SOUTH AFRICA: Kuche Safaris - Free State - August 2024

[Hyde]

I enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing!

 

[KuduKiller]

Great report!
I personally have hunted with Kuche 5 times as well as Kololo Safaris twice. I know Kololo has since dissolved and that’s a good thing! I can’t say enough positive things about Koos and the staff at Kuche Safaris. The last several trips I have taken groups of friends with me to enjoy the experience at Kuche Safaris. Koos, Sharon, Otto, Tiaan, Robert, Fee, Quintin and even the older gentleman who cuts firewood for the fire pit (who hates me by the way, I love a big fire) are there for you! I have had the pleasure of watching Koos’ children grow into fine adults. I often tell people that Koos and his family are my South African family and the lodge in Limpopo is my home away from home! I have met people from around the US in camp in the past years and I still talk to them to this day! It’s truly amazing to get up in the early morning to hear the doves wake up or the song of the jackal at night around the fire!

 

[Arty0802]

Glad to hear your hunt/experience was a success.

 

[cwickgo9]

Had some buddies that hunted with them late 2021 and they still don’t have their stuff.

We hunted in August 23. Supposed to send skins and skulls here (US) for taxidermy, still dont have them. I've touched base with Koos himself and was given some reasons for delay including some new buildings, etc. but cant understand how that impacts items that supposedly were given to the taxidermist there months ago.
And for that matter, can anyone explain why if the work was supposed to be done in the US, why they werent already sent? Its not like I'm waiting on the taxidermist there to tan the hides or strip the skulls. I just dont understand the delay.

 

[Hunt anything]

We hunted in August 23. Supposed to send skins and skulls here (US) for taxidermy, still dont have them. I've touched base with Koos himself and was given some reasons for delay including some new buildings, etc. but cant understand how that impacts items that supposedly were given to the taxidermist there months ago.
And for that matter, can anyone explain why if the work was supposed to be done in the US, why they werent already sent? Its not like I'm waiting on the taxidermist there to tan the hides or strip the skulls. I just dont understand the delay.

I just read through this thread and noticed some clients had to pay for taxidermy in full upon departure. What if a hide falls apart during tanning or some other damage happens to your trophy? That would be a red flag for me, they have no incentive to do anything since they already have their money. Most taxidermist even if in house, charge 50% with the balance due on completion. I’ve had some that were nonchalant about it and never required even a small deposit but none wanted 100%.

 

[375Fox]

We hunted in August 23. Supposed to send skins and skulls here (US) for taxidermy, still dont have them. I've touched base with Koos himself and was given some reasons for delay including some new buildings, etc. but cant understand how that impacts items that supposedly were given to the taxidermist there months ago.
And for that matter, can anyone explain why if the work was supposed to be done in the US, why they werent already sent? It’s not like I'm waiting on the taxidermist there to tan the hides or strip the skulls. I just dont understand the delay.

If you paid your bill you should have dip and pack work from South Africa within 6 months generally. I’d be willing to accept 6 months to a year as well but would probably look for a different taxidermist for the work next time, but beyond a year there are other factors and some mismanagement involved. If they won’t give you a specific date it will be done and ready to ship I’d tell you to request a refund and seek out a different taxidermist and shipper depending where they are at in the process.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I'm with @375Fox ... Two trips, two passel of dip and pack trophies, all back to me well inside a year. Heck, my first trip I even had my shoulder mounts from my taxidermist here in Alaska well inside a year - from the time they were shot.

I somehow missed this thread, and I am happy for those of you who have had positive experiences with this outfit, but the small properties and large number of hunters would drive me nuts. Fortunately there are many fine sponsors on here that offer hunts for smaller groups on larger properties, and for not a lot more money. My first trip in 2021 I came back with ten animals (including a cow buff) and spent something like 7K total for all ten and the stay at the lodge, and never laid eyes on another hunter. Different strokes for different folks, and glad the thread's author had a great hunt and an even better attitude about it.

