I want to make some laminated tags to attach to the capes and skulls during our hunt. What info should I put on these? I will obviously want my name and contact info, but I'm not sure what address to use. Should I use the address of the import broker, the tannery, or the final destination which is my home?

We are having trophies shipped to Dallas using Hunter International. The trophies will be transferred to South Texas Fur Dressers, and then shipped to me on completion.

Anyone have a source for pre-made tags?

Thanks!

Tags for your trophies should be prepared by your PH. He would know what information you need on them.

On all my hunts, I have not done any tags myself

Have you asked your taxidermist? I use Jerry Huffaker and he sends me a bunch of tags before I leave.

My taxidermist supplies me with the tags as well.

Your taxidermist should get the tags for you.

99% of the time this is overlooked: on the back of your tags, put your animals measurements; length of each horn, circ. of bases, # of points, skull length/width. If your tag comes loose or gets mixed up with others, you won't have a problem. Also, each animal you take should be numbered, even if you do it in a note pad. Write that number on each skull. Having lost an Nyala and Bushbuck due to mix up (or outright theft swapping) I speak from experience. NEVER put your home address on anything visable. It's information a local criminal is looking for: "This guy is a big hunter. He must have lots of guns and money in his home". Your shipments will go through Customs, Broker or not, have them forwarded to the Tannery or your Taxidermist. Just a minor precaution that could save you big time.
LDK

The tags I supply to clients have my contact information on one side. On the other side is the hunters name and the shipping destination address and phone number (Fauna & Flora for example).

Tags are not absolutely necessary as your PH will tag your trophies too. However, this is my take on it: By putting your own tags on the trophies, it is less likely they will be mixed up with another hunters trophies while they are in storage at the camp. The reason is these extra tags will make all of your trohies stand out from others. All of the Ph's tags will look the same (just a different name or number on it)but there is only a small chance of another hunter having the same tags as you. This goes for the dip and pack stage as well. The dip and pack taxidermist will probably tag them too but the more that better. Some may be removed or damaged by the dipping process but out of all the tags and numbers, there should be no ACCIDENTAL mix-ups!

If someone wants to swap or steal your trophies no tags will prevent this, I think it just adds another bit of insurance to prevent an accidental mix-up.

the above tip on recording measurements on a note pad is not a bad idea.

Thanks for the good ideas. My taxidermist does not supply tags unfortunately. I definitely like the idea of recording measurements so that you have some way of verifying what you receive.

Just found and ordered some tags from Van Dyke's. Only $2.79 per 10 and they should work great. I am going to take them and should I not need them I will just leave them with my PH.

http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/01738931/

Prior to departure I contact the taxidermist and obtain all the pertinent info -- make my own business card size tags and laminate them. I take plenty extra with strong ties -- system so far has been great. I would not count on the PH knowing how to address and or route ones shipment through all the BS -- check with your taxidermist for the proper info.

L. David Keith,
That's great advice. There was a thread not long ago about someone getting their trophy's back and they swore a couple weren't the same sized animal as what they had shot.

My taxidermist provides me with the tags and shipping labels that my PH fills out. Worked really well this last time and will do the same this summer. Put all the animals info on the back as reccomended and it will avoid a great deal of confusion when they arrive. drwes

DC,

Good question, a coupla Watch-Outs and threads above have already provided sound advice & expereince.

Tagging & Logging trophies, like the Photographs, should be a practised routine for any good & reputable Outfitter/PH operation and their tags should be pre-printed for the apporpriate & required information. They should also be of a material & quality to withstand less-than-sterile handling (read:robust). The PH should also take the responsibility WITH the Client as soon as practical to ensure tags are affixed. Both parties should also maintain a Log Book with corresponding entries for each indivivual trophy, Client, PH, Date, Spieces, Length (Left/Right), Other-Identifiying Characteristics, (Marks, Scars, Dings, Broken, Chipped, Color, Pearling, Ivory Tips) etc. and this includes the Capes.

I'd raise an eyebrow and voice my opinion immediately if there was simply a paper tag with a piece of string - plastic tags with plastic wire cables and permanaent marker is apprpropriate including different colors for larger groups.

Invariably when the Client & PH take the time; items are properly annotated, tagged & logged, agreed on by both parties and conclude the attention-to-detail as apporpriate with a handshake; then go to the Bar, we almsot NEVER have an issue.

