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TAXIDERMY CRATING EXPLAINED: HOW TAXIDERMY TROPHIES ARE PROTECTED FOR SHIPPING FROM SOUTH AFRICA
How are taxidermy trophies actually protected during shipping from South Africa? This guide explains how export crates are built, why size and support matter, how mounted trophies and dip & pack are packed differently, and what affects shipping risk, inspections, and crate cost. A practical look at how proper crating helps trophies arrive safely.

Bertus Steenkamp
Mar 78 min read


EXPORT PAPERWORK: WHO DOES WHAT?
Export paperwork delays usually start at the hunt—not at shipping. This guide explains who does what (Outfitter & PH → Taxidermist → Export Agent), what documents matter most, and how to avoid common mistakes like name/address mismatches and missing permits. Planning a hunt in South Africa? Email Trophex your trophy list and province, and we’ll send a pre-hunt paperwork checklist.

Bertus Steenkamp
Mar 25 min read


DIP & PACK vs MOUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Dip & Pack or Mounting in South Africa? This guide explains the real differences—cost chain, handovers, inspections, and what’s included in quotes—so you can choose the option that fits your budget and timeline. Learn what to ask for in a quote and avoid incomplete comparisons before you ship your trophies home.

Bertus Steenkamp
Mar 15 min read


TAXIDERMY TIMELINE IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TROPHEX (MOUNTING, DIP & PACK, AND TANNING)
Trophex timelines made simple. Mounting typically takes 8–12 months, Dip & Pack 3–5 months, and tanning-only 6–10 months (shipping excluded). Learn when your timeline officially starts, how hunting season affects turnaround, and what to expect during the December workshop closure.

Bertus Steenkamp
Feb 283 min read


WHY DO TROPHEX DRILL SMALL HOLES IN ANTELOPE HORNS - AND WHY IT MATTERS FOR YOUR TROPHY.
Every single year , we at Trophex get thousands of trophies - not hundreds . Having spent decades working hands-on with African game, we've learned all the ways that things can go pear-shaped when you're dealing with large volumes of skulls and horns, as they clean, dip, pack and ship them off. Our number one priority is pretty straightforward: your horns get to you in one piece with the right ones that go with your trophy, and Your horns arrive overseas in good nick, withou

Bertus Steenkamp
Feb 126 min read


Why Hunting Caracals in South Africa Is Important
Caracals (rooikatte) are agile, mid-sized predators found across much of South Africa, including Limpopo. They’re beautiful animals—and on working farms, they’re also a major source of conflict because they can prey on antelope, sheep, and goats. This post explains, in practical terms, why regulated caracal hunting can play a constructive role in conservation and farm management. 1) Value creates protection When international hunters lawfully pursue caracals, they pay for th

Bertus Steenkamp
Aug 21, 20252 min read


A Guide for International Hunters: Getting Your South African Hunting Trophies Home
Dip and Ship vs. Mounting in SA: Why mounting your South African trophies is faster, cheaper, and better.

Bertus Steenkamp
Mar 9, 20254 min read


How to Take Care of Your Taxidermy Mounts: A Guide to Preserving South African Hunting Trophies
If you’ve returned from a South African safari with a majestic kudu, a sleek springbok, or an imposing Cape buffalo mounted by a skilled taxidermist, you’ll want to keep that trophy looking as stunning as the day you brought it home. Proper care is key to ensuring these prized pieces don’t fade, deteriorate, or lose their lifelike charm. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do—and what to avoid—to maintain your South African taxidermy mounts for years to come. What Is Taxi

Bertus Steenkamp
Mar 5, 20254 min read


Navigating the Complexities of African Trophies: Insights from Trophex Taxidermy
In the realm of hunting and taxidermy, Africa holds a special allure. Its diverse wildlife and challenging terrain make it a coveted destination for hunters worldwide. However, the journey from a successful hunt to a beautifully mounted trophy is fraught with complexities. At Trophex Taxidermy, we've mastered this art, ensuring that your prized memories are preserved with the highest quality and care. Understanding Field Challenges in Africa Africa's hunting environment poses

Bertus Steenkamp
Mar 3, 20242 min read


How much will it cost to ship my trophies from South Africa?
Discover the costs to ship your prized safari trophies from South Africa to the US. Ensure compliant, hassle-free Trophy Exports South Afric

Bertus Steenkamp
Feb 4, 202414 min read


CITES regulations in South Africa hunting for hunters
Background and History of CITES CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international agreement between governments aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It was established to provide a framework for cooperation and regulation to protect species from over-exploitation. CITES has had a significant impact on wildlife conservation worldwide, protecting

Bertus Steenkamp
Jan 24, 20247 min read


Guide to Cleaning and Treating Horns on Taxidermy Mounts
Taxidermy mounts may bring beauty and character to any room, but in order to maintain their finest appearance, they need to be properly cared for and maintained. In this article, we'll go over some advice for caring for a taxidermy mount's horns and cleaning taxidermy mounts. Taxidermy Mount Cleaning: Dusting: Use a soft-bristled brush or towel to gently dust your mount in the beginning. This will assist in clearing away any loose dirt or debris without harming the mount. Vac

Bertus Steenkamp
Mar 6, 20232 min read


5 Taxidermy Tips for International Hunters
There are some crucial taxidermy recommendations to keep in mind if you're organizing a hunting trip to South Africa and intend to have a...

Bertus Steenkamp
Feb 27, 20232 min read


Taxidermy and Trophy Hunting: Understanding Their Importance
For many years, taxidermy and trophy hunting have been controversial and debated. While some view these activities as cruel and...

Bertus Steenkamp
Feb 20, 20232 min read


What Causes Red Rust & How To Prevent It
Those who work with salted animal hides frequently experience red rust. Many things might cause this reddish-brown stain to develop on...

Bertus Steenkamp
Feb 6, 20232 min read


5 Tips To Keep Your Taxidermy Trophies In Top Condition
One of your most treasured memories as a hunter from your trip to South Africa is probably the taxidermy trophies you brought back....

Bertus Steenkamp
Jan 27, 20232 min read


5 Tips To Identify Good Quality Taxidermies
South Africa is a popular destination for hunters from around the world. Its diverse range of game animals offers a unique opportunity to...

Bertus Steenkamp
Jan 20, 20232 min read



Bertus Steenkamp
Dec 4, 20220 min read


Hair slip is really bad
Do you know that feeling you get when something wrong happens to a precious and unique item? Isn't it hard to accept and difficult to...

Bertus Steenkamp
Apr 22, 20224 min read


Why African Antelopes do NOT have white in their eyes
"Oh no, did we really mount this Nyala? What is wrong with the eyes? It's looking in all directions?" this was the only thought that came...

Bertus Steenkamp
Mar 30, 20223 min read
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