So. African Tanning

2lumpy · Apr 15, 2017

I've been told that hair on hide tanning, for capes and hide rugs, etc are a lot less expensive to have done in South Africa and then shipped home.

As many of you have been there numerous times, have you left your hides to be tanned or are you shipping them home prior to tanning. For those that have had then done in So. Africa, are you satisfied with the results?

My neighbor hunted So. Africa last June and has been having problems getting his plains game skulls, and hides back home. I think there have been problems with "power of attorney" demands by the importers in Atlanta. Is this typical. Are their import agencies that you've found to be better than others, if so, would you be willing to recommend your agent contact?

Thanks again.
DC

billc · Apr 16, 2017

any rugs your doing I would have tanned there as it is cheaper they hold up just fine. As for tanning for mounts I would talk with your taxidermist here that you will be using as some don't like having stuff tanned over there. Tanning has come along way over there and is fine but some guys want it tanned here to do the mounting.

I have used coppersmith to bring trophies in 3 times with no problems at all.

Seamaster · Apr 16, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Apr-16-17 AT 08:50AM (MST)[p] I have been using Matt Mayers (http://www.genuslogistics.com/)and I have been pleased. He is a former F&F guy and runs a good shop. His fees run a bit lower than F&F for the same service.

I like to get simple work (such as tanning, Euro mounts, etc.) done In Africa.

Fill out a few required forms in advance and relax. Big boxes are delivered to NY, cleared by Matt, his fees are then paid by me, and the big boxes are shipped FedEx to my door.

2lumpy · Apr 16, 2017

Thanks a lot gentlemen. I appreciate the information, I'll follow your recommendations.

Dc

llamapacker · Apr 16, 2017

I will basically echo those above. Have your tanning done in the US for any taxidermy work. There is some good tanning done in RSA, but also some truly 3rd rate tanning. Hard to control from overseas, and you are at the mercy of your PH who almost certainly had a hand in choosing who would do your tanning if left there. Not every PH even knows high quality tanning when he sees it. (Some hunters don't either! Same with taxidermy.)

Get charges in writing from the start. Air freight and dip and pack is getting outrageous from some vendors. It is hard to really shop around, but this is part of vetting your PH.

I have used Hunters International most recently (and most often) as my customs broker.

GOOD LUCK,

Bill

2lumpy · Apr 16, 2017

Thanks Bill, good to know. Have you found a quality back hide tannery in RSA or are you having your non-mounted back hides done here at home.

By the way, I want to thank all of you folks that have been so helpful, answering all of my questions. I can't begin to tell you how helpful you have all been. I'm a really inquisitive type and a lot of my fun comes from learning all I can, from where ever I can, when ever I go some place new, be it here at home or aboard. I seem to have more fun when I'm in a new environment, if I have done my homework, before heading out.

For me, each piece of the process is as rewarding as putting animals on the wall.

Again, thank you so very much.

DC

Bushwack · Apr 18, 2017

The problem is that in RSA there are lot of 'fly by nights taxidermist' that hasn't have any work experience. They 'cut prices' to come into 'the game' and here your problem starts...

Choose reputable taxidermist that will produce quality work. RSA is still cheaper then sending it back home to be done...but I assume if paying for Lion, buff or Elephant safaris you can afford the taxidermy in the USA...

Patrick
Think it...Dream it...Experience it...

2lumpy · Apr 18, 2017

I would assume the same, but some like myself and maybe other's, we aren't lion, buff or elephant hunting and never will be. So....... in as much as you're in RSA and know who is and who isn't reputable, would you mind sharing those that are doing good work, in Limpopo Province?

No need to list those that aren't. I'd prefer to keep the negative stuff to the PM side of the forum.

Thanks for sharing.

DC

Bushwack · Apr 23, 2017

>I would assume the same, but
>some like myself and maybe 7
>other's, we aren't lion, buff
>or elephant hunting and never
>will be. So....... in
>as much as you're in
>RSA and know who is
>and who isn't reputable, would
>you mind sharing those that
>are doing good work, in
>Limpopo Province?
>
>No need to list those that
>aren't. I'd prefer to
>keep the negative stuff to
>the PM side of the
>forum.
>
>Thanks for sharing.
>
>DC

I use Safari Taxidermy http://www.safaritaxidermy.co.za/ & Life Form Taxidermist http://lifeformtaxidermy.com/ in Limpopo and Savuti Taxidermy http://www.savutitaxidermy.co.za/ in Johannesburg which collect all over RSA

but these have very good reviews:

http://www.bullseyetaxidermy.co.za/
http://www.capricorntaxidermy.co.za/node/13
http://www.trophy-care.com/

Patrick
Think it...Dream it...Experience it...

2lumpy · Apr 24, 2017

Thanks Bushwack. None of the places list any of their tanning prices on their web site but at least now I know where to call, when I get over to RSA.

DC

STOMPER · May 1, 2017

i had a full black giraffe flat skin rug tanned in africa for $1,100! i was quoted $10,200 in america for it. i had american quotes anywhere from $10k to $14,000. i opted for the african cheap tan and ten years later my rug is still as beautiful as ever. cant go wrong in my opinion.

2lumpy · May 2, 2017

Thanks T, was the tanner in So. Africa, if so, who was it?

DC

ruttinbull · May 26, 2017

I just walked in a few hours ago from South Africa. The last thing I did was visit two taxidermists. I picked up two skins that we shot last year and am very pleased; in fact both are within a few feet of me as I type.

I used Paul Smith from Relive Taxidermy (Port Elizabeth). Paul does ship the hides out for flat skins, who he uses, I dont know. Bottom line is that they are gorgeous and well done.

While there, I dropped off several items to be done, including another hide I am having to ultimately be made into a rifle bag. After visiting the shop, I am quite excited to see the results.