On behalf of the many professional Outfitter's, PH's and Camp Staff (Skinners, Trackers & Slaughter House employees) my opinion is that many individual hunters (especially those in larger groups, say over two and up to 8) often don't pay the proper attention to detail themselves, need to shower, go to the bar, have dinner, it's too late or too dark, too many Flys & Mosquitos, make a telephone call, flirt, drive to town, (you name it; I've seen/heard it) etc. and then suddenly 5 days later there are queries, ill feelings and a bunch of finger-pointing about Who's Kudu is Who's? I've seen PH's and Skinner's attempting to track down Clients at the bar, at dinner & in their Chalets who are too busy with their life & personal routine to take the few minutes to ensure all's according to Hoyle. Such is Life; so this issue is a real Double-Edged Sword.

I wholeheartedly agree with L. David Keith that too much personal information outside of one's personal control and available for public consumption in Africa is a Big No-No.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DC Roxby:
My taxidermist does not supply tags unfortunately. /QUOTE]

Then you're using the wrong taxidermist. Any taxidermist who deals in African trophies on any kind of a regular basis will supply these labels as a matter or course. If they don't do that, they don't import many trophies from overseas, which in turn, probably mean they don't have much experience of setting up those animals.

You need to find yourself a taxidermist who is acquainted with import requirements and knows what the animals should look like. You've gotta look at those trophies for many years to come, so they'd better be right.

Shakari,

He is actually a very good taxidermist, but just has a very small shop. I am incredibly picky when it comes to taxidermists and believe me I went and looked at his work before committing. He has a beautiful sable and buff in his shop now and he had a zebra shoulder mount in the works last time I was there.

I always look at a taxidermists cats because I believe if you can get them right the antelope should be easy. He does alot of mountain lions and they look great.

I am actually having the tannery in the US send me the finished capes so I can mount as budget allows. I have settled on South Texas Fur Dressers and they are very familiar with the import process so I think I will be OK.

I live in a fairly out of the way part of the US so I am happy to have found a good taxidermist nearby. Best part his turnaround is 6-9 months.

Don

South Texas Fur Dressers should supply the tags you need. If it is who I think it is, they are in Victoria, TX. Give Tom a call and he will set you up I'm sure.

All the caveats here in this thread are so true. I got the wrong eland cape back. Instead of the fine old blue bull with the red ruff of hair between the horns I got one which was a female or young male. It was a pedestal mount. I was sick.

I agree with Shakari, but ovbiously you are happy with your taxidermists work, which is the bottom line. My oppinion is that if a taxidermist has not hunted or seen, in the wild, the animals you are taking to him to mount then how can he mount them properly. This is of course not as crucial on antelopes but if you are going to be hunting Lion or Leopard I would strongly suggest taking that particular animal to a taxidermist that has seen them or hunted them in their natural state. Your taxidermist may very well have done so but if not it is something to think about, A great Cougar mount does not equate to a great Lion or Leapord, they are very difficult animals to get right, and taking those cats is something that most of us are not likely to ever be able to do more than once so getting it right the first time is of course vital, just something to think about.

I also agree that South Texas fur traders should supply the tags.

I have never made a log book of animals before but that is a great idea and you can bet I will be doing it in the future. My dad lost a Reedbuck that either never made it from Zim or disappeared at the taxidermist. A logbook would have helped us sort this out, great idea.

Best luck to you on your hunt!

Don. I am sure he has the skills. But good taxidermy service goes beyond art. There is such a thing as being a true and well rounded professional. Might I suggest that you look into the shelf life and care of your tanned capes if they are to be mounted later. There is a lot that can go wrong and there are some very worth while pointers in this discussion. Remember, it is you that takes the risk not this taxidermist that has no tagging. Elton

quote:

Originally posted by DC Roxby:
Shakari,

He is actually a very good taxidermist, but just has a very small shop. I am incredibly picky when it comes to taxidermists and believe me I went and looked at his work before committing. He has a beautiful sable and buff in his shop now and he had a zebra shoulder mount in the works last time I was there.

I always look at a taxidermists cats because I believe if you can get them right the antelope should be easy. He does alot of mountain lions and they look great.

I am actually having the tannery in the US send me the finished capes so I can mount as budget allows. I have settled on South Texas Fur Dressers and they are very familiar with the import process so I think I will be OK.

I live in a fairly out of the way part of the US so I am happy to have found a good taxidermist nearby. Best part his turnaround is 6-9 months.

Don