Will be going on my first plains game hunt, in RSA, next July. Because of $s and space in my home, I am only gonna do 2-3 skull mts. and one or 2 soft tanned skins. If you are not going to do shoulder mts, does it make sense to have the skull/plaque mts. done over there? You have theprice of dip/pack/crate, and shipping either way, just wondered if I wouldn't be $s ahead to have them done there, then they are finished when I get them. Most likely I will use highveld taxidermy. I'm thinking kudu,impala,euro mt., and zebra soft skin[no rug backing]. Then, LOTS OF PICTURES!

What do you think?

Mad Dog

I have several mounts which were done by Highveld Taxidermy, and in my opinion, they do an outstanding job.

I think whether you do the mounts at Highveld and have them shipped complete or ship them raw and have them mounted in the states, the total finished price will probably be the same.

Best of luck on your first Safari!

I agree. Life Form Taxidermy does an outstanding job on Euro/skull mounts as well.

quote:

If you are not going to do shoulder mts, does it make sense to have the skull/plaque mts. done over there?

Yes, I believe this can be a good idea if you are happy with the work.

Lifeforms did a lovely job on my shoulder mounts, European mounts, and skins. Really nice!

I highly reccommend Highveld. I had a Kudu and Warthog done in shoulder mounts, a Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, two Impala and Blesbok done as European mounts, and an Impala and Blesbok tanned, along with a Zebra rug. All arrived in excellent shape and their packing and crating is meticulous.

European mounts are finished taxidermy and can be shipped consolidated ocean freight. Usually a bit cheaper when I last checked.

quote:

Originally posted by gunny:
European mounts are finished taxidermy and can be shipped consolidated ocean freight. Usually a bit cheaper when I last checked.

I agree but, a skull mount has to have a panel to be considered a finished mount.

You will save money if you have the skulls and rugs/tanned flat hides done in RSA.

While the Ocean Cargo shipping has worked wel for me twice now, with a small package like you are talking about it might be just a reasonable to ship by air - get quotes both ways.!

You should not be paying Dip/Pack charges on Taxidermy done over there - crate only.

Thanks guys for the imput. BTW, are the finished rugs soft tanned[in other words supple], or hard tanned[ridgid]? Also what is the difference between a flat rug and a back skin rug? I as this because that is the way it is described on highvelds price list. Thanks.

Mad Dog

Flat skin is the entire critter including the face. Back skin is the left over rear part of the hide when a shoulder mount is done. I'm betting the back skin was MUCH cheaper.

YUP! about 1/2.

Mad Dog

Highveld will back your Zebra with hand-sewn felt, if you wish. The two hides, Blesbok and Impala, that they did for me are very soft, supple and beautiful. Wish I'd had the other Impala done, also.