Import

Importation Of Game Skins From - Neighbouring African Countries

As animal skins can be classified as perishable goods they must be treated accordingly. The care and treatment skins and horns receive prior to reaching Life-Form Taxidermy are beyond our control, and we can therefore not be held responsible for these treatments. We will of course endeavour to treat all trophies with the utmost of care, especially in the event that they have travelled for many weeks, over great distances to reach our premises.

We have been importing trophies from neighbouring African countries for many years now, and would like to share a few of our experiences with you, prior to commencing production on your trophies. As Life-Form Taxidermy does the actual tanning for the mounted trophies, and does not make use of an outside tannery, we are able to offer relevant comments with regard to the quality of skins being imported.

Zimbabwe

We have noted with regularity that skins imported from Zimbabwe are extremely difficult to process. They tend to be stiff, with very little or no stretch, and are often discoloured. We suspect that this may be caused by the use of an inferior grade of salt (with a high lime content), and wherever possible arrangements should be made with outfitters, that they use the very best grade of salt available, and not third grade salts.

C.A.R. & Other Tropical Destinations

Due to the tropical conditions of these countries, and high humidity, hunters often have no alternatives but to dry skins in smoke rooms, or with heat, which in turn causes the skins to harden and lose all stretch. Unfortunately the following trophies are most affected by these drying conditions: Bongo, Duiker, Lord Derby Eland and Giant Forest Hogs, however, with some pose considerations and special tanning care, we can often save these trophies.

Tanzania, Zambia & Botswana

These skins can generally be processed, although we do on occasion also note hardness, and disintegration of the hide in the tanning process. This may also be caused by salt quality and the excessive use of insecticide powders. Please ask your outfitter to use any insecticides sparingly and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Mozambique

As the salt used in Mozambique usually originates in South Africa, we find that these skins do not have any notable problems when being mounted. Naturally the field preparation will be a factor with regard to the final trophy. Mozambique also tends to experience extremely wet conditions which may have an influence on the drying of the skins.

We at Life-Form Taxidermy therefore attempt to “pre-tan” all susceptible game skins, which appear hard or damaged within a few weeks of their being received, in order that we may give our clients a comprehensive report on the condition of the actual skins. We will also at time of actual mounting, make every effort to repair, and where possible with the clients agreement, will offer to replace damaged skins, to ensure a top quality trophy.

Documentation Pertaining To Imports

We find that imports can take between three months to more than a year to reach us.

Insurance

We recommend that you discuss the insuring of your trophies from the country of export to the country of import, whilst they are in transit with your outfitter. All consignments being EXPORTED from Life-Form Taxidermy are insured. HOWEVER, we are unable to arrange for the insurance of trophies being IMPORTED. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further enquiries.

Export

Confirmation On Order Instructions

We prefer confirmation of your order in writing. Verbal instructions given to your professional hunter, which he in turn passes on to us, or instructions received by phone can cause confusion, and unnecessary delays.

Address

Please ensure that we receive the address to where you would like your trophies consigned. We also require your telephone, fax and e-mail details where possible, as both we and the importing agents will require this information so that we may notify you of your consignment's arrival.

Receipt Of Dry Salted Trophies At Our Premises

Keep in mind that your professional hunter will still be required to dry and transport your trophies to our premises after you have returned home, and it may be a few months later when we receive them. Upon receipt of your trophies we will contact you immediately. We would encourage you to correspond directly with us from then onwards, as we are more readily available, and your professional hunter will most likely be out in the field on his next safari and may not be easily contacted.

Rowland Ward And S.C.I. Measurers

We are official S.C.I. and Rowland Ward measurers and will measure trophies on request. Trophies entered for S.C.I. can be measured as soon as the animal has been hunted. As shrinkage occurs once horns start drying, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you request these measurements to be done in the field as soon as possible, so that you may obtain the most favourable score.

Payment

A FORTY PERCENT deposit is required prior to our commencing production on your trophies. We will invoice you for the balance due once your order is nearing completion. We prefer to receive payment in U.S. Dollars, however if this is not possible we are also able to accept the following currencies: CANADIAN DOLLAR, AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR, BRITISH POUNDS, GERMAN DEM, & SWISS FRANCS. UNFORTUNATELY WE DO NOT HAVE CREDIT CARD FACILITIES AND ARE ALSO UNABLE TO ACCEPT EUROCHEQUES FROM EUROBANK.

A telegraphic transfer or a cashier's cheque in the above currencies will be suitable.

Freighting

Consignments may be sent by either Airfreight, which is speedier, or Seafreight which takes slightly longer but is more cost effective. We make use of a Freight agent based in Gauteng who is well versed in the handling of game trophies, and well known to us. Should you prefer to nominate your own agent however, please notify us so that we may accommodate this request. Freight charges are to be settled directly with the Freight agents.

Insurance

All consignments are insured for the amount we consider would be required for us to replace and mount the entire order, with trophies as close to yours as possible. In the event that you would like to specify the insurance value for your consignment, this value would be used for insurance purposes.

Charges Not Reflected On Our Price List

The charge for your crate, packing, documentation and transportation from our premises to Air/Sea Port of departure. This is calculated at a small percentage of the total value of your order. Freight charges from Air/Sea Port of departure to country of destination. This is payable directly to the Freight agent.