First trip to africa trouble with Taxidermy and shipping

[doitforthechase321]

Hello to all me and my brother are planning our first safari we are in our 20s and are on a very tight budget of 15k for a 2x1 7 day hunt we wanted to take the following species
1 wildebeest
2 impala
1 springbok
1 warthog
The best deal I've found was
3500 for day rate
2700 for trophy fees
Rifle rental and gratuities
1700
2-3k for airline tickets
Now the unsure part is
Taxidermy estimated around 2-3k
From what I've read dip pack and shipping costs could be up to 5 k which puts us over budget is there anything I can do to lower the taxidermy costs and the shipping cost im really not interested in not bring home a trophy

 

[Nyati]

Euro mounts will bring your costs down.

 

[wesheltonj]

Dip and pack will be the cheapest cost, unless you want all euros. I would suggest to save on taxidermy, you have the animals mounted over a period of time to spread out the cost.

Also avoid DFW as the first Customs/USFWS/USDA airport into the USA.

 

[gillettehunter]

I was thinking about your numbers. Seemed reasonable until I hit the tip/gun rental line. If each of you tipped $600 then that’s $1200. Instead of renting a rifle take your own. Even using a service in Joberg you’re about $200. Do your own paperwork and wait in the line and save that $200. So you could free up $500 that way.
To keep costs down you could have shoulder mounts done in Africa. Several members have had good experiences doing that. Any they recommend should be able to email you a price list for the animals you expect to hunt.
You don’t have a lot of animals on your list and they could almost certainly be taken in 5 days. As tight as your budget is I’d drop a day and hunt for 6 days. That will free up some cash for the shipping. Those animals in 1 box under 1 name and shipping should be under $4K I would think. Be sure and get several shipping quotes. Big differences between shipping companies.
I’ve hunted on a shoestring budget myself. One thing to remember is the taxidermy and shipping costs are usually not due until 9-18 months after the safari ends. Puts it back a while allows you to save up a few more $ to pay for that part of the costs.
Bruce

 

[TTundra]

Lot to unpack here:

Hello to all me and my brother are planning our first safari we are in our 20s and are on a very tight budget of 15k for a 2x1 7 day hunt we wanted to take the following species
1 wildebeest
2 impala
1 springbok
1 warthog
The best deal I've found was
3500 for day rate

There are better day rate/deals to be found. Have you checked with our sponsors here? A good start would be to post the hunt you want, where you want, and your desired trophies and I guarantee you will have sponsors message you.

2700 for trophy fees

As above, post your wanted hunt and allow our sponsors to work up a quote

Rifle rental and gratuities
1700

Bring your own rifles and do the paperwork. Its easy for RSA.

2-3k for airline tickets

Depending on your chosen outfitter and destination airport, message @TRAVEL EXPRESS . It will ensure you have the best price

Now the unsure part is
Taxidermy estimated around 2-3k
From what I've read dip pack and shipping costs could be up to 5 k which puts us over budget is there anything I can do to lower the taxidermy costs and the shipping cost im really not interested in not bring home a trophy

Taxidermy pricing is on the rise. With what I just spent on a buff shoulder mount from Zim I could have hunted another one. Are you wanting shoulder or Euro mounts? The latter would be better for a budget.

As above, start with posting here to get a reputable sponsor's package. Then add on the other parts. you may find the savings you're looking for. Its better to discuss with them fully as you wont always get the animals you want in the same area/concession.

 

[DieJager]

Hello to all me and my brother are planning our first safari we are in our 20s and are on a very tight budget of 15k for a 2x1 7 day hunt we wanted to take the following species
1 wildebeest
2 impala
1 springbok
1 warthog
The best deal I've found was
3500 for day rate
2700 for trophy fees
Rifle rental and gratuities
1700
2-3k for airline tickets
Now the unsure part is
Taxidermy estimated around 2-3k
From what I've read dip pack and shipping costs could be up to 5 k which puts us over budget is there anything I can do to lower the taxidermy costs and the shipping cost im really not interested in not bring home a trophy

Just use First Class Trophy. You'll get a definitive price before your hunt. They'll handle everything. I am using them currently and the finished taxidermy will arrive in the near future.
Have gotten updates throughout the whole process.

Craig Boddington just endorsed them in his latest newsletter. I would give them a call.