 

[samson7x]

We hunted in August 23. Supposed to send skins and skulls here (US) for taxidermy, still dont have them. I've touched base with Koos himself and was given some reasons for delay including some new buildings, etc. but cant understand how that impacts items that supposedly were given to the taxidermist there months ago.
And for that matter, can anyone explain why if the work was supposed to be done in the US, why they werent already sent? Its not like I'm waiting on the taxidermist there to tan the hides or strip the skulls. I just dont understand the delay.

I just read through this thread and noticed some clients had to pay for taxidermy in full upon departure. What if a hide falls apart during tanning or some other damage happens to your trophy? That would be a red flag for me, they have no incentive to do anything since they already have their money. Most taxidermist even if in house, charge 50% with the balance due on completion. I’ve had some that were nonchalant about it and never required even a small deposit but none wanted 100%.

Yes, they paid 100% up front and still don't have the taxidermy. Last I heard, Koos had offered them a discounted DU type package safari. They just kept getting excuses and runaround for why it hadn't shipped yet. I think they've lost hope in ever receiving anything at this point.

 

[cwickgo9]

Yes, they paid 100% up front and still don't have the taxidermy. Last I heard, Koos had offered them a discounted DU type package safari. They just kept getting excuses and runaround for why it hadn't shipped yet. I think they've lost hope in ever receiving anything at this point.

That is what I'm fearing. After a year I started asking questions and got that it was with the shipper. Got the shippers info and they said they didnt have it. Then was told they were mistaken, the taxidermist got way behind and it was picked up by Koos and taken to another taxidermist. 3 months later, still no information. Reached out again two weeks ago and got a response by Koos that they were "busy with my stuff. skins are done and in box, just the skulls". So I'm still hopeful but until I get a shipping notice or some other notification that they are on the way I wont relax.

 

[Hunt anything]

That is what I'm fearing. After a year I started asking questions and got that it was with the shipper. Got the shippers info and they said they didnt have it. Then was told they were mistaken, the taxidermist got way behind and it was picked up by Koos and taken to another taxidermist. 3 months later, still no information. Reached out again two weeks ago and got a response by Koos that they were "busy with my stuff. skins are done and in box, just the skulls". So I'm still hopeful but until I get a shipping notice or some other notification that they are on the way I wont relax.

My wifes cousin had the same trouble with Kuche, it took for ever but they did eventually get their trophies.
Have y’all gotten in touch with South African Professional Hunters Association? They may be able to help sort this out if Kuche is part of their association.

 

[Arty0802]

That is what I'm fearing. After a year I started asking questions and got that it was with the shipper. Got the shippers info and they said they didnt have it. Then was told they were mistaken, the taxidermist got way behind and it was picked up by Koos and taken to another taxidermist. 3 months later, still no information. Reached out again two weeks ago and got a response by Koos that they were "busy with my stuff. skins are done and in box, just the skulls". So I'm still hopeful but until I get a shipping notice or some other notification that they are on the way I wont relax.

I'm amazed to see people have received responses from Koos. We hunted July of '23 (today is Dec 12, 2024), still haven't received our taxidermy, and have received nothing from Koos despite multiple attempts via WhatsApp, Facebook, etc. I have zero idea where our stuff is, who to expect an email from, anything....

 

[KuduKiller]

I personally have had no issue with taxidermy from Kuche. However, as many times as I have hunted with them I do not even expect an email from them until about 16-18 months later on full taxidermy. I hunted with them in June of ‘23 and just recently a member of my group got his email that his trophies were ready. I have not yet received that email. Always check your junk mail too. I believe the person that sends that email, her name is Fee (Fiona).

 

[Deepfork]

My trophies from a August 2022 hunt with Kuche shipped around the 1st of October this year, and arrived in Houston (by sea) on October 31st, and still have not cleared. I sent an inquiry to the importer today and was told my crate should be released "soon".

 

[KuduKiller]

Trophy Shippers, Tom Kelly?

 

[DonPablo]

My buddy just saw online that the young woman we shared a camp with for a night received her mounts back recently. We haven't even been contacted about ours. Of course she was a pretty little thing and who knows? Maybe she did some favors to speed up the process?