Capes destroyed and useless

[Capt. Red]

Hello All,

I just joined the forum, and while I wish my first post was a positive one, it unfortunately is not.

In April, 2003 I went to SA for my first safari. A truly wonderful experience. I enjoyed the wildlife, the PA and his crew, etc. The issues began after I returned home.

I expected a 8-10 month delay in getting my capes, skulls, and horns returned to the U.S, but began to worry a bit after the 10 months and zero word from the PA or taxidermist over there. Communications were spotty at best, and my taxidermist over here, who has had extensive experience both hunting in SA, and mounting SA game, began to get nervous, as he had had several clients who had gotten capes back after extended periods of time that were unworkable. I contacted the PH multiple times to inquire as to the status of my pieces, with little return info. The pieces were finally shipped over 16 months after my hunt. There were never any issues with my paying any invoices, etc in a very timely manner, so that was not the issue.

Well, long story shorter- My capes finally arrived at the tanner in December, and I just got them last week. 4 of the 7 capes are completely unusable according to my taxidermist here ( Nyala, Kudu, Blesbuk and Impala). They are heavily orange-tinged (Mold?)

and hard as a brick bat. Has anyone else experienced this? I do not want to drag a SA taxidermists name thru the mud, and so will not post the name at this time, but am willing to share it privately to see if this taxidermist has a track-record of this poor performance. If so, then would be willing to "spread the word". I am truly sick to my stomach that someone's poor work has deprived me of being able to physically touch my memories of this once-in-a-lifetime hunt.

Thanks,
Chris P

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

I assume you mean 2023 instead of 2003?

 

[Capt. Red]

Oh Jeez, yeah....

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Are you atleast able to have euro mounts done or were the skulls improperly handled as well?

 

[Rare Breed]

Hello All,

I just joined the forum, and while I wish my first post was a positive one, it unfortunately is not.

In April, 2003 I went to SA for my first safari. A truly wonderful experience. I enjoyed the wildlife, the PA and his crew, etc. The issues began after I returned home.

I expected a 8-10 month delay in getting my capes, skulls, and horns returned to the U.S, but began to worry a bit after the 10 months and zero word from the PA or taxidermist over there. Communications were spotty at best, and my taxidermist over here, who has had extensive experience both hunting in SA, and mounting SA game, began to get nervous, as he had had several clients who had gotten capes back after extended periods of time that were unworkable. I contacted the PH multiple times to inquire as to the status of my pieces, with little return info. The pieces were finally shipped over 16 months after my hunt. There were never any issues with my paying any invoices, etc in a very timely manner, so that was not the issue.

Well, long story shorter- My capes finally arrived at the tanner in December, and I just got them last week. 4 of the 7 capes are completely unusable according to my taxidermist here ( Nyala, Kudu, Blesbuk and Impala). They are heavily orange-tinged (Mold?)View attachment 669998View attachment 669999 and hard as a brick bat. Has anyone else experienced this? I do not want to drag a SA taxidermists name thru the mud, and so will not post the name at this time, but am willing to share it privately to see if this taxidermist has a track-record of this poor performance. If so, then would be willing to "spread the word". I am truly sick to my stomach that someone's poor work has deprived me of being able to physically touch my memories of this once-in-a-lifetime hunt.

Thanks,
Chris P

So sorry for your bad experience. While there is no guarantee Africa Taxis will do as good a work as your US one I have found I am always better off getting my Taxi done in Africa. While I have never been disappointed with the work they rarely hit there time lines. At least in my 8 safaris I have never had damage to my taxi all done in Africa

 

[Gemsbok45]

I have nothing against African taxidermy. Send my trophies and you mount at your pleasure. If there is a problem you toss the cape and look for another. Dip and pack only!

 

[gizmo]

Of course I don’t have them in my hands to look at but from the pics they do not appear to be unusable. Looks like a little grease burn but believe me I’ve dealt with a lot worse. All things considered they look pretty good. About 80% of all the taxidermy I do is African and I get capes in a hellava lot worse shape than that. We do everything we can to work with the clients capes. Over the years I’ve had 3 that were completely unusable but for a shop that runs several hundred African mounts a year that’s really not bad. I’ve also seen taxidermists that aren’t used to working with them claim they aren’t usable when they are. Not saying that is what the deal is here but if one isn’t used to them it can be quite overwhelming. I’ve unfortunately seen a few who know how to work with and fix them but don’t want to deal with it so they claim they aren’t usable. Again, not saying that’s the deal here but unfortunately it does happen occasionally.

 

[Rubberhead]

My stuff followed an almost identical timeline but it arrived in perfect condition (other than smelling of moth balls). The only difference was that I had all the final work done in Africa by an African taxidermist. This isn't for the OP but rather anyone else that may see this - take serious consideration of having all your taxidermy done in Africa. It just makes things easier and reduces risks.

 

[3chunter]

My taxidermist is 8 miles away. And all I can tell you is his price is identical to the three taxidermists I checked out/ researched in East Cape. By the time I paid for larger crate and such I would actually spend more money getting it done over there. No way would I not do dip and pack unless I had to for some reason. No recourse if your mount comes back messed up, etc.
I am no taxidermist but I have seen worse capes turn out decent.

