11 July 2015, 19:58
Wendell ReichElephant tusk reproductions
As some of you may know, back in 08-09 I started tinkering around with reproductions of antlers and such. Was a hobby at first, then I started making some Elephant tusks for non-export Bull hunts. They were very popular.
Then I had a string of neck and back surgeries and rehab from a bad horse wreck. Well, I'm back in the saddle ...uhh ... I mean, back in business again.
By the way, Saeed has given me his blessing for me to post this here. Thank you Saeed.
I just made a set of tusks from a beautiful bull taken in Buzz Charleston's area. These are especially unique and useful as reproductions for a few reasons.
First, a lot of Buzz's Elephant will look very similar to this one. If you shoot a Buzz Ele, odds are a reproduction can be made from this mold.
This one is very symmetrical and long (164 cm) and happens to be about the usual circumference of a decent Elephant taken in Zimbabwe these days.
A tusk like this can be altered, cut down, and worked to closely represent just about any special characteristics of a tusk.
I am working on customizing a set for a long time AR member who has some interesting characteristics. The tusks, not the member. Well, he's interesting too.
These may be of interest to some American hunters on the fence about hunting Elephant in Zimbabwe or Tanzania as some Americans no longer want to hunt Zimbabwe/Tanz because of the current ban.
Well, if you could have a set of tusks that closely represent the Elephant you killed, would it make a difference?
Some have gone ahead and done the hunts and would like a set.
Some have done non-export Bull hunts in the past and would like something to show for it.
Some just think Elephant tusks look cool and want a set for their "man cave" or living room.
If you are interested in a set, please feel free to call or email me.
Thank you. And thanks to Saeed for allowing me to post this here.
11 July 2015, 20:37
mbogobutchThey look great Wendell,thanks for posting this.
11 July 2015, 21:19
Ackley Improved UserWendell,
As you know, I'll be hunting Moz with Simon soon.
Who knows, maybe an elephant.
Please PM me you prices.
Regards, Noel
11 July 2015, 22:29
d.ungerThose look awesome Wendell, very realistic.
12 July 2015, 06:16
Bill CollectorWow..those look great! I usually wince at the idea of repros....but these are excellent.
12 July 2015, 21:51
AnotherAZWriterVery realistic, and I would not have a problem with a repro. I caught a nice sailfish last week and if I want a mount, it will be a replica. Fishermen don't seem to care.
Sure, it isn't the real animal, but neither is a picture, is it?
12 July 2015, 22:52
Carl Frederik NagellLooks great. What about selling some to the Chinese?

13 July 2015, 01:36
clayman216Wendell. I will be giving you a call.
14 July 2015, 00:35
Bama15I m going for a non-trophy in Namibia, would you be able to make repos for that type of bull or just the one size of Zim bulls?
14 July 2015, 00:46
AnotherAZWriterWendell:
Just went and replayed that video on your website again. That really gets the blood pumping. Noticed a particularly dashing chap behind an ele.
14 July 2015, 02:45
Use Enough GunLooks very good Wendell.

I like Carl's idea about you making them and selling them to the Chinese. You could do the same with rhino horn. Hell, they'd never know the diff.

14 July 2015, 03:26
boarkillervery nice Wendell
Might do it one day, when I go back for another elephant
14 July 2015, 04:06
D. NelsonBeautiful!!! Definitely a problem solver!
Best regards, D. Nelson
15 July 2015, 04:06
Wendell ReichThe detail that comes through on the tusks is amazing.
15 July 2015, 23:04
MotorCityThey look great. I just sent you a PM. I shot a Elephant in Zim in May and would like a set made.
16 July 2015, 03:48
Wendell ReichThanks Todd, and everyone else who PM and emailed me. The response was more than I expected.
I am very please with the quality of these molds. This isn't my first "go" at mold making with Elephant tusks and I have learned from my mistakes in the past. I really can't see how I could have improved on the quality of theses molds. They really did come out almost perfect.
What started out as a hobby, has turned into a real part time job! I will be posting photos in the Taxidermy forum of tusks that have been customized to clients dimensions and characteristics.
I have my eye on two additional set's of tusks that I would like to mold. One smaller, more of a PAC size Bull, and one is a lot bigger. A Botswana monster!
Thanks again everyone for the comments, PM's and the emails.
17 July 2015, 08:39
TrademarkTexanThose are incredible, nice work.