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.

 

[MarkB]

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?

If you have an unlimited bank account then do as you want and possibly as YOUR hunting outfit recommends.

My final D&P bill was 1/3 the total of my outfitter recommended company. My shipping was 30% less than my D&P company recommended. Just as most do when picking a safari outfitter/company do the same for all parts of your safari. Taxidermy or D&P, shipping, importer. Research companies, verify and get quotes from many. My D@P was done in Port Elizabeth by Hunters and Collectors (H&C), they were awesome, constant updates, best price, and gave me a full tour when I did the tourist thing after hunt. Keven and Nicole were by far the best from all my safaris. My crate passed Canadian Inspection in 10 mins with NO issues or fees, H&C work was perfect, they also do in house taxidermy, have a look at their showroom, I could not think of an African specie that is not mounted and on display. They never did my taxidermy but from what I saw it certainly looked good. I clear my own shipments so no need for importer for me. As for shipper, African Legacy Logistics (ALL) won that contract, (not AHG, ALL had lowest quote without any extra's, read quotes a few times, some companies charge for same things other's do, catch that or pay item twice) again outstanding service, great communication and they won that contract. Brett was on point for every aspect from sending paperwork, to communication with Turkish Air and finally a last follow up on how things were when crate landed in Vancouver, they also had a track number on crate, I followed crate to Van on internet system. As a heads up, if your shipment is planned for Sept to Dec expect delays as its the "citrus shipping season", it has priority so trophies get delayed now with so few companies flying "trophy's".

You have lots of time for some investigations and planning, you know what's on your safari "list" use that to get quotes, what you get may not be exact but most will be same and you can review quotes, talk to narrowed down companies and get the feel. When your safaris ends you will know who your outfit will send your trophies to and already have contacted them to make things smoother. Its all part of what makes safari so life changing.

MB

 

[375Fox]

If you have an unlimited bank account then do as you want and possibly as YOUR hunting outfit recommends.

My final D&P bill was 1/3 the total of my outfitter recommended company. My shipping was 30% less than my D&P company recommended. Just as most do when picking a safari outfitter/company do the same for all parts of your safari. Taxidermy or D&P, shipping, importer. Research companies, verify and get quotes from many. My D@P was done in Port Elizabeth by Hunters and Collectors (H&C), they were awesome, constant updates, best price, and gave me a full tour when I did the tourist thing after hunt. Keven and Nicole were by far the best from all my safaris. My crate passed Canadian Inspection in 10 mins with NO issues or fees, H&C work was perfect, they also do in house taxidermy, have a look at their showroom, I could not think of an African specie that is not mounted and on display. They never did my taxidermy but from what I saw it certainly looked good. I clear my own shipments so no need for importer for me. As for shipper, African Legacy Logistics (ALL) won that contract, (not AHG, ALL had lowest quote without any extra's, read quotes a few times, some companies charge for same things other's do, catch that or pay item twice) again outstanding service, great communication and they won that contract. Brett was on point for every aspect from sending paperwork, to communication with Turkish Air and finally a last follow up on how things were when crate landed in Vancouver, they also had a track number on crate, I followed crate to Van on internet system. As a heads up, if your shipment is planned for Sept to Dec expect delays as its the "citrus shipping season", it has priority so trophies get delayed now with so few companies flying "trophy's".

You have lots of time for some investigations and planning, you know what's on your safari "list" use that to get quotes, what you get may not be exact but most will be same and you can review quotes, talk to narrowed down companies and get the feel. When your safaris ends you will know who your outfit will send your trophies to and already have contacted them to make things smoother. Its all part of what makes safari so life changing.

MB

If you found pricing at 1/3 the cost of your outfitter’s recommendation that’s a poor reflection on the outfitter and the kick back they would have got. If I remember your hunt report correctly it included several problems encountered with the hunt and outfitter that aren’t typically seen. Everything for a good hunt starts by choosing an outfitter you can trust. I’ve seen a lot of dip and pack price lists from South Africa and Namibia they generally all fall in the same range. The last South African shipment I was given quotes by 3 shippers recommended by the taxidermy. I actually decided on the middle option at recommendation of the customs broker. It’s less about having an unlimited bank account and more about learning how to avoid problems. If you use your outfitter’s recommended taxidermist and their recommended shippers there is some accountability attached. If you make your own choices it’s on you entirely. You can get some other quotes so you know you are getting a fair deal, but trying to save $1 can end up costing a lot as well. There’s also a price to put on your time and stress when it can be simple.