Capes destroyed and useless

[JimP]

I believe that the big problem is that you are dealing with things on African time. In that they are very seldom in a hurry.

Then if you are dealing with a smaller dip and pack taxidermist there that are off the beaten path they'll wait until they have enough crates for a full shipment to the carriers warehouse in the larger city.

My first shipment was done in 4 months once my trophies hit the taxidermist in Port Elizabeth until my taxidermist here in the US received them.

My last trip I had my taxidermy done in South Africa. It was completed within 6 months, then I on African time. It didn't leave South Africa until 7 months later with me receiving my crate around the first of August.

But 14-15 months after I had shot them my trophies were on my wall.

 

[MarkB]

From my travel experience, I have learned that one cannot or should not assume or expect any other country to compare to NA concerning work times, work ethics, completion of task on time expectations or knowledge.

The contrary one must fit in with that countries ways. Most things totally surprise me. Many countries immediately close shop for afternoon sleeps/naps then stay open till all hrs of night?

Life long skinners using rock sharpened cook, kitchen or chef knives to do what they call detailed skinning.

Walking to well with one bucket of water per trip?

Shipping paperwork so messed up over and over again, when its their trade/job and companies business.

African taxidermy is same in my perspective. Get skins home as best as possible, then deal with what's in crate. Its Africa.

MB

 

[MarkB]

Many Thanks MB! Will give this a try when able.
Off Topic, but you are on V.I? I spend several weeks over there each year fishing!!

Yes on VI in the heart of fishing paradise, salmon capital of the world. Campbell River, shoot me a PM/DM when you are inbound. Besides hunting, fishing is my other obsession, 19 ft Double Eagle for saltwater boat, just ordered new motor today, Suzuki 140.

MB

 

[Philip Glass]

Philip,
I think you are spot on. I also wonder if we are not being gamed/extorted for not having the complete taxidermy done over there? I have a good friend who went to SA last April with his sons. They had their trophies done completely over there, and he received them, completed, last month! So, 9 months from kill to wall, while mine took 16 months just to D&P and ship!

I guess maybe one of my goals is to see if certain taxidermists over there are the problem, and if so, spread the word in the hunting community. If the question was asked of the PHs and Outfitters during the booking process " Do you use XYZ taxidermists? If so, I am not interested in booking with you", I would think the PHs/Outfitters would put tremendous pressure on the bad players to fix the problem.

Chris P

I think there should be some kind of guarantee from the outfitters. Nothing unreasonable but say dip and pack delivered in 12 months or they pay you X.

 

[Fixfire]

I am no taxidermy expert but I believe these hides can be used. What I want everyone to do is shame these Africans for taking over a year for a PG dip and pack shipment. This is unacceptable and they all should be called out on it. The Outfitters should bear the responsibility. These people, in so many cases, are completely incompetent and seemingly lazy. Over the years I've found out what part of the problem is. They wait until they have a big batch of trophies to collect. Then they wait until they have a big batch to do export paperwork. They wait for all the paperwork to be completed. Then they sit on it for months. And then they pack it and send it to a shipper that waits until they have a big batch to ship.
How do I know all of this. Because I have received dip and pack in 30 days and finished taxidermy in 8 months. It can be done!

Completely agree with having the Outfitter bear some of the responsibility. My PH/Outfitter highly recommended the Taxidermist for my May ‘24 Buff from a relatively local, highly respective group. So far, they have been great to deal with, communication, etc….
I consider the taxidermy outcome as under the umbrella of my hunt - particularly since it was discussed upfront.

 

[Philip Glass]

Completely agree with having the Outfitter bear some of the responsibility. My PH/Outfitter highly recommended the Taxidermist for my May ‘24 Buff from a relatively local, highly respective group. So far, they have been great to deal with, communication, etc….
I consider the taxidermy outcome as under the umbrella of my hunt - particularly since it was discussed upfront.

I think you and others should post a report on your taxidermy experience in Africa. I have had good luck lately with Bushman's River/Frontier Safaris taxidermy as far as quality and time.

 

[Fixfire]

I second the good experience with Frontier. Currently have a Buffalo at Bull’s Eye.

 

[PARA45]

Philip,
I think you are spot on. I also wonder if we are not being gamed/extorted for not having the complete taxidermy done over there? I have a good friend who went to SA last April with his sons. They had their trophies done completely over there, and he received them, completed, last month! So, 9 months from kill to wall, while mine took 16 months just to D&P and ship!

I guess maybe one of my goals is to see if certain taxidermists over there are the problem, and if so, spread the word in the hunting community. If the question was asked of the PHs and Outfitters during the booking process " Do you use XYZ taxidermists? If so, I am not interested in booking with you", I would think the PHs/Outfitters would put tremendous pressure on the bad players to fix the problem.

Chris P

I had a horrible first experience with a "reputable" South African taxidermy. I wrote a report about it, and I've been very vocal about this experience. Some on this forum sided with the SA taxi, and most with me. I feel for those SA taxidermists who do good work, but I'll never get my stuff done anywhere else, unless I have no choice. My taxidermy is going to be done in the US.

This is one of the issues I had to deal with; this is my impala and $800 worth of taxidermy. I was totally screwed, and the only solution the owner offered was for me to ship my impala (on my own dime), so he could fix it, and then I would pay for my finished taxidermy to get home. Here is my impala.