The first time I went to Africa as a foreign hunter (well I grew up there but now I live here), I made the mistake of letting the PH handle everything. Shipping was reasonable because we were a group and all the stuff went in one container. However, my capes were damaged in transit due to rubbing and the preordained taxidermist (Mitch in OR, same town the US-based PH hailed from) quoted me astronomical fees to mount my trophies. Mitch was no ordinary taxidermist. He was an AWARD WINNING taxidermist! So he could charge whatever he liked. I decided that I didn't need his AWARD WINNING services. Luckily I live in OR as well so I went to pick them up but he wouldn't release them to me unless I paid him a "handling fee" of several hundred dollars. No doubt this was the PH's cut. I wised up fast.

Here's how this works.

Usually the dip and pack fee is quoted by the outfitter and the money is paid to him. He then contracts with a taxidermist (usually), a specialized dip-and-pack outfit (there is at least one in SA and one in Zim), or (rarely) he does the dipping and packing himself, if he has a licence and the proper facilities (and proper wood etc.) So the hunter should ascertain what the dip and pack will be before putting down a deposit. It's awkward to try to nego this as you are leaving for the airport. And since you are holding the PH responsible for getting your trophies to you, you can't tell him who to use for dip and pack. Most outfitters/PHs quote this fee on their pricing sheets/websites as a routine matter. If you don't see it, ask. Before you book. It should not be a surprise.

A further note: if you have the taxidermy done in country, there is NO dip and pack fee. This also makes the clearing of trophies easier on this end. As finished trophies, they don't have to go to a USDA facility etc. If you go this way, the outfitter is really not in the loop at all. You are free to pick any taxidermist you like and they will colllect the trophies if they are not located where your PH can drop them off. This is where doing a little homework ahead of time pays off. There is a list of SA taxidermists on our website with contact info. You will be VERY surprised at the variations in price for the same mounts. However, if you "go with the flow", your PH is going to take you by the hand and intro you to his favorite taxidermist en-route to the airport and yes, he is more than likely going to get a commission on the business. Fools and their money.....

Note, you will pay more to air freight completed trophies due to the added volume..but if the taxidermist is clever at packing, you will still come out ahead.

Now regarding freight. Either way you do it, you have to deal with freight. You should NOT allow your taxidermist to manage the shipping. Instead, instruct him to send you the size and weight of the crates when they are done. Then you get on the email and get quotes from 3 or 4 shippers. You pick the shipper. If you have a lot of stuff, you may even want to go by ocean freight. Air freight ain't cheap no matter who flies the plane.

The only other piece is the customs broker. Good news, you don't need one if the trophies are your personal property "of no commercial value". Just give the shipper your name and tel. no and they will call when the crates come in. Then call the USFG people at the airport and have them bless the shipment. Meet them at customs at an appointed time, armed with a letter "to whom it may concern" stating that these are sporting trophies of no comml value. Sign and pick up at the freight depot.

If the trophies are raw (ie not mounted), you are going to have to have them shipped to a USDA approved taxidermist for treatment before you can take possession. For a while, this was only if there were apes or swine in the shipment but now I think it applies to any trophies. Find out what this caper is going to cost you before you decide to import the trophies raw.

If you live in the sticks and can't get to the port of entry, then you are going to have to get a broker to clear for you, and also a freight forwarder to ship the stuff to your home. Again, you can get 3 or 4 quotes and pick the one that seems most reasonable. Don't let anyone spend your money for you.

One caveat: if someone in this chain is REALLY REALLY cheap, find out why before using them. Get references as well.

Last point. Agents (like me) don't get any piece of this action at all. We provide advice for free and this advice can save you a lot of headaches. Sometimes, when clients don't heed our advice, we get roped in to help fix problems, and sometimes even get yelled at by said deaf clients. In those cases we wish we did get a piece of the action.

(BTW, what's with the hostility toward agents? We provide a service to both sides and we get paid by the outfitter, not the client, so I don't understand why (some) folks posting on this board make nasty comments from time to time..this thread is a PRIME example of what happens when hunters who don't know the ropes act like the lone ranger)

Excellent post Russ,

Although I must say that yes PH and outfitters does get kickbacks from the taxidermist it works the same as booking a hunt with an agent. Going to the taxidermist directly or trough the PH you still pay the same price. So youre not saving anywhere, but I suppose there are other shops around that will throw the kickback on top of the price.

