What is Taxidermy?
Taxidermy is the art of preserving an animal’s body via mounting or stuffing, for the purpose of display or study.
Animals are often, but not always, portrayed in a lifelike state.
Taxidermy Prices In South Africa
| SPECIES | SHOULDER MOUNT | FULL MOUNT | SKULL MOUNT | SKIN TAN | SKIN FELT |
| Baboon | R7 245 | R11 760 | R1 575* | R1 150 | R550 |
| Blesbok | R6 460 | R17 640 | R1 470 | R670 | R525 |
| Buffalo | R15 250 | R68 040 | R3 360 | R150 / sq ft average 45 sq ft | R1 365 |
| Bushbuck | R6 615 | R17 640 | R1 470 | R650 | R420 |
| Bushpig/Wild Boar | R7 490 | R17 600 | R2 210* | R1 300 Leather | R525 |
| Caracal | R5 545 | R9 660 | R1 365 | R700 | R400 |
| Crocodile/Leguaan | POA | R80/cm min R4 000 | R80/cm min R1 400 | Leather – POA | POA |
| Duiker | R5 545 | R11 000 | R1 160 | R550 | R400 |
| Eland/Cattle | R13 860 | R69 040 | R2 660 | R2 680 | R1 260 |
| Elephant | R109 500 | POA | R11 400 | R175 / sq ft | – |
Is taxidermy hard to learn?
As for taxidermy, it tickles me how many think it’s some kind of voodoo artistic skill. It really isn’t that difficult if you take your time and have a good eye for detail.
Caping, turning, and fleshing the hide is the most tedious part, especially fleshing.
Do you pay taxidermists before or after?
Now, you can always expect to pay a deposit before the work is started, but usually, 50% is sufficient.
Demanding full payment up front and/or only accepting cash is a big red flag! Paying a taxidermist in full before doing the work could lead to your work going unfinished for long periods of time.
How long does taxidermy take to dry?
Let it dry for about two weeks, then another 30 minutes for the finishing touches.
How long should a taxidermy take?
With an industry-standard anywhere from eight months to two and even three years, taxidermy is a master class in patience.
Unfortunately, the length of time it takes to get a trophy back from a taxidermy studio is often long and frustrating.