I have been back from Africa for over 5 weeks now. I actually left the first outfitter 6 weeks ago, and 5 weeks ago on the second. Kwiktan has not heard from the second group. The first group actually told them he was charging $300 for dip and pack and another $100 for shipping. Correct me if I am wrong, but dip and pack is not necessary for them to be mounted there and Kwiktan said they would pick them up... I have emailed both groups and no response yet. Any advice? I plan to call before the end of the week.

That's Africa. Be patient.

It is my understanding that it is not unusual for some outfits to wait until the end of the hunting season and then deliver all the trophies to the taxidermist at once. This is underdstandable for remote locations, etc..

Things do move slowly. It is always better IMO to call them on the phone if possible. Emails work slowly and are often not as effective as speaking with someone. Good luck.

Thanks. I guess it is easy to forget the pace of things in Africa after being back in the city. I know the guys are very busy as well.

Six weeks??? Don't even get concerned until your at Six MONTHS...

I agree with Bwana B. If you see those in a year you will be doing OK. I would have had them shipped to the US for mounting. I have done it both ways and it worked (for me) better
having it done here.

Since you hunted SA in limpopo and Easterh Cape you should have trophies back much sooner than a year.More like 4-6 months maybe.

At dip and pack they are treated and crated,then shipped to a freight forwarding company(usually near airport in JOH).They have to obtain veterinary permits/paperwork for export.This takes unbearable amounts of time LOL.

Then they will be shipped to U.S. for import and inspection (usually 7-10 days),and finally to your destination(a certified taxidermist if raw skins).Raw skins are supposed to be treated in U.S. upon uncrating.

Best Ive done is 62 days,worst 6 mos.

Currently awaiting 6 mounts done in SA.

Sept 07 hunt;

Taxidermy done June 08,long for there but my taxidermist was killed in accident on Christmas.His daughter had to take over buisness.

Trophies to JOH in June 08 arrived JFK August 28,08

So all told 3 to 4 months actual shipping time.

Used "Tracks Frieght" for 6 shipments,outstanding service,great communications.

You can specify a frieght company if you wish,and an import company.Fauna and Flora,Coppersmith....

PM me for email addresses etc


dan

Good luck with Kwiktan!!!

They absolutely ruined my entire shipment of safari hides with some of the worst tanning I have ever seen!

Not to mention that they cut off all 4 legs of my caracal hide at the shoulder. I personally skinned the cat and salted it. I KNOW it was in good shape when they got it!

I wouldn't let them tan a roadkill raccoon!

JDS

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Bad editing...

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:
The first group actually told them he was charging $300 for dip and pack and another $100 for shipping. Correct me if I am wrong, but dip and pack is not necessary for them to be mounted there and Kwiktan said they would pick them up...

300.00 for dip & pack? wow thats high, is that per trophy?

100.00 for shipping to the taxidermist in RSA looks normal, some outfits include this in your package and some don't.

I don't see any reason for your hides to be dipped if you are having them mounted in RSA.