PROCESS
Per arrangement, your trophies are collected from the outfitter directly where an inspection is undertaken to ensure that the correct measures have been taken during field preparation. From here, the trophies are dispatched to our studio where the taxidermy process takes effect.
All trophies, whether Dip and Pack, or mounted, are wrapped in plastic to ensure protection. We pay special attention to mounted trophies and ensure that, due to our due diligence, your consignment reaches its destination without damage. The crates that we manufacture are in line with international packaging regulations and withstand the demands of handling and transport.
From there the crates are placed in the temporary custody of their warehouse facility in Johannesburg near O.R. Tambo International Airport. At this juncture, we notify you of the collection and communicate your contact particulars to the particular freight agent.
The freight charges, both air and ocean freight, is calculated based on the volumetric weight of your consignment. The volumetric weight of the crate is calculated by multiplying the dimensional values of your crate. In this context, it is important to remember that larger sized mounts will result in larger sized crate, resulting in higher rates per kilogram. The various and most viable options of freight will be communicated to you by the freight agent as they have accumulated a vast amount of experience in export of this delicate type of commodity.
At this time, the freight agent have also introduced you to a customs clearing agent, licensed individuals or organisations that have specialist knowledge in the customs clearance of hunting trophies. The services of only the most reputable customs brokers are utilized as they are intimately aware of all the import regulations pertaining to the import of hunting trophies. This is of utmost importance as non-compliance with strict import regulations may result in seizure, destroying or return of the trophies to the exporting country.
Once you have accepted and remitted the freight charges, your consignment is ready for departure and the freight agent will then attend to flight or sailing arrangements with the applicable airlines or ocean lines. You will be notified of the departure details and will be kept updated on the progress throughout up to delivery.
As stated before, this process is most advisable in order to see to the seamless delivery of your trophies. You are however most welcome to attend to the clearance and delivery yourself but we would advise against this option.
In the event that you opted to have your valued trophies subjected to tanning or taxidermy processes by your local taxidermy or tannery, the customs broker will also see to the delivery of your trophies to same.
Having undertaken your memorable hunting safari, the most dreadful thought is loss of or damage to your valued trophies. In this instance, the freight agent offers you an amount of insurance that is calculated based on the annually allocated SCI values per animal. The amount that you remit equates 1% of the consignment value, and this amount is included in your freight quotation. Should you however elect not to use this option, you are free to do so. Should you wish to increase or decrease the suggested amount, you are also free to do this.
We are frequently asked for advise whether a client should have their trophies mounted in South Africa or at home by their local taxidermist. In answer, we believe in the client’s wishes. The most paramount factor to consider would be that of cost. Since the cost involved in the Dip and Pack process is significantly lower in comparison to that of mounting, some clients may elect this option. Furthermore, the packaging, cartage and freight costs pertaining to Dip and Pack is also seemingly lower in comparison to that of mounting.
However, when it comes to preserving the memory of your valued trophy and the literal bringing of the animal back to life, one should consider expertise over cost. We are aware that there are profound taxidermists both locally and abroad but wish to emphasise that is best to receive guidance from an individual with the necessary skill expertise accumulated over years rather than the service of someone that may make use of images as guideline only.
We pride ourselves with a plethora of experience in the field and in mastering the art of taxidermy for more than 20 years and having grown up surrounded by wildlife in its natural habitat gives us the edge and advantage when it comes to realistic and alive preservation of the animal. We have studied the natural habits and anatomy of all species over decades and visualize them as such when bringing them back to life.
Lastly, one should pay heed to the logic of taxidermy work and that is to preserve the animal in its natural state. Having said this, it is of vital importance to attend to the taxidermy process as soon as possible as to avoid possible damage to the skin or hair loss. These skins are delicate and subject to a variety of factors which will contribute to the longevity of the skin.
Once you have confirmed your order, we request a 50% deposit to secure the service. Upon completion of the taxidermy work, remittance of the outstanding amount may be tendered by way of cash, wire transfer or credit card, to which a 5% cost fee is added.