The taxidermist I use only charge in South African Rand as well so there is no price difference between currencies. Everyone knows exactly what their paying even if they do pay with other currencies. And sometimes it works in the clients favour to pay up when our currency weakens agaisnt the dollar.

Buckshotaz, thanks for asking about these unexpected costs, and allowing us all to ventillate on this pertinant topic. I have hunted Africa for only 10 years. In that time I have seen a ten-fold increase in after-hunt fees, with only 5-15% increase in trophy fees. A shipment that used to cost me $300 in shipping and documenting and treating now costs me $3000. When I object to these ridiculous fees I am told (recently for instance by Nyati Taxidermy in Windhoek, Namibia) that I will lose all the trophies since they will be sold off one by one to pay for the charges. You are right to object to the trend we are all seeing. Ultimately we may all have to decide to stay home until a better, more financially responsible system is in place.

I have seen well-meaning outfitters attempt to provide package deals to their clients (including after-hunt fees), but I have seen them get shot down. It has been just too difficult for them to manage all the steps in the process and still manage their hunting camps as well. I still look forward to a day when we will be free of all these middle-men with their hands out.

Anyone noticed oil is now $87 not $11 per barrel? That's why air freight costs a lot more than it did in the past. There is no conspiracy targeted at hunters in that regard.

Now as for taxidermy, dip and pack etc., I really doubt prices have gone up 10x in ten years. However, there has recently been some inflation due to the weakness in the dollar and the USDA requirement for specially treated wood to be used for crating. Outside the USA, the USD now worth about half of what it was worth, in real purchasing power terms, a few years back.

I think the biggest issue here is lack of planning and naivite (?sp) on the part of hunters. Like anything else, if you don't shop around you don't get the best deal. There's also the morning after effect...pulling the trigger is fun but now that the animal is about to rot, the hard part begins.

Hunting is an expensive hobby anywhere outside the USA. That's why it's an aristocratic pursuit in most of the world, unlike the USA where it's considered everyman's sport. If you don't have the budget for international hunting, there is excellent hunting to be had for almost no money in most parts of the USA. That's changing somewhat but it's still the cheapest place in the world for US citizens to hunt.

Folks, plan on spending as much again on getting the horns on the wall as you do on getting the blood on the ground. That's a pretty reliable rule of thumb. If you want to save money, go with European mounts or shoot non-trophy animals.

quote:

Originally posted by Scott450:
Highveld run a very good operation and their rates are at the upper end of the spectrum but they are definitely NOT rip off artists. Your trophies will be well prepared and looked after as well as been packed correctly.RSA govt regs dictate that you have to dip/pack through a licensed operator -i dont know of one outfitter that does this themselves. It involves a lot of govt red tape and vet permits at times.

If you want a good dip/pack specialist try Universal trophy services. they are located outside Pretoria and specialise in Dip and pack. The guys that own it are super organised and also avid hunters themselves.Check out their website for yourselves

www.universaltrophyservices.co.za

or email Rupert Dedekind

rupert@universaltrophyservices.co.za

I just received my invoices from Universal today.

Raw Prep skins and skulls of 8 animals - $720.00
Air Shipping and Documents to Houston (180lb crate) - $765.23

ABX in Houston is estimating $450 to $500 to clear and ship to taxidermist in Kerrville Texas.

Just under 2 grand for 8 animals.

i have my trophies at johannsberg...the differnet shippers qouting different amount,i need a good shipping company with reasonable rates,seems like the one i have, charging $7000 extra.if any help plz let me know.thankx

Oh Boy,

I personally believe this aspect of International Sport Hunting to be the "Holy Grail" of being bent over.

I've hunted most African destinations and have had some extremely reasonably D&P. The duPlooy's in Zambia probably the fairest of all I've dealt with. They do (did)it all themselves. The quality of the product always prompted positive results from the taxidermist as well. Laura would actually be the contact all the way to Coppersmiths or whoever your clearing agent is.

