Taxidermy Truths

If you’ve hunted a Black Impala, Copper Springbuck or Golden Wildebeest, then you know about the array of colour variants and the diversity on offer in African game.  While a contentious topic for some, there is no denying that these variations entice hunters to invest in our wildlife and pursue adventures in South Africa.  In this week’s episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug discusses various example...

The Tiny Ten is one of Africa’s most spectacular collections of wildlife.  These animals may be small in stature, but Tiny Ten hunting is extremely challenging. You are exposed to a variety of environments and the target is small, agile and very aware.  In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug discusses the Tiny Ten experience and gives some insight into what it’s like to take on the challenge, t...

Women in Wildlife  Today we celebrate Women’s Day in South Africa.  So, for this week’s episode of Taxidermy Truths, we thought it was only fitting to chat to one of the most influential women in the hunting and wildlife industry in South Africa - Adri-Kitshoff Botha.  Doug chats to her about her incredible career, some of her most memorable personal hunting experiences, and advice for those looki...

Hunting for Health  In this week’s episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug discusses the impact of hunting on health. From the adrenaline and dopamine released while hard on the chase, to the mindfulness that comes with being present with loved ones and connected in nature - hunting has physical, mental and emotional benefits for the hunter.   Hunting is also healthy for the land and for the genetics of...

This week on Taxidermy Truths we discuss the “hangover of the hunt” – the permit application process.  Doug sits down with Head of Logistics, Morgan Westcott to unpack the various types of permits and circumstances where they come into play.  We look at all aspects of the process – from movement permits, to hunt verifications, and the different categories of export permits required for various Afr...

In this week’s episode of Taxidermy Truths, we get into the details.  The details a hunter shares about his animal – the pose, the head tilt, the angle, the unique characteristics are paramount when creating a brief for the taxidermy artist. Similarly, the fine details expressed through the musculature and movement of the skin, or the wetting of the nose and eyelids is what makes the difference be...

When it comes to harvesting your dream animal in Africa – we all have skin in the game.  The reward for your investment and hard work is the final outcome of your trophy. So isn’t it right that you protect the animal’s skin and look after your investment?  In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug offers some insight and advice on different species and the nuances of best persevering their skins.

Choosing the right caliber rifle is not only important for a successful hunt, but also for the taxidermy piece on your wall at the end of your experience.  In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug takes us through a few points to consider when planning your hunt, so that you can have the best possible success rate for a beautiful trophy that captures your adventure story.  From Tiny Ten to the Bi...

The S-Factors of Hunting In this week’s episode of Taxidermy Truths Doug dives into the S-factors of hunting.  This is much like a code to keep in the back of your mind and consider as a hunter.  Whether it’s teaching a new upcoming hunter, exposing someone to hunting for the first time or whether you’re an experienced hunter who needs a reminder – the S factors are important guidelines to conside...

Hunting is often referred to as a conservation tool.  Conservation is the preservation and prevention of wasteful use of a resource. So how can taking away from the environment, preserve it?  Doug digs into this controversial topic and unpacks the importance of responsible hunting and wildlife management.

We know that hunting and taxidermy is an investment you’d like to protect.  Consistent care will ensure that your trophies stay in great condition for years and years.  In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug takes us through 5 Tips that will help you preserve your treasured memories and keep them in great condition.

In our industry, we have the privilege of working with hunters from all over the world. One thing that is clear, is that the hunting industry is built on relationships.  Relationships between clients, PH’s, outfitters, taxidermists, shipping and clearing agents. There are a multitude of relationships dynamics that are constantly at play. In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug discusses how thes...

If you are planning a hunt this year, make sure you listen to this week’s episode of Taxidermy Truths.  The Preservation of your specimen directly after you’ve hunted your animal is key to ensure your taxidermy is beautiful and lasts a lifetime. Doug explains a few important steps in the preservation process to guide you and help you preserve your skin as best as possible.  From Skinning to Foldin...

The shows in the United States at the beginning of every year are an opportunity for Outfitters, PH’s, taxidermists and retailers to meet with hunters to discuss their safari plans for the year.  Recently home from DSC, Houston and SCI, Doug shares some feedback and insights from the 2024 show season. “The market is alive! It’s proof that Africa is still one of the great breadbaskets of hunting, a...

You might have seen our recent Taxidermy Mounting Challenge online. We put a graphic designer up against one of our seasoned mounters in a head-on-head challenge – mounting an Impala shoulder mount. The results were both entertaining and very eye opening.  In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug sits down with Julian to discuss his experience and really digs into why training and experience of a...

Have you hunted in South Africa?   In this week’s episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug unpacks and explains 5 reasons to consider doing your Taxidermy in South Africa: 1. Knowledge 2. Control 3. Price 4. Safety 5. Conservation   Make sure your memories and your investment are safe – you don’t want to miss this one.

As the year winds down, we look back with gratitude and reflect on the challenges and wins of a busy hunting season.  In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug runs through the rhythm and events of a typical year in the studio – from the preparation phases to peak season and how we adapt as we progress.  Thank you for listening to Taxidermy Truths in 2023. If you have any suggestions about any top...

Taxidermy is an extremely creative artform that is fueled by science.  We are extremely excited to share this week’s episode with you. Doug sits down with globally renowned Master Taxidermist, Travis de Villiers. They discuss the intricate processes involved in producing top quality work, and the considerations and inspiration it takes to produce anatomically correct works of art.

As in life, everything in the wildlife and hunting industry is connected. It’s like playing dominoes.  In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug discusses the knock-on effect of good practice in the industry and the consequences for taxidermy if things don’t go as planned. He shares practical advice about field preparation, specimen preservation, paperwork and permits. Listen to the podcast on App...

The story of the orange shoes and the impact of colour in our industry  If you have met with us at the shows in the States, you would recognize the orange shoes that have become synonymous with Splitting Image Taxidermy. Colour has had an incredible impact on our brand and our business over the years. In this short episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug tells the story the orange shoes and discusses th...

“Photography is all about painting with light. It’s how you use light to change things, to be dramatic, while telling the truth.”  Photographer Karl Schoemaker has worked with Splitting Image Taxidermy for over 10 years, helping us to tell our story visually.  His creativity and passion has been an incredible complement to the work our artists create. In this episode Doug and Karl discuss the jour...

Shooting the breeze with Simon le Gras  As the hunting tourism industry has changed over the years, so has the way hunting outfitters, taxidermists and wildlife artists approach the market.  Simon le Gras, from Simon Says advertising, sits down with Doug to reflect on a long journey together. They discuss the wins, the misfires, and the need for brands to differentiate themselves through authentic...

Imitation is the best form of flattery Art is at the centre of what we do at Splitting Image. Every day we recreate the beauty we see in wildlife to capture a moment in time, a memory.  In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug chats to fine artist Duncan Stewart. Duncan produces incredible wildlife art and is currently working on a diorama backdrop piece in our showroom. To see the work in progre...

Splitting Image Taxidermy is a Pure Taxidermist in the sense that our business was built on the art of taxidermy, of creating beautiful and lifelike specimens for hunters to cherish their experiences in the field. By creating an incredible product, we have been able to attract and grow an incredible market - as opposed to selling a product to an existing audience.  We have tried, tested, and inves...

In episode 2 of Taxidermy Truths, Douglas discusses the value of an animal and how hunting fits into the wildlife tourism value chain.   When something has a value, we protect and care for it. From the economics to the experience, we dig into the truth about far-reaching impact of responsible hunting.   Do you have any topics you’d like us to discuss? Let us know in the comments.