true. Can it be done as well and cheaper in RSA or Namibia, I think it can. That is no inditement of the trade in the States. Again it is one idea where people can have their cake and eat it to.

To one and all, the spirit of the hunt and the fun, friendship and the memories are what makes the hunt special. The pictures I have of my wife shooting her 416 Taylor at a waterbuck in Zambia and the time we spent touching and admiring the trophy will be in our memory forever. We will have a shoulder mount done. If it isn't perfect will that deminish the experience any --- I think not. It is up to the individual to choose.
Next trip we will hunt Tanzania. On that hunt I will try to take Lion and Elephant. I don't have any room for a shoulder mount much less a full body mount of either. Will I bring back some trophies,YES!! Do I need everything mounted to remember the hunt, NO! That is what photos are for.

quote:

"It's only a shoulder mount!"

lb404

You have taken what I said way off the wrong end,

Hey if someone wants to go on a trip and shoot some trophies and not bring anything back but memeroies and photo's, hey that's their choice! I don't care. But if someone wants to mount a trophy to place in their home to look at and show to friends, at least give the animal some respect and get it done right!

It's NOT just a shoulder mount, it's a piece of art! Nothing is just a shoulder mount in my studio..

Canuk, please don't take offense to this, I'm just trying to make a point to some of the posters.

OK, the first picture is of a kudu done cheaper in Africa, probably 500-600.00. The second is a 1050.00 Kudu done in the states. Only the customer can decide if the difference is worth the cost.

I'll put my money on the US work everyday....if anyone can tell me they truly like the work done in the first photo...well then thats there problem. Give the animal, and the hunt what it deserves and that is to br represented in a true life form.......NOT just a shoulder mount....I will be curious to see if square shooter has the same opinion when his full mounted lion starts to fall apart in 5 years...Goin after lion and spending somewhere around $35,000 to hunt then looking to save an extra hundred bucks on the mount.....makes no sense to me......but thats just my opinion so its not personal.

No offence taken Jerry. Please keep in mind that my picture does not do the mount justice...it has the effect of a bigger nose/head than it should because of the way the picture was taken. It looks so different than it does in person that I really hesitated to post it. But I don't have a place to put it on the wall yet, or a place with good lighting where I can back away and get a more professional looking shot.

And by the way...it only cost me about $425 CDN to get that kudu done. (UPDATE: I checked my file, it actually cost exactly $477 CDN, or $419 USD at current exchange rates. If you subtract what shipping the raw trophies would have cost and distribute the rest of the shipping bill over the entire shipment, pro-rated by value, the kudu would come to about $550 USD all in. So Jerry H was definitely in the ballpark with his estimate.).

I actually had written a long contribution to this thread yesterday, then deleted it before posting.

It really comes down to what the customer is willing to pay for, keeping in mind that there is seldom a "free lunch". In 99% of the cases, taxidermy or otherwise, you get what you pay for.

I am comfortable with my choice because I did not expect the best, and would rather have a european mount than pay what a great taxidermy job costs. I'd rather spend the money to go hunting that on taxidermy (in most cases)...but thats just me. I have one example where I spent the money to get great taxidermy because I wanted to mount a special trophy and wanted the taxidermy to be on par with the rarity of the animal in question. The 46" stone in my signature pic got the royal treatment with a very nice pedestal mount, by a taxidermist that can do sheep on par with any taxidermist in the world. It was worth it in my opinion. BUT, I doubt I'll ever feel compelled to do it again...I am not a taxidermophile (?).

I do get pissed when taxidermy snobs look down their nose at other peoples trophies. If the owner/creator of the work is trying to pass it off as great work, I can understand, but all to often people are harshly critical for no reason other than that their standards are higher and they expect everyone else should feel exactly as they do. That makes me angry.

Another thing that must be considered, beyond price and what a customer is willing to pay, is the availability of quality taxidermy in your area.

