All, I recently completed a hunting trip in South Africa (blesbok, gemsbok, waterbuck, cape buffalo) and need to make a decision on getting my animals mounted in SA and shipped over here, or having them sent to a taxidermist here in the US. What have most of yall done? I live in NJ, but have never had anything mounted in more than 20 years, so I have no local contacts for something like this.

What say ye?

I regularly use Lifeform Taxidermy in SA as well as one in the Eastern Cape, also use a taxidermist here in Texas, all seem to do a good job. Shipping is a bit more expensive with finished goods, but even raw trophy shipping is expensive anymore.

Check to see if you have any taxidermist that you would consider using.

here is a couple that you can check out.

Both receive 5 stars and good reviews.

North Jersey Taxidermy Studio
Taxidermist
10+ years in business · Montague, NJ · (973) 293-3053

Jersey Jay's Taxidermy
Taxidermist
10+ years in business
Newton, NJ
(551) 206-2623

I would talk with Richard Lendrum at African Hunting Gazette, and AGH Shipping and Taxidermy, owner of Afton House at JNB airport.

There is a plethora of opportunities these days from South Africa. Dip and pack- Outfitter/Taxidermist, crating, transport to Freight Forwarder, Documentation, fumigation, shipment by Air, Insurance, then these guys hand Docs to Import Brokers so you CANNOT clear your own trophies... all driving costs out the roof!!

Living on the East Coast, sea freight in a shared container/LTL is an option especially if you opt for taxidermy in South Africa, and the much larger trophies to ship vs hides and horns. This doesn't work well if you live off the east coast as LTL's have to get Customs and Ag cleared, so an International broker like Coppersmith gets fees, then transported to your home if completed, or taxidermist in US...by truck transport, or even UPS... It is now very EXPENSIVE... sometimes the cost of your daily rates... and more!!... before you get the taxidermy done.
Richard has good solutions.
Good Luck!!