Hi Guys,

I'm going in April on my very first Safari in the Karoo and plan to harvest a Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, Impala, Zebra, warthog, and maybe a Baboon. (planning on all shoulder mounts except for the w/hog and baboon = skull mounts and the Zebra a rug)

I'm having the Taxi done in RSA, (Red Dune Taxidermy)and the estimate the TAXI got for me from Safari Cargo Systems and is just under $2,000. Of course he is estimating the size of the crate, but he shouldn't be too far off.

I'm not a man of means, and would like to go again, so am budgeting my TAXI cost so I can go again. So far, from the estimates I have between the TAXI and the Shipping, I'll almost be paying for another trip!

At this point I'm contemplating really saving some bucks and just go with all skull mounts (european mounts) and put the difference towards my next trip.

Does this seem resonable? How much more would it be for Air?

First off since your an American and a European style mount means about 1000 different thigns to 1000 different people let me explain to me what it is.

To me, having lived in Europe for 7 years a skull mount is just a skull hanging on a nail, or on the mantle. Looks fine for most species.

A European style mount is the teeth removed or the skull cut to remove the teeth on some kind of wooden shield. Some species look better this way.

This is what I would do.

For the zebra and baboon just have them tan the hide life size, but don't pay for a rug to be done.

Then have all the skulls cleaned and sent back fully intact. That way you can best describe to your own taxidermist or yourself how to do them.

You will be lucky to have a 150 pound box shipped back.

quote:

Originally posted by Pa.Frank:
Hi Guys,

I'm going in April on my very first Safari in the Karoo and plan to harvest a Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, Impala, Zebra, warthog, and maybe a Baboon. (planning on all shoulder mounts except for the w/hog and baboon = skull mounts and the Zebra a rug)

I'm having the Taxi done in RSA, (Red Dune Taxidermy)and the estimate the TAXI got for me from Safari Cargo Systems and is just under $2,000. Of course he is estimating the size of the crate, but he shouldn't be too far off.

I'm not a man of means, and would like to go again, so am budgeting my TAXI cost so I can go again. So far, from the estimates I have between the TAXI and the Shipping, I'll almost be paying for another trip!

At this point I'm contemplating really saving some bucks and just go with all skull mounts (european mounts) and put the difference towards my next trip.

Does this seem resonable? How much more would it be for Air?

Your estimate about taxidermy seems to be pretty much on with what most find out. I posted recently about advice I received to NOT go by ocean. I would contact the various clearing agents (Coppersmith, Flora and Fauna, Hunter's Int'l, etc.) to get a more informed opinion.

You can save money by clearing your trophies yourself. However there is some effort involved in this. Again those that have done this are your best bet to contact.

I paid one of the agent's to clear my trophies, but balanced this out by picking up the trophies at LAX versus paying another several hundred dollars to have them trucked to my home in Phoenix. If you were to used F&F in NYC, you could possibly save yourself some money this way too by making the drive.

When I talked to F&F they had no issue whatsoever with ocean shipping. While I also used Safari Air Cargo and had no issue with them, there is also Zingela Forwarders who recently posted about a new setup for ocean shipping. Perhaps working with F&F to clear your trophies, Zingela for ocean shipping and you picking them up in NYC is your best bet?

As far as how to mount your trophies, well that's a very subjective question with subjective answers to follow as will be mine. I think you'd be very disappointed if you don't shoulder mount the kudu and the gemsbok. Of the various PG species, these two scream Africa as much if not more than any of the others IMO.

The impala sure makes a pretty shoulder mount too. But if you go Euro/skull mount here, I don't think you'd be too bothered.

For me personally I don't think I'll ever shoot a baboon unless the PH wants me to kill it. Little buggers wig me out.

Zebra rug is a great idea, but make sure you have the room for it.

Wildebeest in my opinion is one you should consider for a Euro/skull mount. They just don't have a pretty face, it's the horns that you want to have your focus on. A skull mount does this by virtue of the contrast between the white skull and the dark horns. You'd save both on the mount and the shipping here.