I think the taxidermy I recieved from RSA is "good". Not great or excellent, but good. Some of it is even "pretty good".

The best taxidermists in my area are absolutely world class with mountain lions, mule deer, sheep and goats. But I have seen their African work....and its just "good". To get them to do "good" work for me would have cost me more than double (almost triple!) what getting "good" work from RSA did cost me. Just a plain old kudu shoulder mount like I got would have set me back $1200 to $1500 locally. A pedestal mount like you showed the picture of would have cost me closer to $2200 (I know, thats what my sheep cost!).

To get the trophy done in the US would have been cheaper....until I had to get it shipped to me, etc. It would have ended up in the same ballpark for price.

Anyway, the bottom line with that kudu and the other work I received was that I commissioned "good" work, and I think I got what I asked fo, and it saved me a bunch of money on what I would have spent to get similar work done locally. And if is doesn't last...no biggie...at least I don't have a pile of $$ invested in it.

I am satisfied, and I will not pass it off as better work than it is. If no-one looks down their nose at me for not being willing to spend more than I want to for high quality taxidermy that I also don't want, we'll get along just fine.

Cheers,
Canuck

quote:

....if anyone can tell me they truly like the work done in the first photo...well then thats there problem. Give the animal, and the hunt what it deserves and that is to br represented in a true life form.......NOT just a shoulder mount....

Then I guess there's a problem. I staunchly disagree. Taxidermy is not very important to me, and I don't feel that you need to spend a fortune on taxidermy because you owe it to the animal to do it justice...or any other BS like that.

I have all the raw trophies from my first trip to Africa sitting in my basement....untanned, unprocessed in anyway. I MIGHT put some of the skulls/horns on plaques to turn them into real European mounts, and I MIGHT tan the zebra for a throw rug one day...but thats about it.

I don't feel bad in the least that I haven't spent the price of another trip on taxidermy to do these animals "justice", and I find that line of thinking as offensive as you might find my pile of unprocessed skulls and capes.

I can BARELY afford to hunt in Africa. I had to sell my 2001 Dodge 2500 and buy a 1994 Ford F-250 in order to pay for my forthcoming trip to Tanzania.

I guarantee not one trophy from this trip will ever see a taxidermists shop either. I'll be too busy saving to go back to Africa.

If that makes me an unsophisticated boor, so be it.

But I'll guarantee you one thing...I am a HUNTER. The rest is just not important to me.

Cheers,
Canuck

Chris I think your right on the money-many of us have to make choices on what to spend our limited funds on and do so gladly. I like you would rather hunt again than sit admiring a beautiful mount. All the best on your hunt looking forward to speaking with you on your return.

quote:

Originally posted by Canuck:

I guarantee not one trophy from this trip will ever see a taxidermists shop either.

Cheers,
Canuck

Come on now Canuck, you kill one of those 45+ inch buffs over there and you might want to at least consider throwing him on a wall.

Good luck on the upcoming hunt!

Canuck,
You've made the same point I did in my last post, Only the hunter can decide how he wants to spend his money. To some people quality is everything, it's not "just a shoulder mount",It's a point of pride and a fond memory they want to relive everytime they look at the mount. Sub-par work would be a dissappointment to them and they don't want to cringe every time they look up at the trophy of a lifetime. My original point was it's wrong to say that US Taxidermists are "ripping people off". If the hunter doesn't care about taxidermy that's fine,I have no problem with that, but if he does ,then I would advise "You get what you pay for".

HONEST TRUTH: Even if I shoot a 50" buff, it will still end up as a bleached skull, sitting on a table. I will not mount a cape buff. I don't have a place to put it, and I don't really like it.

I love horns/antlers though, and keep them all from every hunt. I like to pick them up and look at them. Takes me back better than video or pictures.

Pretty much ALL taxidermy looks a little fake to me. even the really good stuff. It never really captures what I have in my mind from when I saw the animal alive, and in my hands for the first time. As a result, it doesn't take me back to the hunt like just the skulls/horns do.

