Looking for Taxidermist - Africa animals

[acolobowhunter]

I am looking for a taxidermist - hopefully in the Colorado or Wyoming area.  I just returned from Namibia and would like to get a Greater Kudu and Gemsbuck shoulder mounted.  Also looking at some rugs made (Zebra, Wildbeest and Impala).

Thanks

[Bisch]

You should have gotten the rugs done over there! Way cheaper and top notch quality from what I’ve seen.

I’ve got a good taxi down here, but he is in Dallas. He did this gemsbuck for me:

Good luck finding one.

Bisch

[acolobowhunter]

Nothing has been shipped back yet.  The taxidermist just sent me a note about what I want done.  I want several of the hides tanned but hadn't decided about the rugs.  Good point about the rugs - looks like about $150 - $200 extra to have the rugs made over there.  I want to see a photo of his plaques before I decide on some of the mounts / skulls.  Sounds like it is a wood from Namibia (Kiatt wood) but don't know what shape it is in.  Want a shoulder mount on the Kudu and Gemsbuck.

[knobby]

Regardless of who you choose to do the mounts for you, congratulations Gene on a wonderful Africa experience. I saw some of the pictures and you did very well.  Did the airlines count that massive mustache as an extra carry-on?  (You wear it well, friend.)  Happy for you and glad all went well.   

[jrstegner]

I had my capes tanned instead of dipped and packed. If you don't, you will pay for dip and pack over there and tanning here. It saved a few bucks and allowed me to take my time choosing a taxidermist.

[acolobowhunter]

Thanks Gary - have had some teasing on the Warthog photo - his tusks go up and mine go down. ha

Good point on the dipping and packing vs. tanning.  I am having everything tanned as it is cheaper over there.  Also with the dip/pack there is always a chance of having some slippage in the hair.  Also thinking about having the rugs made over there as well, as it might be cheaper.  Was just going to have the skins sent here then rugged, but have changed my mind.  Hard to make some of these decision without seeing their workmanship.

[Terry Green]

Broderick Head is a Sponsor...he's done a lot of my work on stateside animals and does GREAT work.  Been at it for 40 years.

He does a LOT of African Game....That's what he is really know for.

He's right outside of Carrollton GA in Roopville.  And again, he's a Sponsor and you can view his website here...

http://www.headstaxidermy.com/

[acolobowhunter]

Thanks Terry.  I will check out his site.  Was really hoping for someone in the western states as it would save a lot of shipping, etc.

[acolobowhunter]

Mike Yancey posted some of my photos from Africa on the "Dark Contintent" side of this site, under "I'm Back"

[Kudu Kid]

I had my capes tanned instead of dipped and packed. If you don't, you will pay for dip and pack over there and tanning here. It saved a few bucks and allowed me to take my time choosing a taxidermist.

Most taxidermist, and I'm one, hate ... no, loath skins tanned in Africa.  Without going into detail, they are extremely difficult to work with and its rare to get an end quality product  that you could have received if tanned in the states.

If you want some throw rugs or back skins tanned, then have them done  in Africa, but have your mounts tanned here in the states.

Keith

[Terry Green]

Thanks Terry.  I will check out his site.  Was really hoping for someone in the western states as it would save a lot of shipping, etc.

Yes Sir....just throwing  it out there...good luck.

[acolobowhunter]

I understand your thoughts about tanning in Africa.  I was just worried about the "dip and pack" idea.  Was afraid that there would be some hair slippage before it got to me.

[Jim Keller]

Dewayne Dewey Taxidermy out of Cody Wyoming. He’s an excellent taxidermist. I also am a taxidermist and I wouldn’t get anything done in Africa. I had a client shoot a gemsbok but didn’t find it before he left. They found it later and sent another tanned gemsbok cape over. My tannery had to retan it. Good luck and check out Dewaynes website. Jim

[Cory Mattson]

I had capes dipped and packed for mounting here. Back skins - some hides tanned there  - no issues. Skulls cleaned and bleached there - no issues.
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[acolobowhunter]

Just got a note from the Namibia taxidermist - they are going to dip and pack the capes for tanning and mounting in the US.  I have having several rugs done over there as it is much cheaper.  They said it could take 4 months before I receive them. 
Then pick a taxidermist here to do the shoulder mounts of the Kudu and Gemsbuck.  I am going to check some of those suggested here on this site.
Thanks all!