2lumpy · May 27, 2017

Thanks a lot for sharing that information ruttinbull. As a point of reference, if you don't mind, what is Paul charging to tan the skins. Also, was there any backing added to them or did you just have them tanned and left natural, without backing.

Again, thank you very much for the information.

DC

ruttinbull · May 28, 2017

I picked up his current price sheet. I'm just going to take a few select critters to give you an idea of what he charges. All prices are US dollars

Kudu Flat Skin Tanning: 265
Kudu Shoulder Mount: 800

Springbok flat Skin tanning: 100
springbok shoulder mount: 445

zebra flat skin tanning: 550
zebra shoulder mount: 760

red hartebeest flat skin: 205
red hartebeest shoulder mount: 650

I dont believe he has a website. He does have a facebook page under relive taxidermy

I am not a representative of his, only met him a week ago. Just providing the information as a reference point.

As mentioned before, I believe he sends the hides out to be tanned elsewhere. Where, I do not know and I do not know if they can be dealt with directly.

Remember you will have crating and shipping fees. Depending on what work you want done, may have dip and pack fees as well.
For instance, I am having two of my animals shipped back to the states for taxidermy work here. My steenbok and oribi will cost 95 each for the dip and pack work. If it were a kudu, same cost. Giraffe would be 300.

For the hides: no backing on mine. Just a very well done finish. My daughters springbok hide is now draped over the couch, and my wife put it there. She does not like Africa animals and is a bit of a testament to what she thinks of his work! If you need photos, pm me and we can make arrangements. I check this site about twice a week.

billc · May 28, 2017

Paul does all my African animals. He does nt have a website only the facebook page. He does send it all out to be tanned and he will do backing if you want. Not sure if the pricelist will post but if it does not show up you can email me at capwe6@aol and I will send it to you.

2lumpy · May 28, 2017

I took a look at Paul's facebook page and his kudu mounts maybe the best I've seen. However, this zebra is off the charts the best representation of Africa that I've ever seen, bar none. What ever it costs, what ever it takes, this is what I want done to represent what I expect will be my one and only trip to the continent

So........ it looks like I'll be adding a zebra to my list for the trip.

Thanks a bunch for your information gentlemen, so many of you have given very worth while input. Getting closer and I'm starting to get that ole funny feeling about a pending hunt. Haven't had that flutter for some years now, it's a welcome old friend.

DC

ruttinbull · May 28, 2017

I saw that zebra while I was there. It is certainly cool!

Glad I could help a little bit.

One last note. If you hunt the Eastern Cape and fly into Port Elizabeth, ask your meet and greet person to take you to his shop to have a look at the stuff yourself. You will have to send an email ahead of time to make sure Paul is there. You can then have a first hand look at what is ready to be shipped out. All that stuff is there right in front of you as you walk in, with tags indicating who it is to be shipped to.

There is another taxidermy studio not far away from there that I visited also that has a pretty good reputation, Splitting Image. I saw how they do things but did not get to see the stuff ready to be shipped as we ended up talking about other things and got distracted.

My final bit of advice would be to fly into Port Elizabeth and plan on staying the night there to sleep off some jet lag. I have been over three times and in each case, know I had a good time the first two days, but can barely remember what happened due to jet lag! Ive been home only 2.5 days now and can barely remember what happened on the first two days of this trip! Thank God I kept a journal and can tell you I shot an impala, springbok, and warthog on those first two days. The fog clears up after that.

Who are you going to hunt with? Will it be in the Eastern Cape?

2lumpy · May 29, 2017

We're hunting in Limpopo Province. We are doing four days in Kruger National Park, prior to our hunting activities. We'll let the fog clear in the Park.

Our flight is booked into Johannesburg, with pick up there.

I'll have to look into the logistics of getting our stuff to Paul from Limpopo. Can't imagine that should be too difficult, it looks like he's got stuff in his shop from all over Africa.

I really appreciate your info on the skins and the quality of the leather etc. I've never cared for hides with backing attached to them. The backing always starts to look ratty and nasty after a few years of wear.

DC

2lumpy · May 29, 2017

billc, I attempted to e-mail you and got this message back:

The address "capwe6@aol" in the "To" field was not recognized. Please make sure that all addresses are properly formed.

My email is:

[email protected]

Thank you for offering to send Paul's price list. I'm very interested in what he charges for the Zebra with the hide, as well as other hide tanning prices. Don't want much other stuff mounted but would be interested in what he charges to do European type skull mounts.

Thanks again, I appreciate your sharing the information.

DC

billc · May 29, 2017

You should have an email from me now with the info.

2lumpy · May 30, 2017

They came through, thank you. I really liked the eland mount. Beautiful.

DC

Ltsheets · Jun 2, 2017

Not to hijack but thanks to everyone for their input on this thread. I'm heading out in July and was already considering Relive for some tanning/euro/dip and pack work and this is starting to make that seem like a great idea to save some money. Thanks billc for the recommendation!

Ltsheets · Jun 2, 2017

Also, do you still have to pay for dipping for European mounts you have done at Relive? I'm assuming that's a dumb question and you do have to pay still to dip it but just wanted to make sure.

darrack10 · Jul 2, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Jul-02-17 AT 05:30PM (MST)[p]I have also used Paul. My stuff is shipping this week actually. I only had his dipping and packing services done, but that is only because i have a friend here in Texas that does tons of African stuff. Paul work is awesome and he is great to work with. He will reply to emails very timely and has been a pleasure to work with. If you want any pictures send me your number and I can send a bunch. I took tons of pics of the stuff in his studio. I will update when my stuff arrives and let you know how the shipping was as well as the condition of everything, im sure it will be great.