Do you take a tape with you to measure your trophies, before they are caped for the taxidermist? ie. nose to back of head, nose to corner of eye.

blue

I don't take those measurements because the cape if properly fitted to the correct form will be awfully close to life size. That's where a taxidermist with lots of African experience really shines. I do measure the horns because I want to make sure I get mine back. A simple mistake could mean the trophy of a lifetime gets lost. I always go to the skinning shed and physically check to make sure my tags are on the right capes and horns before leaving.

Mark

Mark, its a good idea to take measurements, as not all animals are the same size, bodywise. Also, most antilope skins stretch when tanned / processed for mounting, so the taxidermist, even an old hand in African work, will have to hazard a guess, and you end up with a generic sort of size- medium or large bodied.

I too, have checked the skinning shed in the past to make sure that the taxidermy tags are on the right trophies. In one instance they had my hunting partner's and my tags switched. So, it pays to check if you have the chance.

the taxidermist will appreciate it if you do - it makes his job easier

I do appreciate when my clients come to see me prior to a trip to learn how "correctly" measure their animals. Too many hunters take the neck circumference too far down the neck. Typically these are the guys who tell me their whitetail had a 30" neck. As was mentioned african skins "let out" alot during tanning so while the measurments will be helpful, the skin will dictate the size of the form. One measurment that is helpful is the one from the tip of the nose to the tip of each antler/horn. This helps set the angle or tilt on the horns. Another helpful measurement is from the back corner of the eye to the base of the horn/antler. This will often be a rough idea as the base of the horn can be boiled away. Ask your particular taxidermist which he prefers and how he would like your specimen shipped home. I have everything shipped directly to the tannery, then on to me once its completed. This saves you some shipping chargres.

Hugh

I would say do not worry about taking measurements unless you really want to. Your taxidermist should be able to get all the information needed from the tanned skin and from test fitting the cape on the form. Also, calipers, (not a tape) are really the best way to get the eye to nose measuremnt. If you want to take measurements ask your taxidermist or better yet have them show you exactly what to do as an incorrect measurement is not helpful.

Hunters really should place the tags on their own animals. Tell your PH that you want to do this. Also you can ask to have them measured in your presence. Record the measurements and take them home.

Take good clear photos of just the horns or teeth in case of warthog/hippo. They will have distinguishing marks, nicks, etc. That way when you get your trophies you can compare them to the photos if needed.