I'm thinking about using this company for mounts from my upcoming South Africa trip. Feedback positive or negative would be welcomed.

Nothing negative about your choice, but also take a look at
Trans African
He has an excelent name arround these parts too

Big Bore Assoc. Southern Africa

Based in witbank they do good work, I have been to the old shop a couple of times, but it was rumoured localy that it burned down not long ago.......

I do not think you should get any problems, unless u have cat/full mount.

You are welcome to have a look on our wbe-site for photo's of work done by "our" taxidermist. Go to "Info" and scroll down to taxidermy. click on the link. They are based in Pretoria, do good work, and working with them does not break the bank.

I hope this helps

Cheers

Charl
www.infinito-safaris.com

I took a tour of their shop a few years ago and all the mounts looked good. They were even working on some pieces for some local museums. However, I still like to have my mounts done locally, gives a bit more control.

They do very good work indeed, - even on the cats..... but I have to say, I think the best taxidermist I know of is Lifeform Taxidermy in my local town of White River SA.

Or you could try an American taxidermist. There is probably a dam good one in Ohio and I would bet you would appreciate a more personel hands on experience when you can go into his studio face to face while yall design your pieces. You would also be able to talk to him face to face if something were to go wrong. You would also have civil recourse if he was found to be negligant.

Another thing that has just come to my attention. If your animals are being shipped to you and are damaged in transit, they will only pay on the wieght of the shipment. They do not pay you back on the actual value. For instance, They can damage the "Mona Lisa" in transit and they only have to pay a fixed rate for what they determined a pound of frieght could be worth. In most cases that is $25. By the way these numbers have not adjusted since inflation. You can thank our own government who was corrupted by the shipping companies' money for these federal laws. Trust me you are a lot less likely to damage salted skins and horns that a crate full of finnished mounts.

Best of luck to you and congratulations on your Safari.

quote:

There is probably a dam good one in Ohio and I would bet you would appreciate a more personel hands on experience when you can go into his studio face to face while yall design your pieces.

There actually is a very good one here in Ohio. Unfortunately he is VERY slow. I still don't have my mounts from my 2005 trip so I've decided not to give him any more work until he completes what I've already given him.

Thanks all for the replies.

quote:

Originally posted by infinito:
Based in witbank they do good work, I have been to the old shop a couple of times, but it was rumoured localy that it burned down not long ago.......

Highveld Taxidermists are actually based in Hennops River near Pretoria and I spoke to them just yesterday so I'm pretty sure they're still in business...

In my opinion they do good work but they do have quite a long waiting list...up to 24 months depending on the work that needs to be done... One of my clients had his leopard and buffalo done by Life Form and was very satisfied with the outcome...

From your original post I did not see that fast service is what you hungered for. If you want fast turn around try Tri-State Taxidermy in Houston, Texas. We have built a good reputation around speed. Last Safari finnished, arrived 6/25, and was delivered 2/4. Probably would have been delivered faster if the USFWS hadn't have confiscated the leopard so we had to wate 2 months while it caught up to the other critters in the crate. Best of luck.

No, actually fast turn around isn't my highest priority but don't you think that no mounts from hides that were in the U.S. in the fall of 2005 is a bit slow? Maybe I'm being unreasonable; how long should good taxidermy work take?

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
They do very good work indeed, - even on the cats..... but I have to say, I think the best taxidermist I know of is Lifeform Taxidermy in my local town of White River SA.

Steve -- who is the owner of Lifeform?
G

I was not being snyde about your desire for faster service. I was trying to help you find satisfaction. If you want good taxidermy at a reasonable turnaround try the company I gave you.

quote:

Grumulkin
one of us
Posted 08 February 2008 00:43 Hide Post
No, actually fast turn around isn't my highest priority but don't you think that no mounts from hides that were in the U.S. in the fall of 2005 is a bit slow? Maybe I'm being unreasonable; how long should good taxidermy work take?

I think that it is way more than a bit slow, it is totally unacceptable. first of all if he is doing them at 05 prices he eother over charged you then or is taking a beating now! (or passing the beating along to you in the end product!)

6 - 9 months is a normal turnaround time once hides are in and mount poses etc. are determined.

Scout your taxidermist and all of the trophy handling points of your hunt in advance and as heavily as you do any other part and you will be a much happier hunter!

Your friend Afield

Mike O

Highveld is and excellent taxidermist. They did 7 mounts for me in 2005 and was in there shop July 07. They are a bit slow(12-14 months) but the work will compare with anyone here in the states. Thsi year I used Supreme Taxidermy in Pretoria,shot my animals in July 07 and the are on the water as we speak.9 shoulder mounts and 5 european mounts.They are much smaller than Highveld but the work is top shelf and Rudi is very personable.PM me if you want their contact info.
Thanks
Wesley

Have Highveld do the mounts. I have been to their shop and what I saw was very good work. They will ship mounts out by sea but if you do the "dip and pack" it will go out by air $$$$$ last year 2 hunters 17 animals +$5000.00 for "dip and pack" option. Then cost at tanners $1500.00 cost for taxidermy supply $1400.00 Total $7900.00 and I am doing the taxidermy. I say get a quote for everything before having it done here or there. Next time I will have Highveld do everything.

