Trophy Care & Export Process Explained | Avula Safaris
For many hunters, a safari in South Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and preserving that memory through a well-cared-for trophy is an essential part of the journey. At Avula Safaris, we understand that your trophy represents more than a successful hunt—it symbolizes the adventure, the preparation, and the respect for the animal. That’s why we ensure every detail of trophy care and export is handled with the highest standards.
In this blog, we guide you through the full trophy care and export process, from field preparation to delivery at your door.
1. The Importance of Proper Trophy Care
Your trophy is more than a mount—it’s a lifelong memory. Improper handling can lead to damage, deterioration, or even the inability to export your trophy legally.
High-quality trophy care ensures:
• Preservation of the animal’s physical features
• Legal compliance with veterinary and customs regulations
• Lasting quality for display and personal legacy
At Avula Safaris, our professional team ensures meticulous handling from the moment of harvest.
2. Field Preparation and Skinning
Immediately after a successful hunt, our trained skinners begin the field preparation process.
This includes:
• Caping the animal (removing the hide with precision)
• Preserving horns, tusks, skulls, or full hides as requested
• Applying salt and drying to prevent decomposition
We use proven methods to minimize bacterial growth and ensure that all parts remain in top condition for taxidermy or export.
3. On-Site Cold Storage and Handling
After field prep, your trophy is carefully labeled, catalogued, and placed in cold storage to prevent deterioration.
Benefits of professional storage include:
• Maintaining hide flexibility and integrity
• Preventing insect or fungal contamination
• Ensuring clear identification for each hunter’s trophy
We track every item using a detailed tagging system, so nothing is lost or misplaced.
4. Choosing Between Taxidermy or Dip & Pack
You’ll have two main options after the hunt:
1. Taxidermy in South Africa:
• Faster turnaround since trophies don’t need to be shipped twice
• Local artisans familiar with African species
• Often more cost-effective
2. Dip & Pack for export:
• Cleaning and preserving hides, horns, and skulls
• Export-ready packaging for taxidermy back home
• Flexibility to use your preferred taxidermist internationally
Our team will help you weigh the pros and cons based on your preferences.
5. Working with a Licensed Taxidermist
Avula Safaris partners with trusted, licensed taxidermists who are experts in African game species.
They provide:
• High-quality mounts or dip & pack services
• Secure, professional facilities
• Coordination of veterinary inspections and legal paperwork
Whether you choose shoulder mounts, skull mounts, or full-body displays, your trophy is handled by seasoned professionals.
6. Veterinary Inspections and Health Certification
Before any trophy can be exported, it must undergo veterinary inspection to ensure it is free from disease and properly treated.
This step includes:
• Disinfection and cleaning of skulls, horns, and hides
• Issuance of veterinary health certificates
• Approval for international transport
These inspections are conducted by government-accredited veterinarians in compliance with international health standards.
7. Export Permits and CITES Compliance
Certain species—especially endangered or regulated animals—require permits from local authorities and international regulatory bodies.
Required documents may include:
• South African export permit
• CITES permit (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service import documents (if returning to the USA)
We handle all necessary applications and ensure that every trophy is cleared for legal export.
8. Partnering with Trophy Shipping Experts
Once your trophy is prepared and permitted, it is packed and transferred to a professional trophy shipping company.
They take care of:
• Custom crating and secure packaging
• Air freight bookings and customs documentation
• Door-to-door delivery or airport release options
Avula Safaris works only with reliable, vetted shippers who understand the sensitivity and value of your trophy.
9. Timeframes and Tracking Your Trophy
Trophy export is not immediate and requires patience and planning.
Typical timeline:
• 2–4 weeks for field prep and dip & pack
• 6–12 weeks for export documentation and permitting
• 6–10 weeks for international shipping and customs clearance
We provide regular updates and tracking to ensure transparency throughout the process.
10. Why Trophy Export Is Part of a World-Class Safari
A safari doesn’t end when the hunt does. The journey of your trophy is part of the full experience.
Quality trophy care ensures:
• A physical reminder of your African adventure
• Respect and honor for the animal harvested
• A seamless, stress-free process that reflects your investment
With Avula Safaris, every step is managed by professionals who understand how much your trophy means.
Your Trophy. Your Legacy.
From the African bushveld to your trophy room, we are committed to delivering the highest level of care, legality, and professionalism.
