Namibia Taxidermy Prep Costs & Shipping

[bdavis1960]

I hunted near Kamanjab last August, and my PH used a taxidermist in Otjiwarongo. I sent the taxidermist 3 gemsbok, one kudu, and one Hartmann zebra. After six months, the taxidermist finally sent me a bill for $816 USD to dip the skins and bleach the skulls. I am sending my trophies to RSA, and today received another bill from the shipper for $733 USD, including vet inspection and permits ($220 USD) and shipping ($457 USD). This seems exceedingly high to me. Can anyone offer any experiences, or suggestions of who they have used in Namibia for dip and ship? Do these costs seem fair? Many thanks in advance.

 

[Lrntolive]

Who is the taxidermist? From the sound of it, it doesn't sound terribly off considering you have 5 animals. Dip and pack is somewhere around $125-150 per animal I believe, so that part is pretty close. Don't know about the shipping.

 

[MarkD]

I had 4 animals dipped at packed at Life Form in SA which was $1280. Then $600 shipped to the US. I think yours isn't too bad at all. Mine was too expensive I'll never use them again!!!

 

[enysse]

Couldn't it be shipped from Namibia to the USA?

 

[bdavis1960]

Couldn't it be shipped from Namibia to the USA?

Of course, but my taxidermist is in RSA.

 

[enysse]

Ok, I understand the problem now, because you are shipping from one party to another company it is going to cost an arm and a leg. Wait until you ship it home and go through round #3!