29 April 2009, 04:26
338zmagTrophy Mount Question
I shot a Blesbok during my hunt (report coming soon)that has 6 3/4" bases and one horn is 16 7/8" and the other is 17 1/4" unofficial. I did not plan to have any animals mounted (I heard enough horror stories), but one PH told me that if I didn't have it mounted, I should see a psychologist.
Not knowing a lot about Blesboks, I would like opinions as to the trophy quality of this animal. I didn't get any other animals that I would consider exceptional, nice but not exceptional. I only want to mess with it if it is something big. I plan to go again some day, but don't know what my chances are of getting a bigger one.
SCS wants $430.00 to ship it to my door and Highveld Taxidermists wants $57.00 to prep it. I will have it mounted here in the US. Does that sound reasonable?
All comments are appreciated.
29 April 2009, 04:32
L. David KeithYou have a plan, go with it. Any Blesbok over 17" is a very good one.
Congrats,
LDK
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29 April 2009, 05:26
GraftonYou can always have a skull mount or horn mount done. You can have the cape wet tanned and store it in the freezer, then if you decide you want a shoulder mount years from now, you can.
Your question can really only be answered by you. I will say this, I think more people regret not having a particular animal mounted vs. having one mounted. And yes, like L. David said, 16-17" is a trophy blesbok.
29 April 2009, 08:39
FutrdocRowland Ward is 16 1/2 inches. If that means anything about the size of the animal.
29 April 2009, 21:25
CA Safari HunterOn my trip I did not want to shoot a Blesbok, but after missing 2 Black Wildebeest, there was this nice Blesbok standing broadside at 100 yards. So I thought “Why not”. One shot later I had my confidence back and a nice Blesbok on the ground.
I thought I was just going to do a skull mount, but after taking a nice Red Hartebeest, I knew this guy had to go next to it.
They are ugly and weird looking animals. Everyone usually says “What the hell is that?” when they see it. I would have regretted not getting it mounted.
It was mounted by Bullseye Taxidermy in South Africa. Hope this helps out…
30 April 2009, 02:54
338zmagThanks all for the replies. You helped me decide to go for it. I hope to have the pics and report posted within a few days.