REPORT: Taxidermist Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth Johannesburg

[gutterdoc]

Hello all,
Looking for advice on choosing a taxidermist on the Eastern Cape near Port Elizabeth. Is there one that you preferred or disliked and why? I have some info on Wild Africa Taxidermy and Highveld near Johannesburg. Any others would be great. There does seem to be a large price difference between some and I don't know why. Any news on Bullseye or Splitting Image. My PH/Outfitter will deliver within a reasonable range. Just trying to find one who offers a clean, detailed representation on the animal. We have all seen some bad work.

 

[Diamondhitch]

Don't go on price, there are some real scabby taxis in Africa, you need to choose wisely.

I often visit Relive Africa taxidermys facebook page to get Ideas for my own mounts, they are well respected by many top North American Taxis (no small feat) and their work is as good as you will find in the US. They are from Port Elizabeth.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Relive-Africa-Taxidermy-South-Africa/180274468653002

 

[Blue Skies Hunting Adventures]

I have used highveld for all my trips, no complaints from me.

 

[billc]

I never used them but looked at there facebook page.The work they show there is very good and as good as most I have seen in the states.They even made a blesbuck mount look good and to me that is not an easy task as they are just so plain.The bushpig mounts look great also.I may check them out when in the cape to see if all there work looks that good in person.from the pic's they show I would not be scared to use them unless there prices are more then what I could get in the states.

 

[gutterdoc]

How do I get in touch with them? Putting together a nice list of mounts and would like to see the pricing schedule. Facebook....my arch nemesis. Anyone have an email?

 

[BRICKBURN]

How do I get in touch with them? Putting together a nice list of mounts and would like to see the pricing schedule. Facebook....my arch nemesis. Anyone have an email?

Paul Smith
Relive Africa Taxidermy
Port Elizabeth
Cell: 083 234 1486
Email: reliveafrica@mweb.co.za

FYI He is also a TASA member

 

[gutterdoc]

Thank you Sir. Email sent.

 

[gillettehunter]

I would probably not recommend Highveld. Our group had some problem and I believe some were as a result of how they handled the capes. Some just never arrived. Bruce

 

[gutterdoc]

Oh boy. Anyone heard anything about Splitting Image, Karoo, Wild Africa, Hunters and Collectors or Taxidermy Africa? Too many choices.

 

[enysse]

I have used Splitting Image, they go good work. Definitely look into Diamondhitch's guy and Bob Puckett uses a good guy too "Cecil".

 

[Diamondhitch]

Oh boy. Anyone heard anything about Splitting Image, Karoo, Wild Africa, Hunters and Collectors or Taxidermy Africa? Too many choices.

Hunters and collectors "collected" my bosses Safari 3 years ago and it is still part of their collection, they no longer answer his emails.

I don't know about the rest.

 

[dobber]

I got a quote from Karoo and prices seem reasonable. I have a hard time with mounts as I like to touch and feel and check out a few details. Scoring 1000's of deer I have seen many mounts, I know quality pretty quick with a touch of an ear, or if the nose is plugged, corners of the eyes among a few other things.
Am going with Euro mounts this trip, might bring back the hide of an animal or two for getting done when I can sneak it past the wife

 

[Blue Skies Hunting Adventures]

I can sneak it past the wife

Not that's true dangerous game hunting!!!! Sorry couldn't resist.

 

[Diamondhitch]

The thing with Taxidermy is we have to live with it for the rest of our lives. We pay 10,000 or more for a hunt and then accept sub par or "good enough" taxidermy to save a few hundred.

Keep in mind that especially in places like Africa you get what you pay for. That good deal gets real sour when you find that the preservation techniques are sub par and the hair starts to loosen and the seam starts to split a few years after it goes in your trophy room. Be sure that the company you use actually tans the hide, many will say they do but its not always the truth. Actual tanning is expensive and adds to the price of any proper high quality taxidermy.

Quality taxidermy is an investment, anything less is an expense.

 

[desertloper]

My work was completed by Doug and his crew at Splitting Image...check my profile for the pics.

I toured their shop, and have seen work back in the USA from 3 other clients of theirs done at different times...top notch.

Their communication.. Email and phone was amazing. A response within 24 hrs every time.

Let me know if you have more detailed questions.

 

[adgunner]

Gutterdoc, i am using Wild Africa Taxidermy, came recommended from my PH. Shipment should be leaving from them soon for Canada. I toured the facility and was impressed while i was there last summer. Any questions or concerns i have had have been answered professionally and with speed.

 

[gutterdoc]

Adgunner,

Who are you hunting with? I know some of the PH's have preferred taxidermists. The two taxis recommended to me by prospective PH's were Wild Africa and Highveld. I have heard great things here on the forum and by phone about others such as Relive, Splitting Image, and Umlindi. This is definitely a recon mission as our hunt takes place in 2015. I just prefer to be prepared as possible.

 

[adgunner]

Gutterdoc, hunted with KMG (Marius) last year and headed back this summer for round two. Gwen at Wild Africa Taxidermy has been outstanding to date. I actually left my deposit on the taxidermy with Marius. When the work is done and ready for shipment, Marius will go have a look and make the final payment on my behalf. It is a working relationship as i understand it between KMG and the taxidermist and gives me that little extra reassurance.

 

[Buff-Buster]

Gutterdoc,
As most know on here, I use Bullseye Taxidermy. 100% satisfied (and I am pretty picky!) Great service, great quality, great people and great prices. First class operation.

View attachment Bullseye 2014 USD Pricelist.pdf

Bullseye Pricelist

Bull's Eye Taxidermy

Wes

 

[gutterdoc]

All the information has been very helpful. I now have price lists for Highveld, Wild Africa, Relive, Bullseye, Taxidermy Africa and Umlindi. Just waiting for Splitting Image. I have emailed them with no luck yet. Does anyone have a price list for them? Secondly, if someone would like a price list from the others mentioned above, drop me a line. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I like some work better than others, but we all have our opinions. Price is part of it, but not everything. I agree, don't save a little money for what you believe to be something you won't enjoy for years to come. Too much invested. Choose wisely grasshopper.