Warthog is another where you could save if all you have sent back are the tusks. You can use the tusks in all sorts of manners to create various conversation pieces.

Make sure you take a decent camera with you. A mixture of large print pictures with the mounts works well to fill the wall and also helps tell the story if you include your PH and/or trackers in the pics, as well as pics of the countryside and camp/lodge.

My last experience... client saved 1/2 of what we charge for shoulder mounts. Then when the real shipping bill came in it exceeded what he would have spent on getting high quality mounts done here in the states.
Just one of many experiences I've seen hunters go thru.

Another..Paperwork was not included that showed the wood the crate was built from was not treated per USDA and USFW regulations. It was, but contents and trophies had to be reshipped back to africa and reshipped again with proper docs...USFW wanted to burn entire contents...after a court battle and 10k in legal fees and 6,000 ship and re ship....they got their trophies.

Many more.... work so bad it looked like the kindergarten class of Mrs. Smith mounted them..
What you going to do? send it back?
I have remounted hundreds of african taxidermists work, not all but in africa like the US everyone thinks they can be taxidermists.

I do get frustrated that hunters in the US don't support U S taxidermy industry more. We question cheap hunts and wonder why is it so cheap ...maybe some have standards and areas and sucess rates that most would say are good but the majorirty of the time a cheap hunt is exactly what you pay for same goes for taxidermy.

PA, I went to SA a few years back, had the mounts done is SA and then shipped back via ocean freight. The only down side was the whole process took a couple of years and communication with the taxi in RSA was skectchy at times but in the end it all worked well. I had the Gemsbok, Kudu and Springbok shoulder mounted, the impala and blesbok done european on plack. The Kudu and Gemsbok are very eye catching.

Finally getting back next year, this time Namabia and will probbaly do the same.

Hope that helps,

Jim

I've had a lot of taxi work done... seen a lot done in Africa. Most coming from over there looks like crap compared to what American taxidermists can do. I'd NEVER have something done over there if you are picky and have an eye for detail. If you don't have the money, ship the skulls and salt dried hides back then have them mounted here as money permits.

I have had all of my shipments dipped and shipped (along with those of my buddies that I hunted with) and cleared the shipments myself. It helps that I am within driving distance of BWI airport.

The dip costs are minimal when compared to the full taxidermy work and I have been able to split the shipping costs with one of my friends. When I get some extra money, I drop it off at my taxidermist here in the states and can pay as the work is being done and I can see it.

There are some good taxidermists in Africa and their are some really bad ones. A few friends that had work done over there were less than happy with the work sent back.

I went on my first safari this last summer to Namibia and am getting my taxi work done here. The costs add up quickly and you may want to consider doing what I plan on for my next trip in 2013. No taxidermy done at all. Lots of pics, take the best and put them on the wall. Also consider getting your hunt professionaly filmed.
Dip and pack, shipping, custom brokers then $4 to $5 k in taxidermy. The savings will pay for half your next trip! Just something to think about.
Bill

My first couple of trips, I felt I had to get everything mounted. My taxidermy bill for the first trip was close to or exceeded the cost of the trip. Taxidermy in Africa is spotty -- can be nice, but not necessarily. And, as pointed out above, the shipping costs increase.

If I only planned on one or two trips, I'd still get virtually everything mounted, but I'd probably go with a reputable U.S. taxidermist. If you plan on a number of hunts, only shoulder mount the ones that are meaningful, whether because they are truly nice, or more importantly, a memorable hunt. Skulls are not that expensive to ship, still provide a memory of the hunt, and frankly, I like them.

But, on the Zebra, I'd go ahead and spring for a leather rimmed, carpet-backed, or at least a felt backed rug. It'll last for years and will be the topic of many a conversation.

Good luck deciding. But my bet is you'll be back.