I'm having Highveld do 12 euro mounts, some skins, and a tusk plaque. They told me 8-9 months, but I am unclear if my quoted turn-around time includes the month they took off for Christmas or not???

I had Highveld do shoulder mounts on a Kudu and Warthog, with a Zebra rug felt-backed, Impala, Jackal and Blesbok flatskins, and several Euro mounts. As previously mentioned, they take around 13 months, but the work is great. Their packing and crating is exceptional. My mounts arrived in excellent condition and I would use them again.

I had 15 shouldermounts done by Highveld in '05 after visiting their shop. It was VERY large, with perhaps 1,500 or more heads in progress. They were very helpful in deciding the poses and followed my ultimate decision in each instance. The turnaround time was 19 months, shipment by sea not outragously priced and packing was perfect. No damage whatever.
There is hair slippage on my kudu and gemsbok that thay "repaired" and it is impossible to know where in the chain of trophy care it occured, so I don't blame them for it but it would have been nice if they had informed me of it when they discovered it. Some of the smaller mounts have some sort of metal "staple" sticking out of the hair in several spots. I think they do so many mounts and have so many different people doing the work that there is bound to be inconsistancy. The worst problem though is with the zebra rug. It's not mine.

There is a fine shop in Port Clinton, Ohio you might stop in to visit before deciding.
GaryL

As I have said before, if you live in Africa, by all means use an African taxidermist, if you live in the US of A, use a local taxidermist.

quote:

There is hair slippage on my kudu and gemsbok that thay "repaired" and it is impossible to know where in the chain of trophy care it occured, so I don't blame them for it but it would have been nice if they had informed me of it when they discovered it. Some of the smaller mounts have some sort of metal "staple" sticking out of the hair in several spots. I think they do so many mounts and have so many different people doing the work that there is bound to be inconsistancy. The worst problem though is with the zebra rug. It's not mine.

That kind of stuff would really bother me.

It does bother me. And at this distance not a thing to be done about it. My trophies from Zim this last September will be done locally.
I was just trying to state facts to answer the question.
GaryL

I disagree with RBHunter, I think it's important to have an African taxidermist mount your African trophies. They know them the best. As for Hgighveld specificly, I had tens shoulder mounts of plains game done by them and was very impressed with the work. Particualrly with my oryx. He seems to be glaring down with that look of "He looks mad. He looks like he hates you personally. he looks like you owe him money." Have Highveld do the work you won't be sorry.

7mm. guy

Your telling me you wanted a pissed off looking Oryx mt.???????? Did I miss this new fad somewhere of the "rabid" plainsgame moteaf. And the statement that Africans Know african animal physiology better is a load of poo also.

quote:

I think it's important to have an African taxidermist mount your African trophies. They know them the best.

Here we go!

stu, your anti-South African taxidermy rants are getting very tiresome.

First you claim that better communication is possible with a US taxidermist, which is true, to the extent that face to face discussions are critical. But in taxidermy, as in other businesses, in my experience, face to face meetings are seldom critical. They do have telephones and email in RSA, you know, and they can and do work as well in the taxidermy business as they do in every other global enterprise.

Then you claim that damage in shipment cannot or will not be covered, which is ridiculous. There is such a thing as shipping insurance, you know. It is not very expensive and the full value of the mounts can be insured. Plus, you ignore the fact that the best RSA taxidermists pack, screw and brace one's trophies into crates that are damned nearly indestructible. I spent hours opening and unpacking the last one that arrived at my house.

You are correct when you say that if something gets screwed up, it will be easier to arrange to have it fixed if the taxidermist is local. But in my considerable experience, by getting references as to reputation and quality of work, communicating well and in detail - and just generally paying attention - one can greatly reduce the risk of screw ups. And screw ups are never easy to fix, even with a local guy. The cost in time and aggravation is high. It is much better to use talented and trustworthy people in the first place.

You are also correct in suggesting that it will be easier to sue a local taxidermist in the event that you have an actionable claim, although I would suggest that no mount I have ever commissioned would be worth the cost of doing that. If you are reduced to that remedy, then even if you win, your victory will be a Pyrrhic and bitter one.

Finally, and what is most tiresome, are your nasty comments and snide, personal insults as above in this thread and on other, past threads on this subject. There is no call for that. How you can think that such tactics strengthen your arguments is beyond me.

