The South African Taxidermy Process

From your safari to a lasting memory.

Plan your trophy

Discuss mount styles, poses and display space. Choose mounting in South Africa or dip-and-pack for mounting at home.

TIME: Before or during your safari.

Your professional hunter and skinning team prepare and label each trophy. Give clear instructions before preparation begins.

TIME: Immediately after the hunt; drying continues afterwards.

The taxidermist receives and inspects your trophies, checks identification and records your instructions.

TIME: After field preparation; collection schedule varies.

Confirm your chosen work, written quotation, payment terms and estimated completion time before work starts.

TIME: Before production; depends on your approval and payment.

Skins are prepared and tanned, then mounted and finished. Dip-and-pack trophies are treated for onward shipment.

TIME: Mounting approx. 8–12 months; dip-and-pack approx. 5–6 months.

Confirm required export paperwork, species-specific permits and destination import requirements, including CITES where applicable.

TIME: Variable; often runs alongside processing.

Completed pieces are checked and securely packed. Confirm shipping costs, insurance and delivery arrangements.

TIME: At completion; packing and freight booking vary.

Your destination agent handles applicable import clearance. Arrange onward delivery to your home or taxidermist.

TIME: Depends on whether you choose to ship your taxidermy by sea or air.