RSA (sorry guy's) seems to be the worst. Too much "what-what" between the outfitters and shippers. Seems to be like a big Italian family. Why must Afrikaans always break out when speaking about this??

CAR: The MOST expensive... period there is ONLY ONE shipper from Bangui to Paris CDG. I think it was called "Excess" or something.

12 animals...6600.00 that doesn't include the domestic end of the freight.

These guys are basically predators, knowing how anxious we Americans are to get our stuff stateside. We will pay whatever it is, just to get things moving. I think it's just "extortion with a smile"

Steve

I strongly suggest that you contact Thomas at Highveld and check that you were infact charged that for the service.

Did you get an invoice from Highveld on their letter head, and did you discuss pricing before the services were rendered.

PM if you would like Thomas'contact details
Kind regards
Ian

my last couple trips i found a place that did good tanning and had all the skins tanned. it cost less than the dip and pack and saved tanning here, plus gets through USFG easier

As Steve stated above the du Plooy's in Zambia are excellent.

Mike Borman of Bangweulu Taxidermy in Lusaka, Zambia is excellent without "hidden costs".

My experience hunting in Namibia and having the stuff sent out via RSA was terrible with many little handouts along the way.

I now make it a point when discussing booking a hunt with either an outfitter or booking agent to bring up dip & pack and transport including the who, what, when, where and costs.

quote:

Originally posted by Nganga:
Oh Boy,

I personally believe this aspect of International Sport Hunting to be the "Holy Grail" of being bent over.

I've hunted most African destinations and have had some extremely reasonably D&P. The duPlooy's in Zambia probably the fairest of all I've dealt with. They do (did)it all themselves. The quality of the product always prompted positive results from the taxidermist as well. Laura would actually be the contact all the way to Coppersmiths or whoever your clearing agent is.

RSA (sorry guy's) seems to be the worst. Too much "what-what" between the outfitters and shippers. Seems to be like a big Italian family. Why must Afrikaans always break out when speaking about this??

CAR: The MOST expensive... period there is ONLY ONE shipper from Bangui to Paris CDG. I think it was called "Excess" or something.

12 animals...6600.00 that doesn't include the domestic end of the freight.

These guys are basically predators, knowing how anxious we Americans are to get our stuff stateside. We will pay whatever it is, just to get things moving. I think it's just "extortion with a smile"

Steve

AMEN TO THAT. these vultures know that they have a captive audience that will pay what it takes- they then proceed to bugger them.

South Africa and Namibia outfitters seem to use taxidermists to do their dip and pack. Other countries. including Zim and Zambia, seems to do the work in house for a fee, usually four to six hundred. Andy Hunter in Zim does a good job with the packing and paper work. He is a PH and does this work on the side for other outfitters. I don't use outfitters that do not do the dip and pack themselves anymore.

I have been swindled out for over $6000 and never seen a single trophy from my African safaris.

Personally if I ever pay to get anything back it would be a zebra or predator skin, beyond that my new theory is that you are better off leaving them in where you shot them.

When I go again, I am only bringing back skulls.

No taxidermy bill

Half the import BS.

Of course a lion, hyaena, civit, aardwolf or something like that might make me consider it. But for the most part I am done with it.

Makes me remember why I am not so hot on hunting Africa anymore.

Lifeform taxidermy $1285 dip and pack 7 trophies 2 buffalo skulls. Almost $900 to ship from Mozambique to SA. Estimate $1500 shipping not sure what clearing will be and my buddies insurance was $1500. I am thinking of not doing the insurance. This will be a big bill to get the crap back. Definitely rethinking the whole "trophy" thing

Last June and July I hunted Zim and Australia. I did not bring a tape or camera and didn't take anything home. It was the most easy and worry free hunt ever.

All of my Zim and RSA trophies of the years past have been discarded, given away, or donated. The work was crap. Shippers and freight agents should wear a black mask when holding you up, or at least kiss you when done screwing you.

I'll still hunt and will return this summer, but it will be worry free, again.
Cal

I like how they charge you extra for insurance in case they wreck your stuff. Wish I could do that to my customers.