You need to realize that the only way for US taxidermists, like you, to compete in the global economy is on quality, timeliness, customer service and price - and that right now the best in RSA are at least as good as the best in the USA in each of those categories. I have used and will again use US taxidermists. I have nothing against them. But I have also used an RSA taxidermist and know that the one I have used is as good as the best anywhere.

As for Grumulkin's question: I have heard good things about Highveld, but have never used them. I have used Life-Form, in White River, Mpumalanga, several times, and I highly recommend them. Zak Zuccaro and company are among the very best.

mrlexma, uou are a liar. I have never taken nor will I take a "anti-south african taxidermy stance". I have taken the stance that it is smarter for US citizens to use US taxidermists. As for freight insurance, buy it, and see what you get when you make a claim. I deal with international and interstate freight almost everyday. The insurance does not mean they have to pay you what it is worth it only has to pay on what the weight of the piece is.
Lastly my snide comment was not out of line. I do live under the idea of "different strokes for different folks", but to think your plains game animals should look at you like you owe them money is verging into the rediculous. Yes mrlexma, you can get mounts that can be as rediculous as you want and you can where pink thongs too, but don't expect people to not be critical of your choices.
As for communication, do you really think an e-mail is as good as walking up and puting your hands on a bushbuck form and telling the person exactly what you want? Maybe its easy to e-mail pictures of gemsbok faces as they mow down a bunch of little kids so you can achieve that perfect "owe me money look".
You say the best in the RSA are as good as the best in the USA and I'll call bullshit on that. This man has asked about a company that says it will turn out his pieces in 12-14 months. I can list several US companies that can beat that by %50. There, admit you were wrong. If you think you will win your arguements by making me look bad with the lies you sell go ahead. I don't think to many educated people will buy it.

stu, feel lucky that you do not say that to my face.

For those in doubt, just peruse this thread for more of the above from stu:

stu raving and ranting

You are beneath contempt and henceforth on ignore.

Grumukin, My taxidermist is from Mentor, Ohio. His name is Mark McGrath, and he does excellent work. He has done alot of North American Big Game for me as well my Lion. He is located in the North Eastern part of the state.

I'm not sure who is selling you insurance, but you're not getting the right policy. In nine years the insurance I've seen to on taxidermy from Africa is for full replacement value. Life Form even attaches the policy terms, etc. and a separate insurance value invoice. It doesn't have anything whatsoever to do with weight. Just my experience.

Maybe you don't intend to be derogatory toward non-US taxidermists, but I really think you should go back and read some of your prior posts as I've come pretty close to disregarding even good information from you because you just always come on with something negative about the African taxidermy industry.

The main reason I like to use a local taxidermist is just that - local. I would be more likely to use Life Form than I would a taxidermist in say Pennsylvania or Oregon. The main benefit to me for local is not calling, etc., but actually being able to periodically stop and "visit" while the stuff is being prepared. I think Life Form does excellent work. Not necessarily better than the top here, but certainly right up there with them. I don't have any experience with any other African taxidermists.

JMO

quote:

Originally posted by smarterthanu:
Your telling me you wanted a pissed off looking Oryx mt.???????? Did I miss this new fad somewhere of the "rabid" plainsgame moteaf. And the statement that Africans Know african animal physiology better is a load of poo also.

In answer to your first question no that isn't some new fad and if it was I'm so oblivious to that sort of thing I wouln't know I was simply saying that the mounts were that lfe like.

Secondly,I don't know how you can say that an American taxidermist who may have never seen the live animals unerstands them as well as an African taxidermist.

7mm. guy

I am kicking myself for posting on this because this argument never ends. But....

Please, people - Judge and compare taxidermy work using THE WORK as the focus, not where they did the work. Location means nothing.

There are countless examples of outstanding work done all over the place by people who do not live near the animals or may have never seen them in the wild. If you understand anatomy, have good technique, and know how to use reference material, great work can be produced on any animal.

Ask a world champion on the east coast of the U.S. how many Shiras moose he has observed?

Ask the guy working on your warthog in RSA how many lesser kudu or zebra duiker he has observed?

There are guys who have deer in the backyard, and have been mounting them for 30 years who still cant get them right.

There are plenty of hunters who have seen way more wildife than their taxidermist, and yet they could not draw a stick figure.

If you are satisfied with the work you have on your walls, be happy. Leave it at that, it is the only thing that really matters. However, when you say so and sos work is as good as anyone else, you are raising taxidermist's eyebrows everywhere.

I say, the more taxidermists out there, the better. More choices for the customer. Plenty for the guy price shopping, plenty for the guy who wants the best.

In some ways we should all envy the hunter who can not tell the difference between realistic work and bad work. He does not know or care that his kudus ears are painted gray, the horns are crooked, or his leopard appears to be getting a colon exam.

Now, how was that for a rant?