If I shoot a zebra, I will probably get the hide tanned though. I like tanned hides as much as skulls and horns.

Cheers,
Canuck

Gents: The two mounts proferred for comparison are in my view, not a fair comparison. The first mount is not a true shoulder mount while the second one is and it's presented with much better lighting and background. I like the second mount much better BTW, but I have to admit I find the folds on the neck unusual, my kudu has them also although he is looking forward. I'll have to take some photos of mine and let you guys give me another honest critique. jorge

quote:

You've made the same point I did in my last post, Only the hunter can decide how he wants to spend his money. To some people quality is everything, it's not "just a shoulder mount",It's a point of pride and a fond memory they want to relive everytime they look at the mount. Sub-par work would be a dissappointment to them and they don't want to cringe every time they look up at the trophy of a lifetime. My original point was it's wrong to say that US Taxidermists are "ripping people off". If the hunter doesn't care about taxidermy that's fine,I have no problem with that, but if he does ,then I would advise "You get what you pay for".

Jerry, you and I are on the same page. My post was in agreement with you, and expanding on the point from the point-of-view of one of those guys that doesn't care about taxidermy, but wants to have a little around the house.

I also agree that the best taxidermists are in NA on average (can't forsake my Canadian brethren who are damn good in their own right). There are probably some good ones elsewhere too.

I also agree that US taxidermists are NOT ripping people off.

I enjoy looking at really good taxidermy. Heck, look at my photo albums of trips to big wildlife conventions...90% of them are of the taxidermy. BUT, I don't care to own any myself. Just like Porsche's are fun to look at, and Rolex's are fine watches...but you won't find them in my garage or on my wrist. There are other things I'd rather do/have.

My only issue on this topic is with the snobbery shown by both taxidermists and taxidermophiles (my word again) that push their standards on other people. Enjoy your high quality work and be proud of it, but don't feel the need to shit on the rest. (and BE CLEAR that I was NOT lumping you into this category Jerry...I thought your post was in very good taste).

Cheers,
Canuck

quote:

I like the second mount much better BTW, but I have to admit I find the folds on the neck unusual.

Me too (they don't look natural to me), and the chin looks too Leno like for me (more prominent that the live kudu I have observed in Africa, or have seen in pictures, etc). But it is a damn fine looking piece of work overall. Heck, I am sure we could find ways to pick apart the Mona Lisa or David if we wanted too.

The shoulder mount on the top (mine) is much better than the photo indicates, but its NOT in the ball park of that pedestal mount.

Cheers,
Canuck

That's fair enough, everyone has their priorities. But you are contradicting yourself a little, you say you don't care about taxidermy but you admit to spending the big bucks on that huge sheep. Well some hunters wouldn't give a flip about a 46" sheep(although I can't imagine it) but would die for a huge buffalo, and the head would take it"s proper place in the trophy room. I understand you don't care much for your African mounts but what if you killed another awesome sheep like the last one, would you skull mount it. I think we agree it's completely up to the hunter on how much and what he spends his hard earned dollars on.

That's not contradicting myself. I can appreciate both points of view as I did want to spend the money on the sheep. It is great work, and it looks quite a bit like the memories I have of the live animal, but it still doesn't exactly capture it.

I don't have an issue with anyone else wanting to mount their big cape buffalo, or any cape buff...just not my thing and I ain't pushing my POV on anyone else.

If I shot another 46" stone ram (yah, right), I might spend the money again for a hiqh quality mount. But, right now I kinda doubt it. A bleached skull on a pedestal would probably make me super happy. This may not seem believable to some here, but truth is I sometimes find myself wishing I had done that with this one. I don't regret the choice however.

Somehow, at the time, part of me also felt obligated to spend that money on the sheep pedestal mount. Everybody had an opinion on what I should do with it, and lots pushed me towards spending the big bucks. I realize now that I the only reason I should have done it is because I wanted to...feeling "obligated" is acquiessing to other peoples values and not my own, and is not right.