I have used Highveld twice; once in 2008 and again in 2011.

Their work is of the highest quality and their customer service exceptional. I will use them again and have recommended them to several people who are also extremly happy with their work and customer service.

All of their prices are on their website and in the flyer they give you, if you are there when you place your order. If you left them with your PH and he delivered them he should have given you that flyer before you ever even consider using them.

The packing/crating charge is a percentage of the total. The shipping is not under their control nor is the "agent fee".

Also added into your costs, from Highveld, are the required permit fees: vet etc that RSA requires.

Shipping is based on size and number of crates as well as how many stops/transfer of the cargo there is.

When you take out the shipping and agent fee an average of $135 per animal is not bad for 17 animals.

The only fee that looks a little high to me is the agent fee. Mine was about half of that. Maybe they based that on their being two hunters?

My last bill from Highveld was around $5500, shipping was $1500 and agent fees $500 ( I used Coppersmith.)

Other than the exact shipping costs and the approx., amount of agent fees I knew everything up front.

If you did not know what Highveld's charges were going to be it is your fault not thiers. All you had to do was look at the website and if you were not happy with the prices just email them.

I emailed several changes, before my order was completed. If I emailed in the evening here in Idaho; I would have a response the following morning.

Compare your bill to the website prices to see if there is a problem. If you had done that first there would be no need for this post/topic.

Thomas, from Highveld, was great to work with. If there is a difference between the amount charged and the amount shown on the website he will address it. If there is no difference you have no reason to even contact them unless the quality of the work is not what you exspected.

quote:

Originally posted by infinito:
You got smoked my friend. Who did you hunt with? We heard of a Taxidermy in that area that burned off a couple of weeks ago....I do not know if it was Highveldt or not.

I am in the process of getting the fascilities sorted on my ranch to do the dip and packing, so that I can safe my clients some money.

I truly hope you have a better experience next time round.

www.infinito-safaris.com

The above statement is very worrying, as all taxidermists and dip and pack facilities need to be registered and approved by veterinary services in South Africa to ensure proper treatment of hides and skulls before export. Going through a non-registered facility can expose you, the hunter, to extra charges at the port of entry if Fish and Wildlife deem the shipment to be 'contaminated' or not properly treated. Much worse for the whole industry would be an outbreak of a disease in the US or Canada that could be traced back to such a trophy shipment- this could result in much stricter regulations in future and even more charges for us hunters. MAKE SURE YOU USE A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL FACILITY.

I just checked African wildlife artistry and Karoo taxidermys prices they are:
Dip and pack $ 95 for kudu and smaller animals.
paperwork at $ 125
shipping at $ 1200 roughly, we use Coppersmith.

not sure of the bonded agents fees but that should be roughly $ 2950. to dip and pack 17 animals with shipping. Keep in mind that Canada and Australia are a lot more expensive to ship to.

First let me say, Zim costs and RSA costs are two entirely different situations. They are both independent of each other. Since this thread is about RSA, I will contain my comments to addressing South Africa only. Having dealt with this trade since the 1970s, things remain the same where kick backs are paid down the line concerning the taxidermy or "dip & pack" fees are concerned. Taxidermists and or dip/pack companies search for Outfits who will recommend their work to clients. To entice this deal, a commission is paid to the PH/Outfit by the Taxidermist or dip/pack company in RSA. Many times you get what you pay for, but you can still be way over charged. Some claim to perform disinfecting services but actually never do anything to the already fleshed and salted skins. They usually only over boil the horns and sometimes do a crap job of that. Having once been a professional Taxidermist here in the States, I am not aware of any kick back fees paid to US Taxidermists as their "pay" is based on getting work from clients.
I find it odd how many hunters will research a PH/Outfit and never look past the daily rate and trophy fees. Having an agent do this for you or have one pre-arrange all the export concerns can keep you from falling into a money pit. And to again address the "agent fees" question, I personally have never been paid any money or given any sort of perks/discount from any African Taxidermist, dip/pack or shipping company. If there are agents here getting kick back, I am unaware of it. We earn our small commission from the outfitters company. I use specific companies to handle taxidermy, dip/pack and shipping concerns. Personally, I advise against blindly taking an Outfitters recommendations without knowing what your getting into. RSA has an excellent dip/pack company who provides excellent service at a fair price. You know up front what you can expect to pay and will get an estimate on shipping. The same can be said for US Customs Brokers. Also, you can clear your own trophies if you so desire. As always, it's cheaper to combine multiple hunters trophies in one crate. Never let someone in RSA tell you otherwise. I agree with Charl; you were hosed Buckshotaz.

