Taxidermy fees?

[grayghost]

Your PH should be able to answer all of your questions. If not, then consider dealing with a professional. Taxidermy for the most part in Africa is sub-quality, and you'll pay dearly for transportation costs. In the end you'll have bad looking mounts and will have saved no money. I do this for a living so I know what I'm talking about, not speculation or hearsay.
gg

[madmurph]

I have to agree with Grayghost. I was initially considering having my trophies completed in South Africa as well. After seeing some of the work in person, I was less than impressed with the overall quality of the mounts. I would strongly suggest having the hides and horns shipped here for completion.

I opted to have my work completed here in the States by a taxidermist who is experienced with and specializes in African mounts. By the time you pay shipping for a crate large enough for finished mounts you will be better off having the work completed here in the States.

Although it was two years ago and prices will have changed, I paid the taxidermist in South Africa approximately $1000 to dip and pack kudu, blesbok, impala, wildebeest, and bushbuck for shoulder mounts, zebra for shoulder mount as well as backskin, and warthog, springbok and duiker for full life size mounts. Shipping was $1300 from South Africa to the broker in Chicago.

If cost is an issue, the few taxidermists that I talked to here said that they were willing to complete a couple mounts at a time if tanning costs were paid up front. Your thoughts as a former taxidermist Grayghost?