Fair enough, I see your point of view.

thanks

Kudubull, IMO Canuck represents his hunt and animal better than any Taxidermist could and far better than you and your rude attitude. He does this with his renown character well known to this forum. There's not enough money art in the world to represent a trophy in the manner a true hunter can in his heart and soul. This will likely sound silly to you because this achieved through state of mind and will not enhance prestige or social status like your so called true life forms.

Who would be the top three taxidermists to take your African trophies to?

quote:

I think we agree it's completely up to the hunter on how much and what he spends his hard earned dollars on.

I agree with this too. However there is another issue here. If a taxidermist can make money on a $450 kudu then he should also be able to make money on a $450 kudu that looks great. This simply requires that the person who mounts it knows what the hell he is doing. Not all hunters will care about all the details and such that make a mount look realistic but the taxidermist should. In fact I see it as the taxidermists primary job and resposibility to know what the animals are supposed to look like.

It does not take much more time or money to pay attention to detail. As an example, you are talking about 15-20 minutes to accurately resculpt the shape of a nose vs. tucking skin into two "bullet hole" nostrils and not caring that it looks like a pig. That is sloppy work, unprofessional, and they should know better.

For those that say taxidermy is not that important to them, I say that in a way you are lucky to have that outlook. If something bad ever happens to your mounts, you will not feel that bad. These folks are more into "experiences" than "things" and I understand and respect that.

Have a look at this LIVE waterbuck nose:



This beautiful nose is one of the unique features of this animal and much different than say, a kudu nose. In my mind the taxidermist HAS to get this right and it should not be that difficult. Some could look up at a shouldermount waterbuck where this nose is all wrong and never know the difference. They will fondly remember the hunt and the stalk and the sunset etc...Consider yourself lucky for this.

This is the taxidermists curse because when I look up at the same waterbuck on the wall, all I see is a mounted pig with horns and I can not get past that!

I do not think we owe anything to the animal but we do owe it to the taxidermist putting out junky work to let him know he needs to improve. Learn from your mistakes right? Some can take critisism and some can not.

Here is another rambling thought.
I am not sure that unskilled labor has a place in taxidermy. I guess in my "perfect world" there would be no demand for poor work either. I do realize however that this view is completely unrealistic.

anybody ever see a waterbuck wink?

Love the waterbuck pics! I bet if you did a mount with one winking it wouldn't go over well though...even if it is a true life representation.

FWIW, I agree with your post. I also agree that lesser skilled taxidermists should be encouraged to do better more accurate work. I belong to a professional association that insists on professional standards of practice and ethics. Only a very small man (or woman) is offended by criticism if it is offered constructively. Offering constructive criticism can be an art in itself though!

Cheers,
Canuck

I have 6 animals at Life Form Taxidermy in SA (taken this past April) as I type this and you guys are scaring the hell out of me. A Kudu, Gemsbok, Black Wildebeest, Blesbok, and Warthog shoulder mounts, Black Wildebeest backskin tanned, and a Zebra flatskin rug being done. Its costing me $4400 plus the cost of shipping from Joberg to the US and I am now wondering if I should call them before they actually get started and have it shipped here to be finished. They also state that they make their own forms (a bad thing?)and after reading all of this stuff its making me have second thoughts of what I am paying for and what I will get. I did speak to a local taxidermist with 20yrs exp. before I went, whose African game mounts looked good and his Kudu was around $850(Life Form is $875 in US$ + shipping) and now looking back on it am wondering if I screwed up. Does anyone have an idea of the work Life Form puts out? If they did not start on the taxidermy could I still get my horns/capes shipped to me if I request it? As someone quoted here, the PH does have a huge impact on your decision making, especially when its your first safari. I too work hard for my money and do not want to be disappointed and broke. Thanks in advance for any advice from experienced folk here.

