All of these discussions of "you'll save money" vs "taxidermy in US is better" led to me do my own cost comparison. These are actually quotes received.
There are going to be two hunters on my upcoming trip so I'll just call them Hunter #1 and Hunter #2.
Hunter #1:
4 animals - Kudu, impala and blesbuck (wall pedestals) and zebra wall art.
Taxidermy cost in the U.S. $7395 + Dip & Pack cost $729 + crating & fees $805 + freight $855 = $9,784
vs.
Taxidermy cost in RSA $5956 + crating & fees $1127 + freight $3844 = $10,927
Hunter #2:
6 animals - Kudu, impala, blesbuck, gemsbuk (wall pedestals), zebra flat skin only and nyala full body mount
Taxidermy cost in the U.S. $9844 + Dip & Pack cost $1108 + crating & fees $805 + freight $1444 = $13,201
Taxidermy cost in RSA $8790 + crating & fees $2049 + freight $5683 = $16,522
Please know that I did find more expensive and less expensive taxidermists on both sides, but used what I thought was most comparable in quality. I'm leaving taxidermists and shippers names out of this conversation.
As you can see, we will be opting for dip & pack with taxidermy done locally! I recommend you do your own research before you travel so you can make the most informed decision possible.
There are going to be two hunters on my upcoming trip so I'll just call them Hunter #1 and Hunter #2.
Hunter #1:
4 animals - Kudu, impala and blesbuck (wall pedestals) and zebra wall art.
Taxidermy cost in the U.S. $7395 + Dip & Pack cost $729 + crating & fees $805 + freight $855 = $9,784
vs.
Taxidermy cost in RSA $5956 + crating & fees $1127 + freight $3844 = $10,927
Hunter #2:
6 animals - Kudu, impala, blesbuck, gemsbuk (wall pedestals), zebra flat skin only and nyala full body mount
Taxidermy cost in the U.S. $9844 + Dip & Pack cost $1108 + crating & fees $805 + freight $1444 = $13,201
Taxidermy cost in RSA $8790 + crating & fees $2049 + freight $5683 = $16,522
Please know that I did find more expensive and less expensive taxidermists on both sides, but used what I thought was most comparable in quality. I'm leaving taxidermists and shippers names out of this conversation.
As you can see, we will be opting for dip & pack with taxidermy done locally! I recommend you do your own research before you travel so you can make the most informed decision possible.