 

[ActionBob]

My stuff followed an almost identical timeline but it arrived in perfect condition (other than smelling of moth balls). The only difference was that I had all the final work done in Africa by an African taxidermist. This isn't for the OP but rather anyone else that may see this - take serious consideration of having all your taxidermy done in Africa. It just makes things easier and reduces risks.

That's some bold statements

There are always risks! I had a large crate of finished mounts that got delayed just prior to covid and missed it's ride. So it sat and shipping rates tripled. Ended up shipping it ocean freight but then got stung with some ridiculous dock fees and they tried to scam me on inland freight but fortunately I have enough trucking contacts I got it hauled for less than half of what they wanted. The crate had one end busted up but fortunately everything inside was ok.

If you dip and pack skins they are such a smaller package. So it's a lot less hassle especially once in the States. Most can be delivered on a small van like UPS or FedEx or DHL.

If mounted in Africa, most hunters have a challenge getting over to see their mounts before they are shipped. Photos help but don't show everything. I had several really screwed up over there but fortunately got over to see them and got them fixed. If they had shipped that way, I'd have had hell to pay to get them fixed here.OK.

And then if you have them mounted here you van have the issues in this thread but also can face much higher costs. Used to be mostly made up in shipping but that can be a bit of a fluid dynamic... My current take is that getting them mounted in South Africa is the lowest cost option since taxidermy prices here remain high but shipping costs have abated some.

Taxidermy, especially when the critters are coming over an ocean, is expensive and risky no matter how you do it.

 

[mark-hunter]

Nothing much you can do. What you get, you get.

Horns are most important.

To have maximum damage control of your original taxidermy plan: try to work out with taxidermy shop to send you again other capes on maximum discount, yes it will cost again.
Or, to buy capes locally in the states. yes it will cost, but much less.
Third option, just put the scull mounts on the wall.
It is not worth crying over a spilled milk, just move on.

Several times on the forum I wrote that entire trophy shipping and local taxidermy is the weakest link in safari industry.
Someone with interest in this part, tried to convince me once it is not like that. Like they have everything transparent, predictable, reliable, bla bla

But actually it is unpredictable. Taxidermy after the hunt is unpredictable: time-wise, money-wise, delivery-wise and quality-wise.
In my experience this part of logistics can not be planned. Plan for the best, be ready for the worst, and pay the bills when they arrive. Thats how it is.

My experience: safari costs - tickets, trophies and boots on the ground - can really be planned to the last cent, and with predictable success rate. (well done, outfitters!)

But in 4 safaris done, with my trophy on the wall costs, and quality I have never managed to properly plan in advance. Consider this a lottery. Some win, some lose, but most of us hunt again.

 

[MarkB]

I agree with @gizmo, maybe grease burned when tanned. Hard to tell without feel and close look. I would neutralize and soak up, downy, salt and water. Then see if they are mountable, stretchy? From my limited experience grease burned hides rip, tear, do not hold a stich well and are very difficult to work with. But can be used, especially on yours, its lower brisket area, normally tucked in leg pits. Easier to hide.

I would soak up, do repairs and mount one to see. You still have hair on and not as many cuts, holes and issues as some I have mounted.

Give it a shot, good luck. Its African skins.

MB

 

[Rare Breed]

Of course I don’t have them in my hands to look at but from the pics they do not appear to be unusable. Looks like a little grease burn but believe me I’ve dealt with a lot worse. All things considered they look pretty good. About 80% of all the taxidermy I do is African and I get capes in a hellava lot worse shape than that. We do everything we can to work with the clients capes. Over the years I’ve had 3 that were completely unusable but for a shop that runs several hundred African mounts a year that’s really not bad. I’ve also seen taxidermists that aren’t used to working with them claim they aren’t usable when they are. Not saying that is what the deal is here but if one isn’t used to them it can be quite overwhelming. I’ve unfortunately seen a few who know how to work with and fix them but don’t want to deal with it so they claim they aren’t usable. Again, not saying that’s the deal here but unfortunately it does happen occasionally.

If anyone can fix messed up taxi from Africa its @gizmo !!!!! He is the best!!!

 

[Rubberhead]

There are always risks! I had a large crate of finished mounts that got delayed just prior to covid and missed it's ride. So it sat and shipping rates tripled. Ended up shipping it ocean freight but then got stung with some ridiculous dock fees and they tried to scam me on inland freight but fortunately I have enough trucking contacts I got it hauled for less than half of what they wanted. The crate had one end busted up but fortunately everything inside was ok.

If you dip and pack skins they are such a smaller package. So it's a lot less hassle especially once in the States. Most can be delivered on a small van like UPS or FedEx or DHL.

Good points @ActionBob that I hadn't thought of.

All I got was euro skulls and tanned hides so mine was still a fairly small shipment.

