So I took a giraffe in Zim last summer. No big deal, it was big.. .really really big. Another trophy of seven plainsgame that I took.

Assuming it doesn't fall on you the pain comes later.

Trophy fee $1200 (reasonable)
But then...
Addtl cost for shipping it home $1500
Tanning the cape $1000 (compared to $50 for an Impala)
Tanning the hide $1800 (est)
Bleaching the skull $350
Mounting the tanned cape $1200 (est)

I could almost do a buffalo hunt for the cost of this thing

If you're going to get hosed, why not a buff or ele hunt? Can you imagine the cost of a full ele mount, not me?

Hey, you wanted it didn't you? All kidding aside, we have a shoulder mount of a beautiful giraffe in our high ceiling living room and it's absolutely beautiful. You won't be disappointed. After all, it's not the money, it's the memories that count. And how often are you going to shoot a giraffe?

And it could be worse, after trophy fee of $1,000 and extra shipping $1,500, I received a call from the tannery that the hide was slipping hair, and I have only the memories and photos and a skull.

I would like to shoot a giraffe sometime but at those prices, I think I'll just leave the hide in Africa.

I am staring to feel good after hearing your prices. I shipped a capebuff, giraffe, (with skull) and 8 animals for right about 1500. Tanning of the giraffe was $1500 and the guy did a number on his fleshing machine. Skull is just boiled as it comes from africa, no bleaching really needed.

Ok, that was just a whining moment.

Yeah I really wanted it. It was the most memorable shot of the hunt for me.

Can't wait to see the full hide.