Ann

That may be the most perfect kudu I ever saw. Being that it is a bow kill I would think it would rank very high in SCI if your into that. Could you tell us what purpose the cloth has around the horn bases. I've never seen that before.

Mark

Thank you, Mark! I may enter this kudu into SCI, I will definitly bring him to my local chapter trophy dinner next August ('06). I hope I can get the mount done by then. Hopefully he won't shrink too much during the drying process. I think his right horn will stay in the 60 inch region.

The cloth is actually the strap from the winch that was used to get him in the truck to take to the skinning shed. Tender loving care was used to load him with out damage to the cape and horns.

Congratulations, Ann!

Very beautiful, huge and symmetrical, "monster" kudu.

Your first two photos are a bit deceptive--without a frame of reference (except for the bow), the kudu doesn't look that big. He looks perfectly configured, but it's hard to tell his true size.

That third photo is the one that will take your breath away! Again, congrats!

Just beautiful...wow!
Damn site bigger than mine.

Nice bull, I just received mine back from the taxidermist a 55 in. kudu. Actually it may be a good thing I didn't kill a 60 in, as the tips are now only 1.5 in. from the ceiling.

A true "trophy of a lifetime" Ann! Great trophy and even more impressive with a bow...hell I've shot a bunch of kudu with a rifle but nothing like that. Super!

Nicely done Ann! Congratulations!

My guess - 59.25"

Ann,

That is aesthetically THE most beautiful set of Kudu horns I have ever seen.

A stunner! Way to go!

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Right horn - 60 3/4" with 10" bases
Left horn - 59 3/4" with 9 7/8" bases

That was just what I was going to say!

Nice work, Ann. Congratulations!

Frans

Ann, he's an absolutely beautiful kudu. Definitely one of the most perfect kudu I've ever seen - anywhere. You've raised the bar for everyone here.

Congratulations, that bull is the trophy of a lifetime whether by rifle or bow.

Thanks all, I really feel blessed with this one. Now I am looking for mount suggestions. If it were yours, what would you like to see as a mount?

I can't see doing this guy with the traditional head, ears and eyes forward on a wall. Feel free to post any of your own photos/suggestions.

Congratulations, Ann!

That's one helluva beautiful KUDU!

Ann,

Here's an idea for a mount that I saw on the B&B Taxidermy web site. The photo is a little dark to see it but he's on a pedestal.



http://www.bbtaxidermy.com/

-Bob F.

That's a really fine Bull, Ann. Makes my lil 56" small. Obviously, The Limpopo Province has good conditions for Kudu, we took some big ones out of there last year too. However, this one of yours really has the fine and classic twists, and so many as yours has, well that says it all! Super animal!
LLS

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
Thanks all, I really feel blessed with this one. Now I am looking for mount suggestions. If it were yours, what would you like to see as a mount?

I can't see doing this guy with the traditional head, ears and eyes forward on a wall. Feel free to post any of your own photos/suggestions.

Pedestal mount!!! No question about it, If your house has the space. I plan to have a pedestal done on my next serious hunt.
LLS

Yep, definitely on a pedestal, if you have the room. I'm trying to remember where I saw a beautiful example...

Frans

Pedestal mount!

Be sure to measure the height from the floor to ceiling ... accounting for anything that might be under the pedestal. Give the dimension to the taxidermist so that you have clearance.

I didn't do that, and my mount just fits if there is no carpet under the pedestal ... right horn just touches the ceiling. Will absolutely do better next time.

I witnessed Mike assembling his pedestal mount for the first time. He almost had the phone in his hand to get a contractor in to change to a cathredral ceiling when he figured it just fit if it was off the carpet.

Beautiful Kudu Anne he deserves a pedestal so you can take him with you to shows.

Hmm, ceiling in the livingroom is 9'3"...

Way to go Annie! I will have to see the pictures when I come up. Definitely a great kudu and to have taken it whith your bow makes it that much better. I agree the only way to go for one like that is a pedestal mount. But as has been said make sure the height of the base design and the angle of the head will clear your ceilings when put together. ORiginallly mine would not clear the ceilng. Had to do some design modification. The next one is getting a lower stockier base desgin than I originally wanted but it will allow for a lot of sins in measurements. The trick is to get to still look totally symmetritcal where it should and be proportional in the areas where it is needed. Most of that is done by the mount itsef.It is also about what the mannikin will make the cape,head,horns,bones,and facial xepressions be.It is the artists skilled hands and insight into the animals in the pieces that bring them to life and help to capture a brief look at their true nature, beautty, and magnificince.
Talk it over with how ever many taxidermist you are going to use to get the absolute finished product you want.This is particularly true when one live is a realtivle small house like I do and space is at a premium. Last but not least give the artist a clear a picture of what you have mentally as you can. Spell it out to them and then make them spell it back to you if need be. Everyone needs to be on the same page and their can be no allowances made for errors in either communication or in interpretation. This is a very dynamic process and feedback should be flowing freely both directions and changes made accordingly.Oh. one las bit of advice, make sure the horns are removable. All of mine are, but I have come across sveral mounts recently where the horns were permanently attatched. It makess it a real pain to move down halls and stairs not to mention around corners and through doors.
AnywayI think you had a hell of a hunt my girl.
I am glad everything came up roses for you this time!
Mike

They don't get any more beautiful that that!

Way to go and Congratulations on such a magnificent kudu!

Trapdoor- thanks!

Mike S - Where have you been hiding? Have not seen much of you as of late.

Ann;

I just got back in town and read your story. What a great Kudu and write up. Way to go girl!

Congratulations! D. Nelson