Trophies finally being shipped

16 August 2005, 15:37

After 13 months of waiting, my Trophies are being shipped from Zim. Shipper failed to mention they are going half way around the world. From Bulawayo to Jo'Burgh to London to Dallas then to Atlanta where I pick them up. Cannot hardly wait to see the Leopard mount on a tree with a Stenbuck. Will post photos when I unpack them. Schedule is for arrival 8/24.

16 August 2005, 17:06

retreever

Bob, looking forward to seeing your leopard mount and other animals...

Mike

17 August 2005, 04:40

MAU MAU

Who did you use in Bulawayo, and how has your experience been with them so far? I will be heading there in two weeks and was thinking of utilizing Taxidermy Enterprises in Bulawayo.

17 August 2005, 05:08

allfoden

I used Taxidermy Enterprises for my 2002 trophies in Zimbabwe and am just receiving my trophies now. Taxidermy Enterprises does not respond to emails. And their shipping company Worldwide Logistics took six months even to get me a shipping quote and sent my trophies to Hartford, Connecticut where there are no USFWS inspectors.I had requested that Worldwide ship the trophies to Boston or JFK first then Hartford. I had to ship the trophies in bond to Boston from Hartford at my expense to be cleared by USFWS. Hopefully the USFWS inspector does not notice that the CITES permit has expired because they took so long in shipping. I will know tommorrow. Good luck with Taxidermy Enterprises.

17 August 2005, 05:18

Balla Balla

quote:
Originally posted by allfoden:
I used Taxidermy Enterprises for my 2002 trophies in Zimbabwe and am just receiving my trophies now. Taxidermy Enterprises does not respond to emails. And their shipping company Worldwide Logistics took six months even to get me a shipping quote and sent my trophies to Hartford, Connecticut where there are no USFWS inspectors.I had requested that Worldwide ship the trophies to Boston or JFK first then Hartford. I had to ship the trophies in bond to Boston from Hartford at my expense to be cleared by USFWS. Hopefully the USFWS inspector does not notice that the CITES permit has expired because they took so long in shipping. I will know tommorrow. Good luck with Taxidermy Enterprises.

allfoden

Just a quick one /

1) Were your trophies (finished mounted) by Taxidermy Enterprises Bulawayo, or just dip pack freight

2) If you have legally documented proof that you instructed Worldwide Ship to send the consignment to a specific entry port, why cant they be held responsible for the (extra costs incurred) if they defied your specific instruction

3) Did you do all the (logistics liason) yourself direct from the USA with the Africa Taxi and the Shipping CO ... or did you use a USA based taxidermist or clearing agent on your behalf

Peter

17 August 2005, 06:40

bobga

Mau Mau
I used Taxidermy Enterprise, I was at the Studio in Bulawayo to see the work they do before I accepted their service. Will tell you how the quality of the mounts are as soon as I get them.

17 August 2005, 06:49

bobga

allfoden,
Did have a few problems with e-mail to Taxidermy,tried a differnt web address and they always responded. Using Worldwide Logistics also, as I said in my post they failed to tell me it was going consolidated air freight. The price even though it is extreme, it was less than other caariers I tried due, to size and weight. 3 crates total 1433 pounds, largest one is 7feet long 6 1/2 feet tall, almost 4 feet wide. Will post good or bad comments after I get shipment.
Bobga

17 August 2005, 06:52

bobga

allfoden,
Failed to mention my trip was last year, they had all animals at their studio by end of July 04. Can not understand why it took 2 years for you to get yours.
Bobga

17 August 2005, 19:22

allfoden

Peter,

1. The trophies were all completed shoulder mounts. I am not complaining about the quality of their work as I have not seen the trophies.

2. Yes they had complete instructions on the shipping route. At this point I am so fed up with them I will just lick my wounds and move on. All they have to say is that they are not responsible and try to collect. Not worth the effort in my opinion.

3. I handled (tried to) all the logistics with Worldwide directly. I have cleared all of my trophies over the last 15 years or so myself and it is no big deal if you have the proper documents.

4. I am out of space to hang trophies at this point and think that 8X10 glossies may be in my future.

Ed

30 August 2005, 04:14

MAU MAU

.......Have you received your trophys from Taxidermy Enterprises yet? I am leaving this Saturday (Sep 3rd) for Zim and am interested in your appraisal of their work.

30 August 2005, 05:02

safariman

I have a pile of stuff that just got finished by Taxidermy Enterprises. My first time using them rather than my usual stateside guy. I am getting quotes from Maple Freight and Cargo Services. Does anyone have any experience with them?

30 August 2005, 05:37

Atkinson

In todays Africa 13 months just isn't all that bad...Many smart Safari Companies bring the years trophies out at one time, especially in Tanzania, that way the PH is there on hand and seeing to it that every one gets the trophies that they actually shot shipped to them..this is a good thing, trust me on this or you will get an education....

30 August 2005, 15:59

bobga

Mau Mau,
I am picking up the crates today. Will post tonight the condition and quality of mounts.
bobga

30 August 2005, 16:48

AKA

Bobga..I cant wait to see a picture of that leopard that you took.

