Only 4 weeks to go before Namibia

[Lrntolive]

Hey all,

Been a while since I last posted, but since I'm so close to my trip, I need some advice from some of you seasoned Africa hunters.

I thought I had the exact animals I wanted to take planned out, but my wife has thrown me a curve ball, and I'm not sure the best animals for her personal "project." I'm hoping you guys can assist. Maybe even post some pictures?

I plan to take a Gemsbok and Impala, those are 1 and 2 on my list. The rest of my list is open to whatever presents itself that I like and is within my budget. My wife has asked for some skins so she can make some interesting pillows/cushions/quilt with them. I'm really not sure which animal hides would be best for this purpose.

Any of you guys or ladies have any suggestions and images of interesting things you've done with your hides?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[akeate]

Gemsbok hair isn't as much hair as it straw. Impala is amazing and Springbok is classic along with zebra. Shoot straight.

 

[Hearties]

Blue Wildebeest has a definite stripe in it - very attractive for a rug or an ottoman.

 

[bdavis1960]

My first trip was to Namibia. I kept back skins from 2 gemsbok, kudu, mountain zebra, and blue wildebeest and had these gun cases made. I do agree with comment above regarding how coarse gemsbok hair is, but if used only as decorations, I don't think your wife will be disappointed. Good hunting!

 

[David Johnston]

Zebra make great rugs and I also have impala and waterbuck. I've seen cushions made with waterbuck where the "white ring" completes a near circle on one side of the cushion.

 

[ScottG]

Have fun on your adventure.

 

[GA Hunter]

If your outfitter offers cull animals that would be a less expensive option for getting quality hides. Often times the females and younger animals have better fur and fewer scars. This may also allow you to take more animals. Good luck and I look forward to hearing of your success.

 

[cpr0312]

Have fun, good luck! Springbok, impala, blue wildebeest, zebra hides certainly all worth bringing back.

 

[Lrntolive]

If your outfitter offers cull animals that would be a less expensive option for getting quality hides. Often times the females and younger animals have better fur and fewer scars. This may also allow you to take more animals. Good luck and I look forward to hearing of your success.

Yes, my PH does offer cull animals. That's why my wife had taken an interest in getting extra hides. Thanks.

 

[Lrntolive]

Had anyone had cowboy boots made from any hides?

 

[CAustin]

Yep back skins from almost all plains game will make pillows. I have some from Kudu and red hartebeest

 

[rookhawk]

Had anyone had cowboy boots made from any hides?

Yes. I've had Courtney shoes and boots made as I'm not a cowboy guy. Impala for tongue and cuff that is super soft and comfy. Ostrich, elephant, hippo and Cape buffalo for main leather.

As far as hides go, Kudu hair on is rather iffy and prone to shed. Impala and springbok are pathetically cheap to buy, a tenth of the cost of bring back stuff.

The only hide on your trip that will be serviceable and a "deal" for your wife's purposes are zebra. Bring back scores of them tanned as you'll never buy them secondary market for less.

 

[Ragman]

The day we were leaving Namibia, our hostess took us to a tannery in Windhoek before she took us to the airport. There was all kinds of tanned hair-on full skins. All kinds of species. I bought a springbok hide and it was cheap. I regret not getting a zebra. They also had all kinds of leather products like belts, purses and boots. Lots of horn products too. I just forget the name of the place.

 

[rookhawk]

In the USA springbok and impala hides are $15-$60 and are better tanned than what we bring back. Zebra hides in the USA are $1200-$1800 yet you can get those hunting trophies tanned in Africa for much less. Money isn't the only driving factor but I'm trying to paint the financial picture here.

 

[MarkCZ]

Definatly Springbok and Red Hartebeast. Baboons are a must to hunt any were in Africa they are very challenging .
Markcz

 

[rookhawk]

Definatly Springbok and Red Hartebeast. Baboons are a must to hunt any were in Africa they are very challenging .
Markcz

Let me give one counterpoint to killing baboons. They are really, really smart. You pray you find baboons that have never been harassed by people and never shot at. If you find calm baboons please don't shoot them or instill any distrust.

Here's why: duiker and really nice trophy bushbuck and nyala follow troops of baboons. The baboons provide easy meals as they are sloppy eaters. They provide alarm detection for protection against predators. If you really want nice trophy bushbuck the last thing you want is to have the baboons ratting you out.

If everyone leaves the baboons alone they agree to not ruin your stalks!

 

[James Cook]

our ph had springbok rugs throughout lodge and bedrooms - very soft and supple rungs

 

[Philip Glass]

Hey all,

Been a while since I last posted, but since I'm so close to my trip, I need some advice from some of you seasoned Africa hunters.

I thought I had the exact animals I wanted to take planned out, but my wife has thrown me a curve ball, and I'm not sure the best animals for her personal "project." I'm hoping you guys can assist. Maybe even post some pictures?

I plan to take a Gemsbok and Impala, those are 1 and 2 on my list. The rest of my list is open to whatever presents itself that I like and is within my budget. My wife has asked for some skins so she can make some interesting pillows/cushions/quilt with them. I'm really not sure which animal hides would be best for this purpose.

Any of you guys or ladies have any suggestions and images of interesting things you've done with your hides?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!

Mountain zebra back skin is the best. Shoot a couple of them, one for flat skin and one for pillows etc.
Philip

 

[MarkCZ]

Let me give one counterpoint to killing baboons. They are really, really smart. You pray you find baboons that have never been harassed by people and never shot at. If you find calm baboons please don't shoot them or instill any distrust.

Here's why: duiker and really nice trophy bushbuck and nyala follow troops of baboons. The baboons provide easy meals as they are sloppy eaters. They provide alarm detection for protection against predators. If you really want nice trophy bushbuck the last thing you want is to have the baboons ratting you out.

If everyone leaves the baboons alone they agree to not ruin your stalks!

I take your point but I never had any complaints from anyone in Africa about shooting baboons, nor have I had any stalking ruined because of folks shooting baboons. Everyone hates them they are treated as vermin and they are the only animal that is not afforded any respect after the death. All the P.H,s I have hunted with have never said not to shoot them for the reasons you state. I still maintain they are the most difficult and challenging to shoot of any species. I regard them as we do Foxes in the U.K. vermin, the farmers in S.A. and Namibia hate them. My 15 inch Bushbuck was not within 2miles of any baboon.#
Markcz

 

[rookhawk]

I take your point but I never had any complaints from anyone in Africa about shooting baboons, nor have I had any stalking ruined because of folks shooting baboons. Everyone hates them they are treated as vermin and they are the only animal that is not afforded any respect after the death. All the P.H,s I have hunted with have never said not to shoot them for the reasons you state. I still maintain they are the most difficult and challenging to shoot of any species. I regard them as we do Foxes in the U.K. vermin, the farmers in S.A. and Namibia hate them. My 15 inch Bushbuck was not within 2miles of any baboon.#
Markcz

Understood. I have no care or concern for baboons.

It's just my desire for them to be dead is much less than my desire to kill a trophy bushbuck!