TANNING (also referred to as cape tanning or dry tanning)
A common opinion of non-African taxidermists is, “The tanning in Africa is not up to scratch.” While this might have been the case in years gone by, the tanning process used by the taxidermists in the TTS program are using only the original BASF (German) chemicals for tanning, ensuring top quality results. The modified Alum process allows your taxidermist back home to simply rehydrate the skins, and then begin the mounting process, saving you precious time and money.
Advantages of tanning in Africa are:
Peace of mind that the quality of your hides, now fully processed, is excellent prior to leaving Africa. Damages can be identified and rectified and, in extreme circumstances, be replaced before leaving Africa.
Cost savings. Instead of sending relatively heavy dipped & packed cargo, finished tanned hides, fully bleached, and cut skulls, ready to be mounted, take up less space and weigh less. This reduces both your export and import costs.
Time. While skins have to be prepared for export (dipping & packing) anyway, why not use those months to start the tanning process in Africa? Your taxidermist back home will have a shorter turnaround and you will get your trophies home quicker.
Option for doing the work later. Because the hides are completely preserved and safe to store for many years, you now have options, delaying the taxidermy back home due to money or space constraints; the options are in your hands.
