African Taxidermy-worth it?

[hunterofelk]

Has anyone had their trophy mounts lost overseas? This happened to me and I can't think of any solution other than chaulking it up to experience. I wonder if the taxidermist thought I couldn't tell the difference. Anyway I'd like to know if anyone has any advice.

 

[scottyboy]

you said it best.. if you want the best quality in your mounts, AND peace of mind, spend the extra cash and have your trophies shipped back here to the States and let your taxidermist handle them..
chalk it up to a lesson learned.. But don't let it discourage you from going back to Africa!!

 

[Bambistew]

I really couldnt' find any savings. Maybe a 5-10% at best. I brought all mine home and had the hides/capes tanned and will get them mounted as funds permitt.

Actually I'm not sure I'll have any african critters mounted again, probably just go with euro mounts and take lots of pictures. Might not even have them shipped home next time. IMO the hunt and the memories from that hunt are worth more than a bunch of critters hanging on the wall.

 

[OutdoorWriter]

>>I brought all mine home and had the hides/capes tanned and will get them mounted as funds permitt.<<

Bambi,

If you plan to keep them for more than a year, be sure to wrap them well and FREEZE the tanned hides. Otherwise, they will deteriorate to the point where they can't be used on a MOUNT.

Take it from someone who learned the hard way by storing a bunch for a couple years in sealed plastic trash bags. I now have the hides of a life-size mountain lion, two life-size black bears, a life-size blackbuck and several other shoulder-mount critters used as decorations or chair and table covers in my trophy room.

What happens is the tanning oils dry out. So when the taxidermist soaks a hide to stretch it, the hide tears. My taxiermist took a couple of mine and tested them on an inconspicuous part. No go for any of them. :-(

It did save me a few grand in taxidermy bills, tho. -TONY