TAXIDERMY TIMELINE IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TROPHEX (MOUNTING, DIP & PACK, AND TANNING)
- Bertus Steenkamp
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
One of the top questions we get from international hunters is the simple one:
"How long will my trophies be ready to go to South Africa?"
To be honest, the answer is: it really depends - and we're not being vague about it. Below is a clear, realistic timeline based on the actual flow of work through a professional taxidermy studio, and how seasons impact turnaround times.
What to Expect from Our Trophex Timelines (Taxidermy Only - Shipping Not Included)
These timeframes are for the taxidermy side of things only - we're talking about the processing work, but not shipping, export booking, permits, airline/sea freight, or any of the other bits that come with it.
1) Mounting (Taxidermy Process Only)
It'll take around 8 to 12 months - that's from start to finish, preparation to final quality check.
2) Dip & Pack (Process Only)
3 to 5 months - that's how long it'll take to get your dip & pack work sorted.
3) Tanning Only (Skins / Hides Only)
6 to 10 months, that's for tanning only - no custom work or requests, just the straight-up tanning process.
Want a realistic timeline for your specific trophies?
Send us your trophy list + hunt date, and we’ll reply with an estimated completion window once your deposit, trophies, and final instructions are confirmed.
When Does the Timeline Actually Kick In?
Most people get confused about this one, so we're going to make it clear: your official timeline only starts when all three of the following are in place:
You've paid your 30% deposit
We've got all your trophies
We've got the final instructions confirmed (mounts, poses, bases, any special requests you've got)
What Do We Do While We Wait for That First Date?
As soon as your trophies arrive, we'll get to work on skull cleaning to prevent any deterioration, nasty smells, or on-site damage. That way, we can keep your trophies safe, but the project timeline (the months above) only starts counting when all three start requirements are done.
Why Seasons Matter (South African Hunting Seasons)
Taxidermy timelines aren't just about getting one project done - it's also about studio volume and how much work is coming in, which can be affected by the time of year.
January to April is usually a quieter time, so projects that come in then are likely to fall on the faster end of the timeline.
June to October is a busier time, with a lot more work coming in, so projects that come in then will likely take a bit longer.
Our December Workshop Closure (A Production Pause)
Each year, we shut our workshop production down for about 3 weeks in December. Now, this isn't a full stop on everything - we'll still be chatting and keeping in touch - but if your project is moving through December, you should expect the timeline to get a bit longer.
Heat in the Summer Can Speed Up Certain Stages
The warmer South African summer can actually speed things up in a couple of ways: certain materials dry quicker in the heat, so those stages can be completed a bit faster.
But let's be clear - we're not going to rush the work to save time - quality's got to come first. That said, a bit of heat can be a good thing, as long as we're still following the proper curing times and all that.
What Can Hold Things Up?
Even with all the planning in the world, there are a few things that can impact the timeline:
Peak season volume - it's not uncommon for things to get a bit backed up during the busy season.
Complex mounts or custom work - if you're asking for special poses, pedestals, or dioramas, it's likely to take a bit longer.
Instruction changes after confirmation - we need to make sure we're getting it right, so if you change your mind after we've confirmed everything, that'll add a bit of extra time.
Export processes and shipping logistics - we're not responsible for getting your trophies to you, but we'll do our best to make it as smooth as possible.
The Simple Way to Get the Most Accurate Timeline
If you want the best estimate for your trophies, here's what to do:
Pay that 30% deposit
Make sure all your trophies are in the door
Get your final instructions sorted in one handy checklist (mount types/poses/bases)
Once those three are done, we can give you a more accurate estimate of when your project will be completed, based on its position in the production schedule.
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