P.S. these internet battles over taxidermy work would be more educational with photos!

quote:

Originally posted by Grafton:
I am kicking myself for posting on this because this argument never ends. But....

Please, people - Judge and compare taxidermy work using THE WORK as the focus, not where they did the work. Location means nothing.

There are countless examples of outstanding work done all over the place by people who do not live near the animals or may have never seen them in the wild. If you understand anatomy, have good technique, and know how to use reference material, great work can be produced on any animal.

Ask a world champion on the east coast of the U.S. how many Shiras moose he has observed?

Ask the guy working on your warthog in RSA how many lesser kudu or zebra duiker he has observed?

There are guys who have deer in the backyard, and have been mounting them for 30 years who still cant get them right.

There are plenty of hunters who have seen way more wildife than their taxidermist, and yet they could not draw a stick figure.

If you are satisfied with the work you have on your walls, be happy. Leave it at that, it is the only thing that really matters. However, when you say so and sos work is as good as anyone else, you are raising taxidermist's eyebrows everywhere.

I say, the more taxidermists out there, the better. More choices for the customer. Plenty for the guy price shopping, plenty for the guy who wants the best.

In some ways we should all envy the hunter who can not tell the difference between realistic work and bad work. He does not know or care that his kudus ears are painted gray, the horns are crooked, or his leopard appears to be getting a colon exam.

Now, how was that for a rant?

P.S. these internet battles over taxidermy work would be more educational with photos!

quote:

Originally posted by Woodmnctry:

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
They do very good work indeed, - even on the cats..... but I have to say, I think the best taxidermist I know of is Lifeform Taxidermy in my local town of White River SA.

Steve -- who is the owner of Lifeform?
G

Sorry, I missed your post, hence the late reply.
Zac Zacarro sold the company a while ago to a partnership made up of Cecil, who has been the head taxidermist for many years and also the long standing financial director and also the foreman, who's name escapes me for the moment. -Guess I must be suffering from early onset of old timers disease.

Effectively, the same people who have been running the company for years, are still running it and Zac has decided to retire.

About the only real change is that Cecil now has a bigger office..... thankfully, the coffee is still as good as it ever was!

Grafton, that was no rant. It was a well-reasoned and civil discussion, and I could not agree more.

Quality of work, plus timeliness, customer service and price, are the proper measures of success and customer satisfaction in any business.

Now, while I don't know about your prices, or your timeliness, or your references, based on that cape buffalo mount featured in your recent post about the oxpecker bird, I'd say you have quality covered in spades.

Highveld are very good, possibly a bit slow but their quality is outstanding. I have personally been to their premises and seen the finished work

Higveld is slow and expensive............

But you will not receive a mount but a work of ART!! They pay attention to the smallest detail!!

I have never seen better looking mounts!!!

Howdy folks I'm back. I took Sunday off from ranting. Mrlexma, you are still a liar. If you were standing in my office I will tell you the same. I did not say it because I was insencere. Your desperation in this trivial arguement has fallen to a point where you believe if you can villify me, you will on some plain win. However, I have never, ever, stated that any SA taxidermist did poor work, or had dishonest business practices. I have not claimed it to be a better decision for any other person of any other nationality, besides US, that it is better to use a US taxidermist. I showed you one way a US taxidermists can outperform the before mentioned SA company, and you decide I need to be on ignore. What a childlike pitty party. As for taxidermy insurance offered seperately by the company, at an increased price, that is not what I spoke of. What I was talking about was insurance offered by the frieght company. Wouldn't you like to have a little piece of mind over your artwork without having to spend extra money? A good US taxidermist can do that for you at no extra charge.

Look people. If you want the very best automobile, you don't buy american. If you want the finest ingraving on your firearms, americans won't do. If you want to drink the best cup of coffee, don't buy beans grown in the US. But if you want the best taxidermy in the world, use a US taxidermist.

This does not mean that there are not great taxidermists in SA. I would like to drive a Ferari, but I know that a chevy is still a dam good vehicle. People need to relax a little about my opinions. Grumulkin, The information I gave you was not biased. It was soley based on the intent of helping you out and hoping you would find the perfect deal for you. Reguardless of where this rant went, I do wish you best luck with your pieces and congrats on your safari.

Kudos to Grafton

I'm glad to see a taxidermist say what I've said over and over. It's the taxidermist himself that determines the quality of the work, not where he happens to live.

quote:

Grumulkin, The information I gave you was not biased. It was soley based on the intent of helping you out and hoping you would find the perfect deal for you.

My feathers haven't been ruffled by anyone and I appreciate all the comments. I think I'm now in a much better frame of mind to make a decision regarding my taxidermist choice.

quote:

Zac Zacarro sold the company a while ago to a partnership made up of Cecil, who has been the head taxidermist for many years and also the long standing financial director and also the foreman, who's name escapes me for the moment.

That would be Jerry.