Taxidermy in Zimbabwe

[Riksa]

I have searched for Taxidermy in Zimbabwe for my coming hunt. I will mainly be targeting Buffalo and Leopard. If lucky, I want to have a full mount for the Leopard. Has anyone here used a taxidermy in Zimbabwe for a Leopard and could recommend one?

Outfitter uses TCI Trophy Consultants International (www.tci.co.zw). I don't find negative comments about them, but would still like to have a check on options. I really like the work of The Artistry of Wildlife, but as final location for trophies is Finland, shipping the trophies first to US seems a little complicated. Anyway, if you have other good recommendations, I'm open for proposals.

 

[wesheltonj]

You might try J-P Gerard-Simon S.A. Taxidermy & Tanning in Belgium.

http://www.taxidermie.be/2014/index.php

 

[Hank2211]

Riksa, Riksa, Riksa, did you think you were going to sneak off on a hunt and not tell us? We need to know who, what and where. And we will be keeping our eyes on you. No funny business on this hunt. All should be completely normal!

Now for something potentially useful. I've used a couple of taxidermist in Zimbabwe, but would only recommend Steve Collett at Collett's Wildlife Artistry in Bulawayo. He does good work. I won't say it's up to the very best North American standards, but it's good. And he can do some innovative things with hides, like furniture.

I took a leopard in Zim some many year ago now, on a completely normal hunt. I planned on having the taxidermy done in Canada. When the hide got here, the ears and a few other bits had rotted, and hair had slipped on much of the body. My taxidermist managed to make a head and neck pedestal mount, fashioning the ears from a those of a mountain lion! Leopard skins are quite fragile. I'd consider having the work done in Africa just to avoid the potential spoilage issues. But if you can be certain it will be handled properly (I was . . .) then . . .

 

[harden]

Sorry to hear about your leopard Hank. Never in 40+ years and I'd have to say at least 100 leopards I have never had leopard slip or have any issues with the hair, no rot no ear issues none that could not be mounted life-size. Sometime the PH in Zim will use sea salt and get red mold on it takes a bit to get the stretch back but if you now what your doing it an be done.

 

[Riksa]

Riksa, Riksa, Riksa, did you think you were going to sneak off on a hunt and not tell us? We need to know who, what and where. And we will be keeping our eyes on you. No funny business on this hunt. All should be completely normal!

Now for something potentially useful. I've used a couple of taxidermist in Zimbabwe, but would only recommend Steve Collett at Collett's Wildlife Artistry in Bulawayo. He does good work. I won't say it's up to the very best North American standards, but it's good. And he can do some innovative things with hides, like furniture.

Busted... Just like majority of my stalks. I'll be heading to Chewore South with Mbalabala Safaris in mid-October this year. I'll try to make it as normal as I can (which still might not be normal for many). And as funny business is my middle name, I'm looking to have good time then. I might be forced to share a lengthy (normal) report with you afterwards.

Thanks for the hint on the taxidermist. I need to check them out.

 

[peras]

Enjoy the hunt!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

As Hank mentioned, Steve Collette in Bulawayo (http://www.collettswildlifeartistry.com/ ) is pretty good. However, if you are hunting up north along the Zambezi and Zamiba border, this may not be a good option for you.

 

[Riksa]

Thanks for your replies. I'll be hunting in north, but transporting the trophies to Bulawayo is an option. If there would be a good taxidermy in Harare, that would be better. But I want to focus on good quality from a trustworthy taxidermist. So please keep your ideas coming.