AHG Trophy Shipping

[ActionBob]

Lot of outfitters not really taking too kind to this.

To clarify, I got the sales pitch on Taxidermy in RSA (Every RSA resident I've discussed taxidermy with gives a sort of sales pitch on doing it in RSA), and on shipping and specifically on the package deal or "one stop shop". We also discussed various curios both African items made in various countries and curio type items to be made from our animals. Like belts, book ends, furniture, light fixtures, etc.

We did not discuss any direct hunting financial issues or bookings. I'm aware of his Africa Dawn program from attending SCI. But he did not bring it up at Afton which is appropriate as I was there to hunt with a non participating Outfitter.

 

[Hunt anything]

I used them during Covid, my crate was ready to ship and paid for in late February or early March but was held up when everything shut down in March. I finally received the crate in June of 2021. It ended up adding about $1000 to my bill but communication was pretty good and the crate was held in a secure wharehouse and arrived in good shape.
I’m thinking of using them next year but I need to research what taxidermist they use because I am very particular about my taxidermy.

 

[eatmore-pbj]

Without controversy, can any one clearly comment on the quality of shoulder mounts that AHG Taxidermy has done for them? Who else is a respected taxidermist in Johannasburg that would pick up dip and ship from another country for mounting?

 

[Hunt anything]

When l used them they were only doing the shipping. I’m curious as well about the taxidermy side as well.

 

[ActionBob]

Without controversy, can any one clearly comment on the quality of shoulder mounts that AHG Taxidermy has done for them? Who else is a respected taxidermist in Johannasburg that would pick up dip and ship from another country for mounting?

Richard or his company does not directly di taxidermy. He facilitates it by having volume deals with i think at least 3 taxidermists in RSA, somewhat geographically dispersed. There are some examples of the work from each at Afton House.

From what I've seen it is above average for South Africa. Some are really great. @Just Gina loved the Giraffe and plans to have her recent one done the same. There is a spectacular kudu. A couple of things I thought could have been better, especially small predators. But that was subject to my taste in how the eyes and faces looked.

Although I don't think it speaks to the quality, I met a guy at one of lodges we hunted out of who is a taxidermist in the US. He and I think 3 friends were on their first African hunt and were making it a bit of a whirlwind tour and had so far taken 70 critters amongst them. This guy said the AHG deal was so good that he could not dip and pack and mount them himself for that cost. These guys were talking about buying a container to ship all their stuff back in.

 

[zip4644]

I just received my things back From AHG , the taxidermy was very well done, the experience was painless and I would recommend them without reservation....

 

[Trout Tracker]

Thanks everyone for your input and advice. All of my taxidermy has already been completed, and I was exploring using AHG to ship our already crated up box to DFW. After doing additional research and with help from the AH forum, I've decided to go another route. I just finished my wire transfer, so now I wait....

 

[Hunt anything]

Thanks everyone for your input and advice. All of my taxidermy has already been completed, and I was exploring using AHG to ship our already crated up box to DFW. After doing additional research and with help from the AH forum, I've decided to go another route. I just finished my wire transfer, so now I wait....

Who did finally go with? Looking forward to seeing the mounts.

 

[ajamils]

Who did finally go with? Looking forward to seeing the mounts.

Who did you end up going with? I'm going to SA, next month and will need a shipper to bring the trophies back to Houston.

 

[Hunt anything]

I just received my things back From AHG , the taxidermy was very well done, the experience was painless and I would recommend them without reservation....

Which taxidermist did the work for you?

 

[zip4644]

Which taxidermist did the work for you?

Timoland taxidermy did the Duiker (full Body) and splitting image did the shoulder mounts and euros.

 

[c04hoosier]

Timoland taxidermy did the Duiker (full Body) and splitting image did the shoulder mounts and euros.

I'm heading over for my first African hunt in April-May 2025 in Eastern Cape. We'll be flying into Port Elizabeth, so I was looking at having Splitting Image do the taxidermy and then AHG for shipping, arranging customs clearance, etc. But I'm very much a rookie at this. Any thoughts on that combination?

 

[375Fox]

I'm heading over for my first African hunt in April-May 2025 in Eastern Cape. We'll be flying into Port Elizabeth, so I was looking at having Splitting Image do the taxidermy and then AHG for shipping, arranging customs clearance, etc. But I'm very much a rookie at this. Any thoughts on that combination?

The process will work like this. Your outfitter will deliver or organize transport of your trophies to taxidermist. The taxidermist will deliver them to shipping agent. Shipping agent will send them to a port of entry in US. From there customs broker will clear shipment and organize final shipping. I have always taken outfitter’s recommendation on taxidermy because I have dip and pack to be mounted in US. The taxidermy will have several preferred shippers they regularly do business with you can get quotes from. Generally the only aspect you need to involve yourself in is choosing a broker in US (coppersmiths, SSI, genus, there are several). AHG isn’t a customs broker. Your broker choice will depend on your location and for me if they have a bonded warehouse there.