This post has been put up with the approval of Saeed and I wish to thank him for allowing me to use this forum for the purpose.

Ok guys, So most of you are now aware of Matt's recent passing.

I have known Matt since he first took over Hunt Australia in 2005 when I hunted with him as a client. Since that time I have also been a guide for him at different times (meeting some of you fellas on here) and hunted beside him as a friend.

Now Matt did this hunt a few years ago http://forums.accuratereloadin...591012351#6591012351 and it was something he had wanted to do for as long as I've known him and he just loved it when it all came together with "Pring". He also took along his wife Millie for that first African Safari. It was to be the first of future trips to Africa as his goal in his hunting life was to hunt Lord Derby Eland.

Anyway, just a bit of background for what I am about to ask.

Matt's trophies from that trip are now laying at Karoo Taxidermy awaiting final payment before they can be shipped. I have spoken to Millie and her children and they have given me strong indication that they would very much welcome these mementos home if was at all possible.

I am going to help make it possible but would very much appreciate some help......

There is an amount of U.S. $3,329.00 outstanding on the 4 shoulder mounts and 1 full mount and there will also be some shipping costs to be looked after.
I am asking for anyone on here that may want to help, to donate to the $3,500-00 I have set as a target to get these trophies home for Matt's family including his 2 young sons.

We will be using the same bank Account that was set up for family donations posted recently but would like people to reference it with "taxidermy" or "taxo"or similar so that we know you wish for funds put into the account are for this in particular.

Once again I call for some help with this (and I am one that doesn't normally ask for this kind of help) and I am certain that the family will be very thankful.

Bank: Bendigo Bank
SWIFT Code: BENDAU3B
BSB: 633-000
Acc: 114382302
Name: P B Hoare

Please remember to reference it with "TAXIDERMY"

Regards,
Mark.

Wish you all the best in this kind initiative.

Just a thought - would the shipping cost not be over $1000?

I remember paying over $400 for my bear rug, shipped from Canada to NZ about 7 years ago.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Wish you all the best in this kind initiative.

Just a thought - would the shipping cost not be over $1000?

I remember paying over $400 for my bear rug, shipped from Canada to NZ about 7 years ago.

I am happy to pay any over the $3500.

Cheers
Mark.

Nick and Joe from Raitt International have kindly donated their services to do the importing clearance into Australia.

Thanks heaps guys...

Raitt are the go to for freighting of trophies into and out of Australia

Cheers,
Mark.

Thanks to those that have helped. Any amount no matter how small will help....

Cheers
Mark.

Just had a generous offer to reduce the Taxidermy bill from Karoo Taxidermy by 20%. Many thanks to Karoo.

Cheers,
Mark.

Good onya Mark, a good cause.

Well done and thanks also to Karoo Taxidermy and to Raitt International - good guys to deal with!!

Good cause. Little bit of help sent today.

This is a nice effort and I'm sure it is well meant, but, as I see it, the family, including Mr. Graham, have not been able to pay the trophy bills associated with this hunt for over 5 years. That indicates to me financial stress and/or poor monetary management, or they just didn't really want the trophies anyway, or both. So, now, instead of using donated money for possible real needs, current or future, they are going to pay for dead heads on the wall that they wouldn't or couldn't pay for while he was alive. Naturally now, 5 years after the hunt, they want them for no costs to them. I hope they think it was money well spent in years to come. Good luck.

I wasnt aware that the trophies were /5 years old. At any rate it could be a reminder to the family of a husband and a father and what he loved too do. But I do understand where you're coming from

quote:

Originally posted by Gatogordo:
This is a nice effort and I'm sure it is well meant, but, as I see it, the family, including Mr. Graham, have not been able to pay the trophy bills associated with this hunt for over 5 years. That indicates to me financial stress and/or poor monetary management, or they just didn't really want the trophies anyway, or both. So, now, instead of using donated money for possible real needs, current or future, they are going to pay for dead heads on the wall that they wouldn't or couldn't pay for while he was alive. Naturally now, 5 years after the hunt, they want them for no costs to them. I hope they think it was money well spent in years to come. Good luck.

Thank you for your comment.

How I see it is yes they were hunted 5 years ago but it can take 2 years to get trophies ready for shipping. You knew Matt and understand his financial issues/non issues? You knew him so well that you understand he had no want for these trophies to return to his home? Gimme a break, if you don't wish to contribute I have no issue at all with that and I am not one who asks for anything, usually.
No interest in helping , that's fine but please don't degenerate the post with personal opinions, not looking for pro's and con's. I am certainly not trying to plead for any donations and only wish people to donate if they are comfortable with doing so.

Matt's trophies WILL be brought home, I will personally see to it because that's what he wanted and his family have indicated that to me as well.

Regards,
Mark.

To those that have donated so far, no matter how big or small, I thank you. We are getting there.....

Cheers,
Mark.

Thanks to those who have helped, it's getting there

Cheers,
Mark.