 

[coreydb]

I feel back for you, but I wouldn't hold back at all. I'd post the name of the business with the pictures, timeline, and lack of communication. I the PH recommended the taxidermist, I'd bring in his name as well, since he failed to communicate with you as well. Don't need to drag them through the mud, just describe the entire timeline; number of times you contacted them, the non responses, feeble non-responses, the knowingly messed up hides returned without any forewarning, etc.

 

[Mekaniks]

Hello All,

I just joined the forum, and while I wish my first post was a positive one, it unfortunately is not.

In April, 2003 I went to SA for my first safari. A truly wonderful experience. I enjoyed the wildlife, the PA and his crew, etc. The issues began after I returned home.

I expected a 8-10 month delay in getting my capes, skulls, and horns returned to the U.S, but began to worry a bit after the 10 months and zero word from the PA or taxidermist over there. Communications were spotty at best, and my taxidermist over here, who has had extensive experience both hunting in SA, and mounting SA game, began to get nervous, as he had had several clients who had gotten capes back after extended periods of time that were unworkable. I contacted the PH multiple times to inquire as to the status of my pieces, with little return info. The pieces were finally shipped over 16 months after my hunt. There were never any issues with my paying any invoices, etc in a very timely manner, so that was not the issue.

Well, long story shorter- My capes finally arrived at the tanner in December, and I just got them last week. 4 of the 7 capes are completely unusable according to my taxidermist here ( Nyala, Kudu, Blesbuk and Impala). They are heavily orange-tinged (Mold?)View attachment 669998View attachment 669999 and hard as a brick bat. Has anyone else experienced this? I do not want to drag a SA taxidermists name thru the mud, and so will not post the name at this time, but am willing to share it privately to see if this taxidermist has a track-record of this poor performance. If so, then would be willing to "spread the word". I am truly sick to my stomach that someone's poor work has deprived me of being able to physically touch my memories of this once-in-a-lifetime hunt.

Thanks,
Chris P

I recommend that you box them up and get them to @gizmo and his Top of Texas Taxidermy shop.....Then decide what to do, or not do, with them....

 

[coreydb]

Also.....Kanati Reproductions out of Pennsylvania creates trophy replicas. I talked to them at the recent SCI convention regarding a Hippo green-dart trophy of mine. Talk with him to possibly find a solution with your hides. Kanati.com; 717-933-4828

 

[rookhawk]

I know this runs contrary to some of the posts above, but unrelated to the OP's comments.

I highly recommend NOT getting work done in Africa.

1.) What you save in taxidermy, you more than make up for in shipping charges due to volumetric surcharges.

2.) You have zero recourse if you get bad African taxidermy. You paid for it all and its junk. Now what? Had you sent over skins and some are bad, you didn't have to pay to mount bad skins you're going to throw away.

3.) Bonus tip. ALWAYS bring back your entire skull, not just the caps. Worst case scenario, you can have lovely euro mounts provided they didn't chop up the skulls.

If you have ruined green skins and good horns on US soil, you can always get replacement skins. Sometimes the Africans accept it was their neglect and find you free skins (but you must import), other times you can find a US taxidermist with the skins.

 

[ActionBob]

I know this runs contrary to some of the posts above, but unrelated to the OP's comments.

I highly recommend NOT getting work done in Africa.

1.) What you save in taxidermy, you more than make up for in shipping charges due to volumetric surcharges.

2.) You have zero recourse if you get bad African taxidermy. You paid for it all and its junk. Now what? Had you sent over skins and some are bad, you didn't have to pay to mount bad skins you're going to throw away.

3.) Bonus tip. ALWAYS bring back your entire skull, not just the caps. Worst case scenario, you can have lovely euro mounts provided they didn't chop up the skulls.

If you have ruined green skins and good horns on US soil, you can always get replacement skins. Sometimes the Africans accept it was their neglect and find you free skins (but you must import), other times you can find a US taxidermist with the skins.

All has been true but your number 1. Is extremely variable and has recently turned false. It all "depends".

On our hunt last year we met 4 guys on their first hunt and they were going all out! One guy was a taxidermist and he was having all his critters done in South Africa because it was so much cheaper and he claimed he could not do it himself for that. There were planning to fill a full 40' container.

Something i have done is put a couple trips worth together into a large shipment. And it is not a major hurdle to get good pictures or plan another trip around going to see your mounts before they ship.

Right now I'm wishing we'd have shipped our Tanzania trophies to RSA for tanning and mounting. Some things are triple the cost here.

All this stuff has been crazy since covid and each situation warrents individual scrutiny. There is no stock answer.

 

[JimP]

One other thing on having mounts done in SA, time.

If I would of done dip and pack and had my taxidermist here in the US do my mounts I would just now perhaps be picking up the mounts that I shot in 2022, in stead of having them on my wall in 2023. The extra shipping did almost take up the savings, but I had my mounts a lot sooner.

Yes, you can have bad African taxidermy, you can also have bad US taxidermy along with other problems here in the US where your only recourse is to take the taxidermist to court and get pennies back on dollars.

In the end game you need to do your due diligence on who you are trusting with your mounts.