Possibly ruined Kudu cape?

[IdaRam]

I am in full agreement with jeff and Red Leg. This problem started with the Outfitter/skinners. That is not to say I wouldn’t be a bit disappointed with D&P for not letting me know there were some issues, but from what I can see this is not the fault of the Dip & Pack. They did what they could with what they were given.
Your Outfitter needs to be much more on top of the quality of work his skinners are doing. Just my opinion.

 

[Shootist43]

Between the outfitter and the Dip and Pack they should offer you a whole new hunt including Dip and Pack. IMHO they should cover your air fair as well.

 

[harden]

Conundrum......D and P will blame PH, Ph will blame D and P. wish you luck but this will go know where just the crappy finished seams on the backs of Aarons Kudu and I'm sure other mounts. Send that skin to a real good tannery and tell them about the situation, Some have real good skills to save capes. I know mine does. It won't cost you a THING as if it's good it will show after pickling and then they can proceed , if it's bad it will slip in the pickle at that point it can be shipped back to you if you want it and no reputable tanner will charge you for rehydrating it to see REAL condition. Your best MOVE it get some cash wired to you from either , a good tanned Kudu will set you back 200-300 bucks get them to reimburse you here for the cost. That's your BEST chance at a resolution. Send it see what it does, I have seen CRAP you think is gone be saved.

 

[BRICKBURN]

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

hi all

sounds like a strange situation here possibly with a not great outfit to boot
how do skulls with some flesh and bugs on get through to another country for a start
how does the taxidermist not inspect the products he received from the outfitter before doing his prep work for dip and ship, the taxidermist could easily have quickly cleaned the skin and skulls off before dipping (assuming they were fresh)
a replacement cape is best way to go, yes its not yours, but skull and horns are still from your kudu and thats the most important part

good luck on resolving this
outfitters and taxidermists need to communicate!!!

regards

 

[Red Leg]

Between the outfitter and the Dip and Pack they should offer you a whole new hunt including Dip and Pack. IMHO they should cover your air fair as well.

That's not going to happen. But it would be an interesting opening position for negotiating delivery of a problem free kudu cape.

 

[buck wild]

It's not ruined until you try tanning it. As Dennis has noted, there is a chance the cape will make it through the tanning process. IF IT DOESN'T then you have a replacement issue.
I'm not saying it wasn't a crappy job, because it was, but maybe it works itself out on this cape.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

It's not ruined until you try tanning it. As Dennis has noted, there is a chance the cape will make it through the tanning process. IF IT DOESN'T then you have a replacement issue.
I'm not saying it wasn't a crappy job, because it was, but maybe it works itself out on this cape.

Perhaps so, but that could be throwing good money after bad.

 

[jeff]

It's not ruined until you try tanning it. As Dennis has noted, there is a chance the cape will make it through the tanning process. IF IT DOESN'T then you have a replacement issue.
I'm not saying it wasn't a crappy job, because it was, but maybe it works itself out on this cape.

You are absolutely right, there may be no problem when it goes to tan and all the worrying and frustration may not be warranted.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

You are absolutely right, there may be no problem when it goes to tan and all the worrying and frustration may not be warranted.

What's it going to cost to find out would be my question.

 

[buck wild]

What's it going to cost to find out would be my question.

Phil, most tanneries in the US will not charge anything if the cape doesn’t make it through the process so really nothing to lose to try. Wet tan might be best bet to make it.

 

[jeff]

What's it going to cost to find out would be my question.

Once a good tanner re hydrates the cape and inspects it then he will know if it will tan ok, if it won't I've never been charged for them to do this.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Phil, most tanneries in the US will not charge anything if the cape doesn’t make it through the process so really nothing to lose to try. Wet tan might be best bet to make it.

Once a good tanner re hydrates the cape and inspects it then he will know if it will tan ok, if it won't I've never been charged for them to do this.

@Washingtonmuley, I think you have the next step identified in this process. Seems you should send this to the tannery and see what happens as it won't cost you anything and it may work out fine.

 

[harden]

Send it to a tannery that DOES A LOT of Africrap tanning.

 

[PARA45]

Good luck on trying to get anything from either the outfitter or DP. Based on my own personal experience, you will end up getting zero from both. Like other have stated, they'll point fingers at each other and nothing will be done. When stuff like this happens, the outfitter & DP know you are thousands of miles away, and there is nothing you can do to them from here. To some outfitters, taxidermist & DP we are only a number, who will pay, and go away. They have what I call an assembly line with inept workers, and all they care is how many animals they can process and how much money they will make. It is unfortunate that this happens and too often. I know there are reputable outfitters & taxidermist in Africa who work their a$$es off to get you quality products. However, these stories are way too common, and it's a gamble I'm not planning on taking on my next safari. Good luck to you, and let us know how it goes.

 

[Washingtonmuley]

My taxidermist in the states is going to personally take it to the tannery and speak with them about it.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

My taxidermist in the states is going to personally take it to the tannery and speak with them about it.

Hope it goes well.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I've been trying for six years at the ranges where I shoot, to get hunters interested in an Africa hunt. I give them the address to this site then they get on here and read this stuff and I don't hear from them again. There are many reputable outfitters, taxidermists, travel agencies, importers and shippers that people this site. Hopefully anyone reading this thread will understand this hunter's experience isn't the norm. A little research and a list of references goes a long way to ensuring a a totally successful hunt and a happy ending with awesome trophies on the wall.

 

[jeff]

My taxidermist in the states is going to personally take it to the tannery and speak with them about it.

Did the outfitter recommend the D&P place or did you request them? Many times the outfitter has some finger in the pie when it comes to D&P.

 

[Washingtonmuley]

Jeff,
This is who the outfitter uses for all his clients.