Split your thinking up. There's NOTHING that ruins the hunting part like the trophy on the wall part (if it doesn't go smoothly). You can piece it out if just dip & pack ---> USA taxi vs. having to foot the entire bill before you see a thing. Also, all you have for a year anyhow is your pictures and "basking in the moment" back home. It's a kickback set-up over there mostly, and when things go wrong it becomes deny-finger pointing-ruined experience. If determined to let them sweet talk you into African taxi, do not get double-dipped on freight! Hunt first, shop second.

2 cents (but 3 trips to RSA)

Hi everyone. Please note that we do not make use of F&F for our ocean freight service to NY. Our preferred broker is more competitive with better turn around times and we are therefore able to offer our clients very good rates with exceptional service levels. All we are asking for is support from US hunters to change the current export mo to the benefit off all concerned.

Here's my $.02, based on one experience with SA taxidermy. Avoid it, regardless of savings. My stuff took 20 months to come home, it looked like it starved to death, and my Warthogs tusks grew two inches while in the salt (not my hog). Again, just one experience, but I'll never do it again.

I would go with your plan of European mounts. Given that, I would not expect a substantial difference in the work done there or here, other than price. Shipping will be the same either way. I am doing a family trip this year and will have European's done there and shipped whenever they are done.

my suggestion would be to have the capes and horns shipped and have your taxidermy done in the states. I've also remounted a lot of stuff done in Africa, so those clients paid for taxidermy twice and replacement capes.
Another thing to think about is, if you are not happy with the work done by a taxidermy shop in Africa what can you do about it?
You will be looking at these mounts for a lot of years, so make sure you get top quality work!

I would work with my outfitter on what to do once I got over there. I went and visited the taxidermist, Safari Taxidermy in Pietersburg, RSA, and inspected the work which I found to be excellent. If you cannot do this ask if they have a previous client contact list.

I also looked at how the mounts would be crated. They basically gave me free access to all areas of the shop and was able to ask any questions I wanted to.

If you can do this and find the taxidermy up to your standards then that makes the decision easier. If it is not then talk to your outfitter about dipping and shipping here.

Safari Taxidermy has done approximately 18 mounts for me, all top notch and I typically had my mounts at my home within 12-14 months.

I have used Coppersmith as the broker paired with Safari Air Cargo and typical air freight has ran approx ~1500-1800 for the crate.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Nderobo:
my Warthogs tusks grew two inches while in the salt (not my hog). Again, just one experience, but I'll never do it again.

Bwana Nderobo that could have been attributed to inadequate labeling/identification on the outfitters part as well.

That's fair, I would say the shitheel PH I had in South Africa would be as much to blame. Personally, I will always have my taxidermy done here, and I didn't mean to put down any SA taxidermists I haven't met or dealt with, I just was left with a sour taste in my mouth...

I understand completely. It doesn't take but a small screw up when one has high expectations to leave a bad taste.

Typically we tag and cape the animals right in front of the clients and they can inspect the cape/skull/horn anytime they are with us.

David,

I also spent several hours at the Safari Taxidermy in Pietersburg last June. I did not find their product excellent - just average. What they had in the shop could not hold a candle to what I have seen in Grafton's and Jerry Huffaker's studios. There are other top quality taxidermists here on the forum much better than Safari judging by the photos they post.

Additionally, when Safari found that my brother & I only wanted dip, pack, and crate the prices charged were 3 to 4 times those paid for similar sized efforts two years earlier in Pietersburg. They essentially told the outfitter that they were going to get their money one way or another so just pay the cost.

High cost, bad experience, mediocre quality. Not my choice.

I have taxidermy presently being done from my trip to Namibia and Zambia by Jerry Huffaker in Texas. Regardless of the fact that I doubt any taxi over there would meet his attention to detail I have been texting, emailing, and on the phone with Jerry multiple times a week at his urging as we altered forms and tweaked the presentation to fit specifically in different parts of my home. My Hyena is a full blown custom you will see no where else.

I doubt any of that would be possible with work done in Africa.

I have done it both ways.