30 August 2005, 16:54

Ganyana

Safari man

I live in Zim and getting sence out of Maple...flee, run far, run fast!

Allfoden- all the Gator.zw email adress's went tits up earlier this year. My folks are still only getting alternate mails I send them! Very frustrating. But, a couple of the lads at TRaxidermy Ent are friends, so do you mind if I copy your mail to them and see their side?

30 August 2005, 17:57

Frank Martinez

I hope he agrees but I will thank you Ganyana. I always like to see how these trials play out and both sides is the best way.

Bobga, I am looking forward to seeing your photograhs of a beautifully described mount.
Frank

30 August 2005, 20:05

safariman

Ganyana,

By all means, please do!. Many thanks. If it were you needing to ship a couple of crates from Zim to Western US, who would you use? This will be very helpful to me as about a half dozen of my safari clients have large taxidermy orders nearing completion at T.E. and I want very much to steer them in the right direction regarding shipping. Say hello to Roy, Carol and / or Debbie for me when you call. I cannot thank you enough for your help here. Perhaps a meal out on my tab when I return is in order! I will be monitoring this thread frequently as my stuff is due to be shipped out right away.

30 August 2005, 21:29

new_guy

quote:
Originally posted by allfoden:
I used Taxidermy Enterprises for my 2002 trophies in Zimbabwe and am just receiving my trophies now. Taxidermy Enterprises does not respond to emails. And their shipping company Worldwide Logistics took six months even to get me a shipping quote and sent my trophies to Hartford, Connecticut where there are no USFWS inspectors.I had requested that Worldwide ship the trophies to Boston or JFK first then Hartford. I had to ship the trophies in bond to Boston from Hartford at my expense to be cleared by USFWS. Hopefully the USFWS inspector does not notice that the CITES permit has expired because they took so long in shipping. I will know tommorrow. Good luck with Taxidermy Enterprises.

I'm betting they noticed the expired CITES permit... did they?

31 August 2005, 06:51

safariman

I am curious about how things went with the cites permit dates, etc. myself. Also... who out there has much experience with a good, reputable shipping co. that I should be talking with? All suggestions appreciated.

01 September 2005, 22:56

safariman

I just had a nice conversation with the folks at Worldwide. They seem to be interested in getting my shipment handled quickly. Again, who out here in Africaland has dealt with a shipping agent and had good experience.

01 September 2005, 23:55

jorge

For general information, Maple freight is owned by the same guy who owns Taxidermy enterprises. I had my mounts done in RSA and the raw stuff was shipped to them by Maple freight. It took 9 months to get the stuff from Bulawayo to RSA and only two months for the taxidermist (Kwiktan) in RSA to mount the stuff (six shoulder mounts plus one zebra rug) and ship them to me here in the states. There's not a whole lot one can do with Maple Freight. Fortunately, my PH, John sharp helped with my questions. jorge

02 September 2005, 00:36

AKA

quote:
Originally posted by jorge:
For general information, Maple freight is owned by the same guy who owns Taxidermy enterprises. I had my mounts done in RSA and the raw stuff was shipped to them by Maple freight. It took 9 months to get the stuff from Bulawayo to RSA and only two months for the taxidermist (Kwiktan) in RSA to mount the stuff (six shoulder mounts plus one zebra rug) and ship them to me here in the states. There's not a whole lot one can do with Maple Freight. Fortunately, my PH, John sharp helped with my questions. jorge

jorge, is there anything I should be doing now? Or just wait! I hope the capes are dried out by now.

02 September 2005, 04:01

jorge

Steve: I'd wait until the end of the season when John has time to work the issue better. I'm sure he went on about the "african system" and you just can't hurry it along. jorge

02 September 2005, 07:01

Widowmaker416

bobga!

Did you get your crates yet?

I'm wondering how everything went, ok?

Hope your busy uncrating them now............

02 September 2005, 07:05

MAU MAU

Maybe the quality was so bad he has gone on a five day drinking binge!

02 September 2005, 07:52

Widowmaker416

MAU MAU

Seriously, I hope everything is ok and your happy with the work, one thing I hate to hear is poor work!

02 September 2005, 19:48

Widowmaker416

MAU MAU

Your leaving tomorrow for Zimbabwe!

Good luck and have a safe journey!

02 September 2005, 21:01

MAU MAU

Yes Widowmaker.......Leaving tomorrow and looking forward to it. I will report the events of my trip upon my return.

02 September 2005, 21:25

500grains

The most frustrating thing about hunting Africa must be lost luggage, but a close second is trophy shipment/cost!

02 September 2005, 23:14

HunterJim

Ganyana,

I have a shipment of trophies done by TE, and am playing ring around the rosie with Maple Freight et. al. trying to get the shipment out of Zim.

They made up a shipment of four crates for max weight and cube I thought.

I rejected the air freight estimate as it was larger than the cost of the taxidermy, and much much larger than my previous shipments from Arica ot the USA.

They then quoted a surface route to the US East coast. I am trying to convince them I am actually on the West coast. Grrr.

jim