Silk Purse out of a... Cougar's ear?

Hank2211

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About 4 years ago, I shot a leopard and hyena on a hunt in Zimbabwe (Matetsi, Unit 2). It took about two years for the trophies to arrive - dipped and packed - which is not really unusual for Zimbabwe. When these, among others, arrived, my taxidermist quickly identified that the leopard and hyena skins had not been properly prepared, and much of the skins was rotted. In particular, both animals had effectively lost their ears, and most of the leopard was unusable.

I asked my taxidermist to see what was possible, and to do his best. It took some time, but the taxidermist managed to put together two head mounts, on one small pedestal. Both animals' ears were re-built using skin from cougars, and the leopard neck and what little there is of his chest is from the back of the body.

IMG_0623.jpg


While I was quite disappointed not to get the full mount leopard I was intending, I ended up with far more than I thought possible given the state of the skins. And, of course, it means I have to go back for the full mount.
 
Hank,

That's a really, really cool mount.

Sorry it happened, but great job by your taxidermist to get you what he did!
 
sad that they screwed your capes, hank .
but you must atleast be grateful that your dermist ,could get your memories into this shape , they look more than respectable
do you have any pictures of the capes when they were imported and the crate opened ?
 
Hank,

Given what your taxidermist had to work with. I believe he did an amazing job. I would be proud of that mount. You can always try and bag another leopard next year in Ethipohia.

R.
 
sad that they screwed your capes, hank .
but you must atleast be grateful that your dermist ,could get your memories into this shape , they look more than respectable
do you have any pictures of the capes when they were imported and the crate opened ?
Bluey, when we opened the crate, I didn't have my camera with me - a lesson for the future. I'm not sure what I'd have been able to do, but I might have gotten some satisfaction from sending the pictures back to Africa.

Having said that, making a full mount out of the leopard would always have been a long shot - this guy went about 3 yards from the tree into a bush, and waited for us. When we go there, he charged, and after three rounds of '00 and a .375, he was pretty beaten up.

For some reason, it won't let me "quote", but Redruff, you are dead on. Americans can't import Ethiopian leopard, but we Canadians can. My outfitter tells me as a result there is less hunting pressure, and some real big ones about. In fact, he said there's a chance, a small chance, but a chance, of a black leopard on this concession!
 
Now a black leopard would be the pinnacle of cats to have in a collection.
You are right, us Canuks are fortunate to be able to import a lot of different trophies hunted.

R.
 
Hank, what a shame and so unnecessary...!

Your taxidermist did a good job at salvaging the trophies though and you have something to remind you of the experience.
 
Good save on both animals. That is terrible that you had such issues with rot during transport but I am glad that your taxidermist was able to save them as well as they did. You would never know...
 
Taxidermy, or dip-and-pack, has become so unreliable in Africa, and now shipping has become so complex, that I've more or less decided that unless it's a very special animal, the only trophy I'll take home will be pictures. The latest is that the shipper in Africa of trophies from 2014 can't find anyone which will allow my scimitar honed oryx to fly because it's CITES 1.
 
oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh, noooooooooooooooooo you said that word.................
now they will be banned in Australia , aswell
hope the dishonourable minister for the evoirenment ,isn't online ........or one of his puppet/muppets
hank we must never say , CITES 1:censored::censored::censored:;);)

maybe we should swap hank . you babysit my lioness and I will babysit your scimitar oryx:eek::eek:
 
oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh, noooooooooooooooooo you said that word.................
now they will be banned in Australia , aswell
hope the dishonourable minister for the evoirenment ,isn't online ........or one of his puppet/muppets
hank we must never say , CITES 1:censored::censored::censored:;);)

maybe we should swap hank . you babysit my lioness and I will babysit your scimitar oryx:eek::eek:
My oryx is generally well behaved, is a non-smoker, and drinks only in moderation. I worry about trading such a congenial specimen for something like a lioness, which, at certain times, can attract dentists and other disreputable types.
 
nah , shes not that type of girl, mate.
 
Sorry about the capes, Hank, at least your taxidermist did a good job !
 
nah , shes not that type of girl, mate.
Famous last words, Bluey!

I'm going to dance with the one what brung me (as some (illiterate) person said). I'm that kind of guy!
 
Glad your taxidermist was able to make this turn out so well.(y)

Sounds like you need a second home in Africa. Then you will have a place for your SHO+++:D Also will save on shipping!
 
Glad your taxidermist was able to make this turn out so well.(y)

Sounds like you need a second home in Africa. Then you will have a place for your SHO+++:D Also will save on shipping!
I assume you are being facetious Wheels . . . but I have to say, I've often thought about having a place in Africa! My wife, though, has never had thoughts like that, so I guess it will stay nothing more than that for now.
 

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