LONG awaited crate is finally here!!!!!!

[Silke Bean]

I make regular visits to my taxidermists shop. It is not uncommon to see shipments with the holes drilled in the horns. I’ve never asked him why some do and some don’t. You’ve got my curiosity up now so I’ll be sure and ask next time I’m there.

I have seen a few places drilling holes in the top of the horns for tags - don't think it is a great thing to do, also using wire instead of cable ties, but to each his own.
The only explanation I can think of why they do it is that they want to access the name tag easily while the skull is submerged in the water to rot, should they want to check it up for some reason, instead of having to take out a lot of other skulls from the rotting tank before reaching the one they are looking for.
Like someone else here mentioned, drilling holes in the horns of Wildebeest and Hartebeest, Impala etc. is a necessary evil for getting them cleaned out properly, but it is easy to fix with pratley putty or similar and then paint it.

 

[billc]

It happens more then you think. When there finished you never see the hole. It is a sold place to mount a tag and harder to fall off like that I guess.

I hope you get those nyala horns shipped to you.

 

[cpr0312]

I hope you get those nyala horns shipped to you.

Me too Bill! I hope to have an in depth conversation with the D/P guy soon

 

[cls]

Congrats on getting your trophies home. I guess tagging that way makes sure you get the right horns back. On my first shipment a few years ago I received the wrong Nyala altogether.

 

[harden]

90 out of 100 african horns I get have the drill tag system, We fill the holes and stain, no one ever knows.

 

[cpr0312]

90 out of 100 african horns I get have the drill tag system, We fill the holes and stain, no one ever knows.

Thanks for letting me know Dennis! This eases my mind a bit but still a shock to see.

 

[cpr0312]

Forgot to add this pic the other day....

 

[BWH]

Great trophies @reedy0312

 

[cpr0312]

The D&P company is looking for replacement skull and Nyala horns for me and said they will make it right, so that's encouraging! Also, he mentioned that he drills holes in all skulls/horns to keep track of each hunters stuff. Lesson learned, if you don't want this to happen, then ask whoever you use not to do so. Luckily my taxidermist said he has a pretty easy fix so at least that is also off my mind!

Next up, get the skulls back from my taxidermist to hag on the wall!

 

[lwaters]

The D&P company is looking for replacement skull and Nyala horns for me and said they will make it right, so that's encouraging! Also, he mentioned that he drills holes in all skulls/horns to keep track of each hunters stuff. Lesson learned, if you don't want this to happen, then ask whoever you use not to do so. Luckily my taxidermist said he has a pretty easy fix so at least that is also off my mind!

Next up, get the skulls back from my taxidermist to hag on the wall!

That Eland makes a nice euro mount.

 

[cpr0312]

That Eland makes a nice euro mount.

Yes I think its going to look really good on the wall!

 

[tay50]

My first trip in 2014, all the horns had drill holes in them, needless to say I was shocked to see this, thought it was a African thing for shipping purposes. My next trip no holes, just white tape with my name on each set of horns, and my name on the skull in red marker, except the euro mounts.

 

[Ryan]

Try being in Alaska. It seems like they will be imported then have to be put on a boat to anchorage then trucked to Fairbanks.. I just hope it doesn't cost me as much as the shipping is coming from SA but it wouldn't surprise me, seems like everything up here has an Alaska price.

Trust me, It's a plane ride all the way to Anchorage. I've never heard of boats used anymore. Chances are it'll go to Quantem, formerly Delta Air Cargo.

 

[cpr0312]

Got a few skulls back from my taxidermist here having them cleaned up and ready for display, next week I will get the rest of them!

 

[cpr0312]

Also, the D&P company in South Africa has agreed to replace my Nyala skull/horns and has found a viable replacement!

 

[CAustin]

Also, the D&P company in South Africa has agreed to replace my Nyala skull/horns and has found a viable replacement!

Great news!

 

[Ty Howard]

Helluva safari

 

[johnnyblues]

Glad it is working it self out.

 

[cpr0312]

A few more skulls have been picked up from my taxidermist! Credit to @Jody for the Africa plaque and shield! A few (2-3) skulls will be going on the shield, just not sure which ones yet

 

[cpr0312]

Got the rest of the skulls back from taxidermist, now time to figure out where to hang and what needs rearranging in the house!