Q. What do we need to legalize our trophies for import/export?
A. Importing certain wildlife trophies from Zimbabwe, for example, Leopard will require that you have a copy of your Cities Import Permit. Full shipping details and well marked labels are advisable.
Q. How do we guarantee a memorable trip?
A. Do your homework and go with renowned operators.
Q. How do we know our trophies are well prepared and cured?
A. It is advisable that you bring with you adequate prepping tools i.e. surgical blades, skinning knives as this is Africa and there is a possibility that their equipment is not of the highest standard. Ask your professional hunter questions so you understand the procedures e.g. How far from skinning facilities are you hunting? If the hunt is far from any skinning facility you will need to prep your trophy and keep it cool to prevent problems.
Q. What are the best field care procedures we need to look out for?
A. 1) The professional hunter’s vehicle needs to carry a container of water, a canvas cover to keep the animal cool, equipment for loading big game.
2) Animal must be washed of all blood on and around the wound as this can contaminate and cause hair loss.
3) Be sure of what you want to do with your trophy before skinning, so you can get the correct incision for your mount. Make sure you give your professional hunter clear instructions so he can implement them.
4) Be sure that when you offload your animal that you fill out and attach your labels. Make the start of your incision and attach your tag immediately. This will guarantee no mix up with other trophies.
5) Make sure you and the professional hunter check over your hides before salting. Make sure ears/eyes, lips are well turned and that they are fleshed off all flesh and fat.
6) Make sure trophies are well salted. Preferred salt to use is Medium Grain Sterilised Salt. Botswana Pan salt is not ideal for fur skins.
7) Skulls need to be partially cooked to remove all meat. Not over-
8) Be sure that at the end of your hunt your trophies are well cured.
9) Make sure that your outfitter is equipped with adequate bug prevention for their storage shed.
Q. Are there other Taxidermists in Zimbabwe?
A. Yes there are 4 in Bulawayo all offering their own unique style and service. Advisable to visit all of them to make sure you choose correctly to suite your taste.
Q. Do you coordinate trophy collection or delivery?
A. If we are instructed in writing that we are to deal with your trophies, we will correspond with the outfitter on delivery.
Q. How do we secure a contract?
A. E-
Q. How long before we get our Trophies?
A. We offer from 12 – 18 months delivery from point of securing a contract on Taxidermy work. Raw exports from 3 – 4 months. These deliveries are dependent upon prompt payment.
Q. Do you do your own shipping?
A. No, but we use a reliable exporter who recommends best possible shippers.
Q. Who do you recommend for export?
A. We use Outbound Exporters. They have the most experience in the export of Hunting Trophies. We use Spherical Freight or Safari Air Cargo as a shipper for cross continental.
Q. Are you a registered Taxidermist?
A. Yes! Within Zimbabwe and we follow international standards.
Q. Do you have mounters or do you do your own work?
A. Steve currently does all the artwork designs and mounting with trainees working closely with him.
Q. Do you specialize?
A. Not really, but would like to in the Big Five and Cats.
Q. What do we do to secure the safety of our trophies?
A. Most exporters offer insurance which we advise you organise.