AHG Trophy Shipping

[ActionBob]

Lot of outfitters not really taking too kind to this.

To clarify, I got the sales pitch on Taxidermy in RSA (Every RSA resident I've discussed taxidermy with gives a sort of sales pitch on doing it in RSA), and on shipping and specifically on the package deal or "one stop shop". We also discussed various curios both African items made in various countries and curio type items to be made from our animals. Like belts, book ends, furniture, light fixtures, etc.

We did not discuss any direct hunting financial issues or bookings. I'm aware of his Africa Dawn program from attending SCI. But he did not bring it up at Afton which is appropriate as I was there to hunt with a non participating Outfitter.

 

[Hunt anything]

I used them during Covid, my crate was ready to ship and paid for in late February or early March but was held up when everything shut down in March. I finally received the crate in June of 2021. It ended up adding about $1000 to my bill but communication was pretty good and the crate was held in a secure wharehouse and arrived in good shape.
I’m thinking of using them next year but I need to research what taxidermist they use because I am very particular about my taxidermy.

 

[eatmore-pbj]

Without controversy, can any one clearly comment on the quality of shoulder mounts that AHG Taxidermy has done for them? Who else is a respected taxidermist in Johannasburg that would pick up dip and ship from another country for mounting?

 

[Hunt anything]

When l used them they were only doing the shipping. I’m curious as well about the taxidermy side as well.

 

[ActionBob]

Without controversy, can any one clearly comment on the quality of shoulder mounts that AHG Taxidermy has done for them? Who else is a respected taxidermist in Johannasburg that would pick up dip and ship from another country for mounting?

Richard or his company does not directly di taxidermy. He facilitates it by having volume deals with i think at least 3 taxidermists in RSA, somewhat geographically dispersed. There are some examples of the work from each at Afton House.

From what I've seen it is above average for South Africa. Some are really great. @Just Gina loved the Giraffe and plans to have her recent one done the same. There is a spectacular kudu. A couple of things I thought could have been better, especially small predators. But that was subject to my taste in how the eyes and faces looked.

Although I don't think it speaks to the quality, I met a guy at one of lodges we hunted out of who is a taxidermist in the US. He and I think 3 friends were on their first African hunt and were making it a bit of a whirlwind tour and had so far taken 70 critters amongst them. This guy said the AHG deal was so good that he could not dip and pack and mount them himself for that cost. These guys were talking about buying a container to ship all their stuff back in.

 

[zip4644]

I just received my things back From AHG , the taxidermy was very well done, the experience was painless and I would recommend them without reservation....

 

[Trout Tracker]

Thanks everyone for your input and advice. All of my taxidermy has already been completed, and I was exploring using AHG to ship our already crated up box to DFW. After doing additional research and with help from the AH forum, I've decided to go another route. I just finished my wire transfer, so now I wait....

 

[Hunt anything]

Thanks everyone for your input and advice. All of my taxidermy has already been completed, and I was exploring using AHG to ship our already crated up box to DFW. After doing additional research and with help from the AH forum, I've decided to go another route. I just finished my wire transfer, so now I wait....

Who did finally go with? Looking forward to seeing the mounts.

 

[Richard@AHG]

So this is

Lot of outfitters not really taking too kind to this.

Richard here from TTS (Taxidermy & Trophy Solutions) which evolved out of the AHG Shipping business which I ran for 6 or so years before starting the Taxidermy side. I have spend 20 plus years in the media sector answering to, reporting on, doing what I can to promote, THE INDUSTRY and getting hunters to Africa. People have choices. Hunters have choices. And when comments are posted like this - "Outfitters are not really taking to kind...." it offers no fact, which people are asking for on such a platform and is designed to instill fear and or spread concern. I have not and will not comment on the state of any outfitter on a public platform without fact, and despite many facts, have chosen not too. My job is to promote hunting in Africa - and a subset of that is TTS - which is to SAVE MONEY & HUNT MORE.

Outfitters get commission - I pay 15% of the TTS fee. It's no different really to what Outfitters generally get from the taxidermist they 'recommend' - And in some cases, actually force their clients to use.
The fact is - I abhor being taken advantage of. And see no reason why a man who has saved up for a life's dream to come to Africa, as I was sitting next to a retired man this evening at Afton, should pay twice, or three times what a south African hunters pays for his kudu mount.
So I am being open - upfront, the price list is downloadable on the website - not shrouded in secrecy that you have to send a request to the taxidermist to get - only for them to send you the SA price list or the US$ one.
Other than Life Form and I think Karoo Taxidermy - you will not see any taxidermists at the major shows promoting African hunting.
You will definitely not see any Export shipping companies there.
What are they doing to add value to this industry and help grow hunting in Africa?
Next year will be my 25th year at the shows and TTS will be at all the major shows - DSC, SCI and Outdoor Extravaganza.
We are serious about promoting African hunting.
And I do not care about whether you mount the trophies in Africa or back home. There is a case for both - but if you are doing them back home - I am a very string advocate for doing the tanning in Africa for a variety of reasons - and it is all there on the site.

So while I make some mistakes in this unique model launched just 2 years back - as we fine tune things - we are here - will be facing the music and the hunters offering the very best we can so you can save money and hunt more - should you wish to use our services. But there is zero obligation. I do want to thank those that have so far, be it the shipping side and now recently, the TTS clients.
I am extremely positive about the future of hunting - and this platform plays a huge role.

 

[ajamils]

Who did finally go with? Looking forward to seeing the mounts.

Who did you end up going with? I'm going to SA, next month and will need a shipper to bring the trophies back to Houston.