There are several items you will want to consider in advance of an out-of-the-country safari.
Consult with taxidermist
The first thing the hunter should do is consult with their taxidermist. They will want to make all the appropriate arrangements and gather pertinent information for tracking their safari upon returning to the United States. For 25 years Quality Fur Dressing has worked with the expert brokers at Well Worldwide Logistics. They help to clear and import trophies at Houston Intercontinental Airport. The hunter/taxidermist may also choose to use a clearing broker of their own.
Provide detailed shipping instructions
Detailed shipping instructions are important. To ensure specific shipping instructions are followed, we have forms that are available on our website to assist you. The taxidermist should retain a copy of the shipping instructions and also send a copy to Quality Fur Dressing when shipping their order. You will also want to provide a copy for the hunter. The hunter should also be instructed to provide a copy of the shipping instructions to their PH, guide, or outfitter. Lastly, the hunter will also want to give a copy to the dip and pack/shipper to ensure their trophies aren’t consolidated and shipped to a port of entry other than Houston (IAH).
Get proper vaccinations and medications
Be aware that before the hunter leaves on their safari, many countries require proof of vaccinations and medications prior to entry into their country. Don’t wait too long before getting the proper vaccinations.
Obtain all important information such as Import/Export ID
Make sure to obtain all important information, such as import/export ID numbers for the tannery, contact information for the hunter, broker, dip and pack/shipper and PH/outfitter/guide.
Check Hunting Regulations
Hunting regulations can and will occasionally change. Before the hunter leaves on their safari, several items need to be double checked, such as all permits, CITES, and import/export regulations that might affect the animal species to be hunted.
Do not leave trophies in country of origin
The hunter should not be persuaded to leave his/her trophies in the country of origin to be tanned and/or mounted. There are several reasons why it is better to have trophies tanned and mounted in the United States by a reputable tannery.
Provide documentation to taxidermist
The hunter should provide the taxidermist with all the documentation he or she acquired while hunting out of the country when returning to the United States.
Be prompt with payments and deposits
The hunter should be prompt with payments and available for any questions that may arise when the trophies arrive in the United States. Invoices and required deposits should be paid promptly. This includes brokerage, shipping, and trophy clearance fees, as well as provide CITES permits to the broker so they can do their job to get the trophies cleared by the appropriate agencies.
Eliminate multiple shipments
Once the safari arrives in the U.S., it is beneficial to both the hunter and the taxidermist to allow the broker to ship directly to the tannery. At Quality Fur Dressing, we separate the horns, antlers, and skulls from the skins and then forward to the taxidermist. We retain the skins and ship to the taxidermist when processing has been completed. Shipping directly to the tannery after the broker has cleared your shipment with the proper authorities facilitates the process and eliminates the need for multiple shipments of the trophies back and forth.
Know how you want your trophies mounted
The hunter should put a lot of thought and consideration into how he or she wants their trophies mounted. The hunter’s decision directly affects the tanning of the trophies in many ways. Knowing and making these decisions ahead of time keeps the process of tanning and mounting moving along smoothly and quickly.
Save money by shipping with a shipping partner
At Quality Fur Dressing, we can save a considerable amount of money in freight charges for the hunter and taxidermist when we use our shipping partners
Invest extra time to dry tan
Our recommendation on safaris from Africa and for all large mammals is to invest the extra time to dry tan the skins. Based on our experience, the dry tan process for larger mammals results in a better quality mount. Don’t forget our 14-day wet tan is always available if you do happen to choose that option.
Demand the best chemicals
As the leader in fur dressing, we only use the best chemicals available to tan your skins. Our highly skilled employees do a fantastic job, and it shows in your finished product. These are just a few of the reasons to choose a reputable tannery such as Quality Fur Dressing.
Make sure the tannery is insured
It’s very important to make sure the tannery you choose to process your valuable trophies is insured. When your skins are in our possession, rest assured they are insured, protected and handled with the utmost care.
We hope these tips help you.
Ok, I understand the quality side, so what chemicals does quality fur dressing use as a tanning agent? Part of my consideration in changing tanneries would be the chemical composition of the tan. I have experienced every problem known with tanners.
DC