The Accurate Reloading Forums
Zebra skins/rugs?
24 January 2007, 00:37
elliesbearZebra skins/rugs?
My son and I are going to the limpopo valley on a plains game hunt this june. While we don't have an aversion to shooting zebras, we would like to perhaps bring back an extra zebra rug or two for friends. Anybody bought zebra rugs in the RSA?
24 January 2007, 00:42
BwanahileHunting the pajama donkey is a blast! Don's miss out! My taxidermist in RSA had several for sale but I cannot remember the price. One of the vendors at the DSC Convention was offering them for $1,000-$1,500 as I recall.
24 January 2007, 00:42
ROSCOEThey are easy to find....they even sell them at the airport. I think they cost around 1500 to 2000 US. You can bring them back with you on the plane.
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24 January 2007, 02:13
Use Enough GunI agree with the posts: rugs are easy to find and purchase. Having said that, you would find hunting your own to be exciting, and the rug would mean more to you, if you are wanting one for yourself. Otherwise, if for friends, then purchase one or two for them.
24 January 2007, 03:18
DesertRamAt $1,500 a pop, you can nearly shoot one yourself and have it tanned for the same price. As I recall I paid a $650 trophy fee and $400 (US$ in Namibia) to have a rug made in 2004. If you're shipping other trophies anyway, just shoot an extra and ship it along. Seems like a good way to get your friends to pay for you to hunt another critter! If they're not paying, at least this way you get the satisfaction of hunting the critter that will be on their floor instead of just shelling out the cash for one.
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24 January 2007, 04:56
GraftonJust a few years ago you could find and buy the skins in RSA for several hundred dollars cheaper than what you would pay in the US. I think the folks over there have realized what they sell for over here and now the prices are about the same.
I agree that shooting one is more fun than buying one but you may want to check on Ebay as they are frequently posted there.
24 January 2007, 05:50
Michael RobinsonIt is nearly always cheaper these days, and is definitely always more fun, to shoot your own zebra and pay the trophy fees and taxidermy charges for the rug.
I have never paid more than $1,000 (combined trophy fee and taxidermy cost) for any of my several zebra rugs, even for the pricier Hartmann's. I shot my latest zebra in 2005.
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
24 January 2007, 06:32
RhydetShoot them and have them tanned in SA. It's cheeper and they are able to use chemicals that we are not. The skin will have a nice white color to the tanned side.
24 January 2007, 08:32
fredj338quote:
Originally posted by Rhydet:
Shoot them and have them tanned in SA. It's cheeper and they are able to use chemicals that we are not. The skin will have a nice white color to the tanned side.
I agree. For what they want for good hides or finished rugs, shoot an add'l. one & have it done there. I didn't really like the look of a complete hide rug so had my zebra pedestal mounted w/ a back skin half rug. Fits nicely in my living room in front of the couch.

LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR'S SPORT!
24 January 2007, 13:06
Blair D CalvinShoot a few extra. The old pyjama donkey is great fun and tough to boot.
24 January 2007, 14:12
.366torqueFor me, it's just not an African trophy room without a Zebra rug in the center.
24 January 2007, 17:54
Paul SmithI was in Sandton at Rowland Ward's last October. Zebra rug was $2,500 US. I did not see any for sale in Zimbabwe.
I agree that hunting zebra is fun and challenging. In fact, I worked harder on getting a zebra than any other animal and didn't take one until after the ninth stalk. They always got spooked by kudu, impala, baboons, whatever. And agree about their toughness; it's an under rated trophy and really a beautiful hide. The stallion was the only animal I used two shots on besides the Cape buffalo. Funny thing is the biggest animal of them all, the eland, was the one that went down the quickest.
24 January 2007, 18:10
MasteriflemanI was in Limpopo in 2004 and paid $800 trophy fee and $316 for the tanning and a black felt backer. It made a beautiful rug and means a lot more to me than the $2000 rug in Jo'berg airport. Along with the rest of the posters, I would encourage you to shoot your own and have it done in RSA. It does mean more to you than just buying one.
"I ask, sir, what is the Militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them" - George Mason, co-author of the Second Amendment during the Virginia convention to ratify the Constitution
24 January 2007, 19:19
Arild IversenCan I pop in with a quick question about skins ?
I have two skins made now in RSA. One blue wildebeest and one gemsbok.
There is no felt backing, just plain skins.
Are those ok to be used as rugs on the floor, or are the hairs to tender and will fall off after a while ?
Elliesbear... the zebra was one of my main targets last time in RSA, but I didn´t get one, perhaps next trip in 2008
And I agree with .336 torque, ... a zebra rug in front of the fireplase is a must

Arild Iversen.
24 January 2007, 19:36
dogcatFrankly it is cheaper to buy them here than there. Try Adam Clements wife at their office. She sells zebra rubs very reasonably.
24 January 2007, 20:30
buffybrAI,
Any rug on the floor, with or without backing, will loose hair if people walk on it.
NRA Endowment Life Member
24 January 2007, 21:40
bo-n-aroCheck with Kwiktan in JoBurg. They have an outlet in Florida and ship several times a year. Last time I looked they ran between $1200 to $2000, depending on size and grade.
25 January 2007, 00:37
ceweHunting zebra was one of my best hunts ever!
And I was very sceptical to the whole thought of shooting striped horses...
We´ve all seen to many Serengeti canned wildlife films...