Woody

I think it is egocentric to believe that the only ones that can mount African animals is a guy in Texas. It doesn't have to be perfect to be appreciated. If we used the standard that some on this forum spew about taxidermy to the actual aqusition of the trophy them no one would shoot less than a; 60" kudu, 50" sable, 100 lb. per side elephant, 48" buffalo, etc., etc.. I think you know where I am heading. I can appreciate the effort most taxidermists make to get it right much the same as I appreciate the tallent that went into creating the rifles I own. I just don't feel that the "juice is worth the squeeze." I don't own any H&H or Rigby originals or even a Miller or Echols rifle. I do own many fine rifles by Clayton Nelson and Sterling Davenport as well as many others. David miller may be able to get 25K for one of his rifles but, I am doubtful if you can get that for one. I think it is fair to say that if a mounted animal is very important to you, more important than the actual hunt, them by all means get the very best you can in the way of a mount and that can be had in the USA. If you are more conservative and are trying to save the funds for another trip, then, perhaps the emphysis should be saving as much money as you can to go back. I see both sides but happen to value one side more than the other. MY choice. Now YOU choose.

quote:

Originally posted by RayRay:
Kudubull, IMO Canuck represents his hunt and animal better than any Taxidermist could and far better than you and your rude attitude. He does this with his renown character well known to this forum. There's not enough money art in the world to represent a trophy in the manner a true hunter can in his heart and soul. This will likely sound silly to you because this achieved through state of mind and will not enhance prestige or social status like your so called true life forms.

RayRay, you are way out of line!!!!!!!You have no idea what the hell you are saying. If you ask for someones opinion, take it and dont critisize them for it. I always have stated that it is my opinion. If you dont like it...to bad! To state that I achieve social status or prestige through my hunting or mounts, You are an idiot and not worth the ground you walk on. You havent the nearest clue how I worked to acheive where I am today, not by hunting but by working my ass off.
I am sure that Canuck is a fine hunter, however his opinion differs from mine in the way we cherious the memories.

Yes, you pissed me off with you out of line statements.
"It is not constructive criticism in the least" when you attack someone personally

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lb404:
I think it is egocentric to believe that the only ones that can mount African animals is a guy in Texas.

I dont think anyone said that the only ones that could mount African game was in Texas.

I choose!

quote:

Originally posted by Woodrow S:
I have 6 animals at Life Form Taxidermy in SA (taken this past April) as I type this and you guys are scaring the hell out of me. A Kudu, Gemsbok, Black Wildebeest, Blesbok, and Warthog shoulder mounts, Black Wildebeest backskin tanned, and a Zebra flatskin rug being done. Its costing me $4400 plus the cost of shipping from Joberg to the US and I am now wondering if I should call them before they actually get started and have it shipped here to be finished. They also state that they make their own forms (a bad thing?)and after reading all of this stuff its making me have second thoughts of what I am paying for and what I will get. I did speak to a local taxidermist with 20yrs exp. before I went, whose African game mounts looked good and his Kudu was around $850(Life Form is $875 in US$ + shipping) and now looking back on it am wondering if I screwed up. Does anyone have an idea of the work Life Form puts out? If they did not start on the taxidermy could I still get my horns/capes shipped to me if I request it? As someone quoted here, the PH does have a huge impact on your decision making, especially when its your first safari. I too work hard for my money and do not want to be disappointed and broke. Thanks in advance for any advice from experienced folk here.

Woody

From everything I have heard Life Form is one of the better Taxidermists around for African stuff. Do a search here and I think you will find many satisfied customers.

Kudubull, first of all Canuck didn't ask for your opinion and he didn't post the picture of his mount to this thread, another member did. You belittled his kudu and tried to degrade his hunt further by how he choice to represent it.

Second, I was referring to your status with the hunting community. I never intended to imply you could advance your career with a shoulder mount.

