African Taxidermy - why NOT to get it done there

[Txnrog]

Well, I just got my shipment back from my '09 trip. Number of issues with poor communication and delays, but that's for another thread.

I normally do not get taxidermy done in Africa, and strongly advise people that ask me against it. Sure there are plenty of opinions, and there is some good cheap work done over there, but there's also a risk of some really poor quality work and zero recourse. I've experienced it before.

Well, I broke my own rule and got a mount done over there again. We were going to do all skulls, but got talked into a shoulder mount on a monster red hartebeest. . . will show you a series of photos to demonstrate specifically what bad african work can look like.

On another note - skulls were poorly bleached with a number of stains, and plaques are generally very mediocre quality wood.

Oh yea, and they lost two beautiful zebra hides, which was the only thing in the shipment my wife was looking forward to.

Before you start, no condolences needed, I knew not to trust the work over there and went ahead anyway, the price was just too attractive, and taxidermy was a last minute thought. AND This is not the first time we've been burned (different Taxis - first was a big name, this was a smaller operation).

[PondPopper]

Wow!!

[homegrown]

LMAO.
Sorry man I know your upset with those results and I'm not trying to throw gas on the fire but that thing is bad....... it's cross-eyed!

And it doesn't even look like the same cape. Your buck looks more black in the face.

[rferg84]

He looks really surprised.

[Concho Man]

So glad I didn't bite on all the "we know our own animals better than anyone" talk. They definitely push hard to get you to leave them over there.

Thanks for posting for all those that are planning trips.

[kfd82]

I dont like the way that thing is looking at me...

[bsills]

out of curiosity what did you pay for it to be done there and what would it have cost to be done been here.

[jooger17]

Wow... Not being rude but thats pretty rough. Thanks for the info, if I ever go to Africa it'll come back to Frank McCarty in Lufkin!

[Longhorn95]

I thought it looked more like he's thinking about something.

Sorry 'bout the taxi work.

[Cam-Mac]

Well I will say this- the hartebeest is bad. But the black dog in the background looks amazing. Almost looks like it's still alive. Must've been another taxi.

Sorry about the bad work. But thanks for the warning- maybe it'll help somebody out in the future.

[MAP]

I HATE when taxidermist stain, color, or changes the horn/antler color of the animal.

I think you got somebody elses animal, cape and horns

[AlphaB]

At least the hartebeest can smile about it. Jk. Sorry about the bad work. I learned something!

[Txnrog]

Thanks for the laugh bullseye - she does look a little freaky with the red-eye, she's been really interested in the new 'critters' in the house.

The mount was probably half the cost it would have been here. Think it cost me $350, and would expect $650 - 700 here. I knew I was taking a risk, and should have known better. The prices REALLY get you thinking about getting it done there. My whole Taxi bill was I think $1000, and even with mostly skulls and hides, I think it would have been at least twice that here.

HOWEVER, it's still a waste of $$ no matter how cheap if you're not happy with it.

BTW, thanks for all the laughs. I am really not that ****** about it, dissappointed, yes, but unfortunately not surprised. AS for the Zebra rugs. . . well, at least I have an excuse to go back!

[Codie]

dont even look like the same horns to me!

[jlptexashunter]

Thanks for the warning.

Oh and thanks for the laughs, everyone else.