Observations -

1. Quality taxidermy work is in the eye of the hunter. My first trip to Africa with three friends resulted in 42 heads to mount. We collectively searched for a taxidermist. None of us could agree on which one as we each liked a different one. Prices were within 20% of each other. - So, in picking one - select the one whose work catches your eye and you say, "Wow, that looks alive!" Some of the best work I have seen is considered "average" by my hunting buddies. Some of the worst I have ever seen is adored by those same guys. Beauty is in the eye of the hunter.

2. Shipping - depending on mode of shipping and packing and the exporting country - this gets pricey in a hurry. Shipping is done based on weights and dimensions. If air freight, expect to pay a lot more than ocean frieght but there will be delays. Be sure of your paperwork and get someone reputable to clear the items. Usually, mounted heads are not cheap to ship and the horns are usually detached and need to be reinstalled in the US>

3. Cost - you just spent $15,000 or more on trip, now is not the time to debate the cost of mounting the items. If cost is an issue - take pictures and the leave the horns/hides behind. If you must have something, go with European mounts for less than half the cost. If you want head mounts - do your homework before you go, decide your budget and decide who will do the work.

4. Expect to see your mounts about 16 to 20 monthes after the hunt or 1 year after the hides/horns arrive in the US. Time is shorter if mounts are done in Zim or RSA.

In the end, you will get what you pay for - be sure you know what you are buying.

quote:

Originally posted by Oday450:
David,

I also spent several hours at the Safari Taxidermy in Pietersburg last June. I did not find their product excellent - just average. What they had in the shop could not hold a candle to what I have seen in Grafton's and Jerry Huffaker's studios. There are other top quality taxidermists here on the forum much better than Safari judging by the photos they post.

Additionally, when Safari found that my brother & I only wanted dip, pack, and crate the prices charged were 3 to 4 times those paid for similar sized efforts two years earlier in Pietersburg. They essentially told the outfitter that they were going to get their money one way or another so just pay the cost.

High cost, bad experience, mediocre quality. Not my choice.

Oday450, that is why it is important I think for the payer to visit the payee and to check it out and formulate individual opinion before making the decision. Sorry you did not like what you saw while there. Thanks for the feedback. If all goes well I should be back in their facility later this year. If I find the quality to have diminished since the last time I was there I will be sure to report.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
I have taxidermy presently being done from my trip to Namibia and Zambia by Jerry Huffaker in Texas. Regardless of the fact that I doubt any taxi over there would meet his attention to detail I have been texting, emailing, and on the phone with Jerry multiple times a week at his urging as we altered forms and tweaked the presentation to fit specifically in different parts of my home. My Hyena is a full blown custom you will see no where else.

I doubt any of that would be possible with work done in Africa.

I agree with Jim. In addition to all the other reasons given to use a US taxidermist (one specializing in Africa) how are you going to get that level of custom service from an outfit in Africa that may have a great many people of varying talent working on your mounts?

Frank,

Do yourself a favor and have the work done in the States by someone who does alot of African mounts. I think in the long run you'll come out ahead and have some beutiful trophies.

Mark

If just doing a dip and pack for taxidermy here in the States, how do you prevent the Zim based taxidermist and or transit people from taking advantage and over charging? I will be hunting with an outfit that has a family member owned taxidermy studio in Zim. I want to have the taxidermy done in the states (bad experience prior). I am concerned that I will be overcharged for dip and pack and freight.

Fbull,
You will be over charged for what you get. It is part of the deal over there. Just get a quote from your safari operator and try to hold them accountable. I have been blatantly overcharged only once (Nyampala Safaris from Zambia) on 6 trips. The crating and shipping will not be cheap either.

Fbull,

If your afraid of getting over charged get a quote and then compare that quote to what other operators are charging. A lot of Zim safari operators do their own dip/pack and their price sheets reflect that cost. Dip/pack and documentation often is charged as a flat fee for say 1-3,4-6,7-10 animals.

Mark