I am worried if I don't pay the overblown "insurance" charges all my stuff will "disappear" and be resold or something. Not fun

quote:

Originally posted by Bill 5248:
Buckshotaz, thanks for asking about these unexpected costs, and allowing us all to ventillate on this pertinant topic. I have hunted Africa for only 10 years. In that time I have seen a ten-fold increase in after-hunt fees, with only 5-15% increase in trophy fees. A shipment that used to cost me $300 in shipping and documenting and treating now costs me $3000. When I object to these ridiculous fees I am told (recently for instance by Nyati Taxidermy in Windhoek, Namibia) that I will lose all the trophies since they will be sold off one by one to pay for the charges. You are right to object to the trend we are all seeing. Ultimately we may all have to decide to stay home until a better, more financially responsible system is in place.

I have seen well-meaning outfitters attempt to provide package deals to their clients (including after-hunt fees), but I have seen them get shot down. It has been just too difficult for them to manage all the steps in the process and still manage their hunting camps as well. I still look forward to a day when we will be free of all these middle-men with their hands out.

Nyati, had my issues with them stay away...
Life Form just hit me with $1900.00 dip pac
paperwork fee for 8 animals I was billed and paid them directly. I think these African taxidermist are seeing that most now are have the taxidermy done in the states and this is why their dip/pac rates have sky rocketed. Total BS they are ripping us off.

Most places charge a fee for the hide as well as the skull.

Earlier it was mnetioned that one place, in Africa, showed kudu for $95. It was not said if this was just the skull or the hide and skull.

Highveld shows $98 for the skull and $49 for the cape.

If it is not apparant by now, it should be; I am a big fan of Highveld. I am extremely happy with the work they did for me and their customer service.

There were no suprises and I knew the cost of their work upfront. Not just because they provided that info to me, I took the time to check before hand.
Shane

you guys do realize, of course, that the original post was 6 years old. just saying.....

I just got a quote this morning for two elephant tusks,one ele tail and one sable skull for dip and pack an
D paper work only 1600 dollars. This was in Mozambique . I called my taxidermist and ask him how much he would charge for the same items,he quoted me 500 dollars. Big diff.I then got hold of another exporter in Moz and got a quote of 710 dollars. Much more reasonable

I had once been told by PH that my dip and pack money was for getting my trophies to taxidermy. Interesting right?
Fortunately my agent send me check for that amount back.
You are right Russ, agents are valuable to us.

quote:

I just got a quote this morning for two elephant tusks,one ele tail and one sable skull for dip and pack an
D paper work only 1600 dollars. This was in Mozambique . I called my taxidermist and ask him how much he would charge for the same items,he quoted me 500 dollars. Big diff.I then got hold of another exporter in Moz and got a quote of 710 dollars. Much more reasonable

I think it would be prudent to shop on reputation before you shop on price.
I always say, you get what you pay for. There are no free lunches in life.
Good luck

quote:

Originally posted by npd345:
Most places charge a fee for the hide as well as the skull.

Earlier it was mnetioned that one place, in Africa, showed kudu for $95. It was not said if this was just the skull or the hide and skull.

Highveld shows $98 for the skull and $49 for the cape.

Its $95 if you d/p just the skull or a skull and a full mount.

point is shop around get multiple quotes. I have 3-4 dip and pack ?Taxidermist around and often get all of them to quote.

Don't bring a giraffe hide home if you want a small freight bill. I about cried when I got the dip/pack and freight bill from Botswana to Houston. Now I still have to pay from Houston to home. I could have almost gone on another safari. I learned a lot of life lessons on that shipment.