I am hoping some of the experienced taxidermists or people with numerous animals might be able to give me some pointers. I received my shipment (crate) yesterday of my african animals. All of the horns that were loose twisted on securely and properly.

Unfortunately, my kudu has one horn (left side) that twisted on tight and securely, the other horn (right side) leaves a 1+ cm gap around the base and "sags" backwards.

What can I do to secure the horn to the base? I think it needs something on the back side of the horn to push it forward.

Thanks all for your ideas.

Call and complain to your taxidermist.

I have left a message and email, but because they are not local it is going to make it tough. I was hoping there was something simple I would be able to do myself.

Tex,

I am very sorry for your misfortunte in this small incedent but at the same time this is one more instance where I have been warning people of the downsides to having taxidermy done in Africa. Your animals may not have been mounted in africa but you are feeling the effects of doing business with someone who is out of touch to your personel service needs after the sale.
To fix the problem I would need to be able to put my hands on it and check it out, but most likely your solution is not that complicated. I should actually be in Dallas for the show next week and I might be able to find time to help you out. Buz me here at the office 713-465-7388 and maybe I can get you hooked up. Good luck and congrats on the new trophies.

Just having some fun.

Do you what to be able to still remove the horns at a later time? Then just glue a penny as a wedge.

Will the loose one come off? It it will, pull it off and submerse the end in boiling water for about 5 minutes or less. This will soften the case of the horn and allow you to seat it back down on the core. Once it cools, remove it and paint some 5-minute epoxy on both the core and inside the case. Quickly reinstall and apply pressure downward until the epoxy cures.

I sent you an email with phone number. I am in Dallas and will be glad to take care or your problem.
Like George stated, it should be an easy fix.

For what it is worth, the African Taxidermist was awesome in handling and did way more than I expected. They wired over a repair fee for the mount, they also wired the amount I paid for the mount plus shipping and tax charges, and sent us a gift as an apology for our inconvenience.

I told my PH, they don't need to do this - the repair reimbursement is fine. He said no way - let them make good on everything they promised. Customer Service was excellent and prompt in their response, I wish American companies would be so responsive.

who was your taxidermist?

i agree to many of u,as my wilderbeast was completly changed when i complaine i was told first that the horns shrink but when i sent pics taxidermist says when ever u go on safari again i do 1 mount free for u,that is if i go hunt with them, my kudus ears from the tip r parting he has no ans for that aswell,any suggestions.regards

Wow, reimbursement, gift, and compensation to fix. Can't beat that. Who did you use?

John; I now know for a fact you have a sense of humor. I busted out myself when I read your reply. I know you were only kidding and I think Texas knows as well.

TexasHunter: sounds like it is all working out. It won't be a problem to fix. If the base of the horn won't fit the cape properly, it might require re-hydrating the basal area and remounting the horn. Several compounds can be used to bond the horn to its core, and threaded screws or japanned nails will anchor it in place. I'm sure bo can help you out. Glad to hear the African Taxidermist went so far out of his way. He's to be commended. 99% of them would blow you off.

markhor: your Kudu ears are "drumming." This is due to little or no hide paste being used to bond the ear to the earliner. An experienced local Taxidermist should know the fix. It won't be difficult. It there are none in your area, get a tube of Super Glue Gel (do not substitute). Push the nozzle as far into the split as possible before squezzing the tube. Force as much as you can into the ear. If needed, take a long wire and push the Gel as far into the ear as you can. Be careful to keep it off the outside of the ear. Gently push the front and back of the ear together, taking care not to squeeze out any excess gel. Put strong laundry pins or clamps to hold in place. Make sure no lumps form. Keep the ear smooth. It will dry within minutes. Best use a Taxidermist if you can.
David

L. David, IN MY OPINION, super glue or super glue gel should be the very last choice in repairs such as this one. Super glue has a tendency to crystalize on leather, but even more a propensity to just not bond properly. The best repair for that drumming is to wet a paper towel, stuff it into the ear and then wrap it with plastic freezer wrap. Newton Supply (1-800-888-2467) sells Epo-Grip Epoxy Adhesives. Buy a small tube of INJECTABLE epoxy. Mix the two parts and inject it with a syringe. Then stuff the ear over full with dry paper towels and wrap the ear tightly with plastic freezer wrap overnight. This will push the skin against whatever liner was used and allow the epoxy to catalyze. Next morning, remove the wrap and towels, brush the hair patterns and allow to dry.

George; point taken . However, the percentage of folks do not take our advice and get repairs done at their local Taxidermist shop. Most have mounts done in Africa to begin with, at least until problems occur. Therefore, my suggestion is more in line with what "Joe Public" will follow. How many of them will have access to Taxidermy supplies? It may be currently, that all suppliers now sell to the public (?), but again, how many know what to do with savvy advice? My advice to visit ones local Taxidermist is my best thoughts on the subject.
Regards,
David

Life Form Taxidermy

I dropped off my animals mid June and they were in my possesion early January. I was very surprised by their offer and the gift and personal note from Jerry was also surprising.

I considered two taxidermists in Texas, but Life Forms price and work was just too difficult to pass up. It came out to be 30% cheaper than the US and I received this type of customer service.

My Lion is with them currently. It was left there in the last days of May ('07) and is ready to ship. However, I had some minor trophies arrive much later and they are at the tannery. I'm having them tanned but not mounted by LF. Having toured their facility, I would put them at the top of what's offered in RSA. Hopefully you can get the minor problem fixed locally.
Good hunting,
David

Have you had your kudu horn repaired yet??
My offer above is still good.