A question about "swapping hides".

[RichD]

I'm going to the East cape in September and have a zebra on my target list. I'd like to have the hide tanned and done as either a rug or furniture throw. Someone told me a couple years that there are taxidermists who will sell you a finished hide at a discount in exchange for your fresh hide. That way you can check it in with your return flight. Has anyone heard of this or have done this?

 

[dchum]

If I’m understanding correctly,

This Sounds no different then shooting a zebra and leaving it, then just buying a tanned burchells that they sell in the air port in Jo burg.

This is to save some dough $ ?

You should shot a zebra and have it tanned into a rug and sent home! Your zebra.

 

[375Fox]

Are you leaving everything else behind? I’ve generally found African tanning is relatively fast and easy to include in your dip and pack shipment.

 

[JimP]

In my mind I want my zebra and not someones else's that I swapped mine for.

If that was the case I would just leave the hide with the outfitter and pick one up at the airport. But then you have to cross your fingers that you have time to browse through the shops at the airport. My last time through I didn't even have enough time to find a burger before we started to board. Or wait until you get home and order a rug from African Sporting Creations.

 

[Bandera]

I want my Zebra. The one that I shot.
If your trophy doesn’t matter to you, then buy one in the airport and pass on shooting a Zebra.

 

[RichD]

Let me restate: I want to have  MY hide tanned and done as a rug or throw.

Someone told me of the "swap", which I'd never heard of. That was my question. If I wanted a generic hide, I can buy one from many places.

 

[375Fox]

Let me restate: I want to have  MY hide tanned and done as a rug or throw.

Someone told me of the "swap", which I'd never heard of. That was my question. If I wanted a generic hide, I can buy one from many places.

So you’re basically asking if taxidermies sell Zebra rugs? Some do, fewer would have the paperwork to accompany it. The “discount” in exchange for getting your work would be debatable.

 

[wesheltonj]

(1) You can buy hides at "Out of Africa" at JNB.
(2) You can buy hides at "Cambanos" near JNB, cheaper.
(3) You can buy a complete rug with leather trim and backing from "African Game Industries" with Free USA shipping for $1,600.

Shoot your Zebra and mount it in the USA and have your African Taxidermy (Dip,Pack & Ship) tan the back skins and make something out of that piece.