My PH told me about this forum and decided to check it out. I like what I've seen so far so this is my first topic.

I recently got married last year and we did our "Huntingmoon" to S. Africa. Honestly...it was totally her idea. We had a great time with Duke Safaris and harvested 8 animals. I've been in discussion with the taxidermist on the work to be done. He's a young taxidermst who is up and coming in the industry. My wife and I had a good idea on what we wanted done due to cost and available space. The skins and horns are in the final phases to be shipped but, the taxidermist has now started to pressure us. He's beens constantly asking on what we want done knowing full well we've already told him what we wanted. Two animals are becoming pestals, one shoulder, 3 skulls and I'm holding off on the Kudu and Waterbuck.

During our discussions he said we can always revist the Kudu, Waterbuck and skulls down the road. The impression we get now is he want's us to do them all. We don't want that. The Kudu doesn't have the greatest mane and we saw bigger Waterbuck than the one I harvested. Maybe a few years down the road we may say to ourselves lets get them done but, not right now.

I'm looking for some opinions on how to deal with the situation. My wife and I just don't know if he's now looking out for his business, his clients or the impending shipment.

Matt

I'd have em done in the U.S. Also I wouldn't trust my trophies to someone that doesn't have a lot of experience. I'd have all your horns and hides shipped to the US and find a reputable taxidermist.

Just tell the guy to chill out and do what you want. Unless the guy is mental he will leave it at that.

For every good, reputable Taxidermist, there are probably two that wind up being bad eggs. I spent many years in the profession and I've seen both sides of the fence. When in doubt...don't! That's the best advice I can give you other than to use a full time professional, and you will find some of the best in the US of A right here on AR. If you want to PM me your area (doesn't have to be your exact city) I'll be glad to recommend someone closest to you that is an experienced professional. Welcome to AR.
Cheers,
David

They are your trophies and it's your money, tell him how you want them done, if he won't provide for you the service you need then take them to someone else.

quote:

They are your trophies and it's your money, tell him how you want them done, if he won't provide for you the service you need then take them to someone else.

+1

I recommend the Wildlife Gallery in Blanchard Michigan. Most professional group I have ever delt with. Their quality of work is also second to none. They also have fast turn around times and do the majority of the tanning in the USA in house. Last point that's attractive is the give you a weekly updated picture of yourvpiece so you can see the progress through completion. As I said before nothing but first class service.

Tony Semple