I've just received notice from my taxidermist that my batch of african trophies has arrived. I'm getting the usual series of shoulder and lifesize mounts done, but I've got a couple of skins that are duplicates of previously taken animals (zebra, kudu) that I'd like to just get tanned for use in crafts and displays. My taxidermist charges by the foot as if I was getting a rug when really I don't need that level of finished product, just the preserved skin even in the hard stage. Any suggestions on where these can be sent to be done cheaply? They are in the salted and folded stage. Thanks.
"I envy not him that eats better meat than I do; nor him that is richer, or that wears better clothes than I do; I envy him, and him only, that kills bigger deer than I do." Izaak Walton (modified)
That is the only finished product available, you would need a dry tanned hide, same as a taxidermist would use for a rug or mount. Tanned is tanned, what you have now is hard and semi preserved.
Paul B
Posts: 58 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 22 May 2012
Paulbacs, I agree, that is what I need, the same tanned hide the taxidermist uses. What I don't need is to pay upwards of $400 for a zebra skin that I am going to cut up into pieces for picture frames, etc. I understand that the taxidermist has to soften it, etc., so I'm not questioning his pricing, I'm just looking for a cost effective way to do this.
"I envy not him that eats better meat than I do; nor him that is richer, or that wears better clothes than I do; I envy him, and him only, that kills bigger deer than I do." Izaak Walton (modified)
Actually your taxidermist is only charging you what the tannery charges are. It is $400.00, give or take a few dollars, to have a whole zebra skin tanned. There is no "softening" your taxidermist will be doing. That is all done during the tanning process. So your taxidermist isn't charging you for anymore than his tannery charges.
If you plan on using the skin for the type of craft projects you mentioned you do need to have it commercially tanned. I would recommend a dry tan and store the skin in the freezer as that will prolong the life of the skin while you dabble away with the projects over the years.
There is no "cost effective" way to tan this zebra for what you want to do with it. Your taxidermist is a stand up guy/gal for not adding extra charges for their time with boxing, shipping, shop time, and a profit margin on the direct tannery fee you were quoted.
Mary, thanks for clearing that up for me and I stand corrected. I was just going by some animals I have had tanned in the past such as deer and elk and they were around $100 or less. Obviously the Zebra is another story. I'll go through my taxidermist for this.
"I envy not him that eats better meat than I do; nor him that is richer, or that wears better clothes than I do; I envy him, and him only, that kills bigger deer than I do." Izaak Walton (modified)
Would love to see some pictures of your completed projects. The picture frame sounds like a great idea. I once covered a frame with black leather and used cut and squared zebra hide for the matting of the picture. Have made a few zebra skin covered photo albums for clients, also. PM me for more ideas if you would like.
Moyle tannery does not accept African work. NO reputable tannery accepts tanning directly from hunters. You must be a lic. taxidermist and show proof of such for any tannery worth thier salt to do business with them.