You are right about one thing, I am an idiot, proved here by responding to your anger. It want happen again!

I fully admit my involvement in this thread has been nonproductive and my post to you could have been better stated (although it wasn't half as out of line as your response).

However, I felt this was unfair to Canuck, he didn't ask for any of this crap! He put that picture up in an earlier thread where he announced that his trophies just arrived and he was pleased with the results. Then he was thrown in a position here forced to justify his decision, which he done very well btw.

I should have stayed in bed this morning, but I did learn something, my eyes adjust to the light faster after being called an idiot!

Ib404, sounds the taxidermy prices in your area must be much higher than other areas of the country! I currently get $900 for a shoulder mount kudu. How is that juice for the squeeze?

Woodrow, sorry to hear that you got freaked out by all of this. Here is one idea. start a new post asking for folks in your state that have used Life Form. Try to get together with them and see the mounts for yourself, then decide. I would have reservations about having them "stop" on your trophies unless you really think the work is poor. This to me is a little like cussing out the waiter who is bringing you the soup, if you know what I mean. I am not saying that Life Form is unprofessional in any way, it would just make me a little nervous to tell them you want them to stop at this point. They should hand the stuff over to you at any time if you want it but they may retain a deposit. Good luck.

Thanks Grafton and Bulldog. I will do a search on here and perhaps post a request for satisfied clients in Pa on the taxidermy forum where it may do the most good.

I think we have all gone off track on from the original purpose of the post. Good taxidermy is available from many sources. Great taxidermy is also available from many sources. Price is a consideration much in the same way price for everything is a consideration. When I fly to Africa I do not go first class saving money for trophy fees. I prefer to hunt with a custom rifle and not with an off the shelf offering. I go hunting with those that offer me the most for my money not with those that cost the most. I am offering one perspective on these various subjects. You can offer your own but to rant and rave about you only get what you pay for and if it isn't done here it can't be worth a dang is stupid, just plain stupid.
Grafton, some great taxidermy is done here and at good prices. Do I think a Kudu mount is worth $900.00 NOT TO ME. If your customers are happy then you should have no complaint. I have my stuff done as european mounts as I have yet to shoot an animal worthy of the expense. I also have limited wall space with which to work and will not add on my own personal museum to house the animals I have shot. We have several zebra rugs done up and on the floor. I have sent two out to tanneries in the USA and those are still in their containers as they are not worth showing. Is it a coincidence-perhapse, but I am not convinced. If done in Africa, at least a suitable replacement can be found. Where will they get a Hartmans Mountain Zebra to replace the one they screwed up??? Houston??Boise?? St. Louis?? Think about it. These are just observations of mine and should be taken as that. I am not a taxidermist. Those that are will of course promote their own work who wouldn't. Keep in mind that there are many options in the puzzle and you can find an acceptable resolution if you look for it.

Grafton: Quick note, what you thought was the front leg skin twisted, it's really a piece of foam used to hold down the bushbuck. jorge

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there are many options in the puzzle and you can find an acceptable resolution if you look for it.

Agreed.

As for the mt. zebra skin, I believe the only way for you to replace it is to shoot another one. Not sure if someone could legally "replace" it even in Namibia. I do know a guy that tried to buy one and bring it home one time. It was quickly confiscated by USFWS. The CITES provisions allow for U.S. importation of sport hunted trophies only.

quote:

Canuck didn't ask for your opinion and he didn't post the picture of his mount to this thread, another member did. You belittled his kudu and tried to degrade his hunt further by how he choice to represent it.

RayRay, I appreciate your comments, as that was how I took it as well.

Kudubull, my response to you was just to further clarify my point of view. We see things differently, but I don't have any issue with that. I just believe that no-one should have an issue with mine either and wanted to articulate that. To each his own brother. Enjoy things your way, I'll enjoy things my way and it shouldn't be an issue to anyone.

Cheers men,
Canuck