What is Dip and Pack?

RickB

AH fanatic
Joined
Mar 9, 2011
Messages
881
Reaction score
59
Deals & offers
1
Media
11
Hunting reports
Africa
1
Member of
NRA lifetime, SCI Member, Longhunters LLC
Hunted
South Africa, Germany, USA (OH, NY, VA, PA, WY)
I just have a quick question? I will be going to SA in May and I was wondering what is ment by "Dip and Pack"? My dad and I will be going for 10 animals. some we want full shoulder mounts and some we want just european skull mounts. I have heard horor stories about getting both salted animals back and full mounts back. Really just want all to go as smooth as possible. Any Idea what would be the best way? I know there are a few options but I am just wondering what is the best in everyones opinion?
 
I'm sure there are much better experts on this site than me, but I'll take a crack at giving you an answer.

After you have taken an animal, your PH will ask you how you want to preserve the trophy. This is where you tell him if you want a full shoulder mount, just the skull for a European mount, want a full flatskin, save the backskins etc. He will then let the skinners in camp know this and they will do the initial prep of the trophy to keep them from spoiling in the short term (usually salting hides and cleaning the skulls). They will only save the parts that you tell them too, so it is a good idea to have some sort of a plan before you get to this point.

Once your safari is done, another company will come and pick up (or you outfitter will deliver) your skulls, skins, hides, etc. This company will then go through a process called "dipping". This encompasses several steps in which the skulls are boiled, dried and "dipped" in a solution to kill all bacteria. The hides are also "dipped" in a solution and then salted for a long period of time to kill any bacteria.

After the skulls, hides, etc. have been "dipped", they will then be "packed". This basically means they are wrapped in bubble wrap, put in thick plastic and then crated up for shipment to the final destination.

Hope the info helps. Also, if anyone with more knowledge and experience than I has a correction please set me straight.

As far as what the best way would be, I would suggest having your trophies "dipped and packed" and having your taxidermy done in the US. Talk to your taxidermist before you leave and get some tags from him that you can have your PH put on your trophies for additional identification.

nd
 
nd
Very good this is the way most will do it, RickB one more thing i can add to your question you cannot have dip and pack and shoulder mounts in the same crate also you can not have two persons trophies in the same crate so it is best to put all the trophies in your dad's name on the hunting register.
If you need more info regarding this i will gladly supply you my taxidermist details.
Johan
 
Hello, does anybody know, if tropheys dipped and packed may be shipped to EU? What are the EU regulations for this?
 
Hello, does anybody know, if tropheys dipped and packed may be shipped to EU? What are the EU regulations for this?

Hi @mark-hunter ,
Yes, you can send trophies D&P to Europe. I have sent a couple of crates to Germany before. No problems.

Let me know if yo9u need any further help, so feel free to drop me a PM.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen
 

Forum statistics

Threads
60,545
Messages
1,320,237
Members
111,796
Latest member
CarmelaChe
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Safari Dave wrote on GUN & TROPHY INSURANCE's profile.
I have been using a "Personal Property" rider on my State Farm homeowner's policy to cover guns when I travel with them.
I have several firearms, but only one is worth over $20K (A Heym double rifle).
Very interested.
Would firearms be covered for damage, as well as, complete loss?
I'll can let the State Farm rider cover my watches...
Behind the scenes of taking that perfect picture.....






WhatsApp Image 2025-04-23 at 09.58.07.jpeg
krokodil42 wrote on Jager Waffen74's profile.
Good Evening Evert One.
Would like to purchase 16 Ga 2.50 ammo !!
Rattler1 wrote on trperk1's profile.
trperk1, I bought the Kimber Caprivi 375 back in an earlier post. You attached a target with an impressive three rounds touching 100 yards. I took the 2x10 VX5 off and put a VX6 HD Gen 2 1x6x24 Duplex Firedot on the rifle. It's definitely a shooter curious what loads you used for the group. Loving this rifle so fun to shoot. Africa 2026 Mozambique. Buff and PG. Any info appreciated.
Ready for the hunt with HTK Safaris
 
Top