SABLE

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Professional Sable Taxidermy in South Africa

Sable taxidermy is the age-old profession of preserving the likeness and beauty of the animal for posterity. Hunters are able to enjoy their coveted animal trophies for a life-time using this detailed and dedicated process. Read on to learn more about the taxidermy process involved in mounting the majestic sable.

What is Sable taxidermy?

Mounting or filling a sable’s body to preserve it for display or scientific research are the hallmarks of the taxidermist’s art.

The term “taxidermy” can refer to either the preservation method or the final product, which are both known as “taxidermy mounts” or “taxidermy.” True taxidermy may have originated as early as the 16th century, with references to mounted birds in Holland and a mounted rhinoceros in Italy.

Taxidermists are artists who preserve animals to look as realistic as possible through a combination of artistic skill and technical know-how.

To create lifelike taxidermy, taxidermists must study many aspects of nature, including animal anatomy, natural stances and attitudes, and natural-looking skin colours.

Preparation & Packaging tips for a flawless Sable trophy

There are a few things you can do after the kill to ensure that your catch will look its best when you bring it to Life-Form Taxidermy to be mounted.

There are two key regions in which a shot should be placed on a sable when hunting with firearms: the head kill zone and the chest kill zone.

These regions include important organs and significant blood vessels, and when sable are injured by a hit from a projectile, the animal dies a quick and compassionate death with minimal damage to the pelt or other areas of the body.

The impact of the projectile produces immediate, physical injury to the bone and the soft tissue around it.

As such, the chest kill zone is the ideal target for the majority of shots, therefore aim there whenever possible.

It is impossible to predict how the sable will move, and any sudden movement of the head that coincides with the time at which the trigger is pulled could result in an unfavourable outcome, such as a severe injury to the face, causing significant damage to your potential trophy.

Once you have made your kill, it is imperative that you treat the sable carcass with the utmost respect. It’s crucial that you don’t tear any of the trophy’s skin or muscle.

Taxidermists have a few options for fixing damage from entry and exit wounds, but they can only use what has already been preserved. It is recommended that large creatures like sable be swiftly gutted. The skin is then rinsed in an anti-fungal or anti-bacterial solution and then dry salted.

Skinning an antelope for fullmount:

Incision A

Starting at the tip of the breastbone, cut along the median line of the chest, stomach, directly adjacent to the penis and scrotum to the tip of the tail.

Incision B

Starting at the back of the hooves, cut the skin along the back of the leg to the elbow joint and then along the inside of the leg to meet cut A on the breastbone.

Incision C

Starting at the back of the hooves, cut the skin along the back of the leg to the heel joint and then along the inside of the leg to meet cut A behind the scrotum.

Incision D

For animals with horns (Antelopes), Incision D is made as for a shouldermount. The incision down the back of the neck from the “V” needs only to be long enough to allow the removal of the head and the horns.

Keep the Skull intact:

Keep the skull intact and make precautions not to damage any parts of the bone, especially the lip and nose bones.

Prevent loss or damage:

To prevent loss or damage, fasten and bones that may have come loose in the cleaning process with string.

The Sable taxidermist’s process and method

The sable trophies at Life-Form are made from the highest quality materials imported from around the world. This expert and detailed process ensures a true artistic rendering of your sable trophy.

The process begins with shaving, also known as the “fleshing” stage, after which all scars and skin flaws on the sable are patched up.

The skulls are then cleaned, the moulds are prepared, and the manikins are made according to the client’s vision for how they would like their sable trophy to be presented.

With these steps in place, the taxidermy process brings the art form to life, and the smaller details of the sable may be refined to perfection. After extensive quality control checks, the packing process commences, with each crate made to the most efficient specifications and adhering to International wood regulations.

Taking care of your Sable trophy

You want your sable mount to last forever after all the effort and expense you put into creating it. But having a mount doesn’t end with merely hanging it on the wall and forgetting about it. Below are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure your trophy lasts a lifetime:

• Your taxidermy may suffer damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight. Keep the sable trophy out of the sunlight to prevent it from fading and cracking.
• Keep sable trophies out of reach of curious fingers and out of places where they could be damaged by a bump.
• Places with extreme humidity or temperature swings, such as a garage or screened-in porch, are not suitable for displaying a sable mount over the fireplace isn’t a great idea.
• If you want your sable trophy to last, it needs consistent maintenance. Once a month is sufficient for cleaning your mount if it is kept in a controlled environment away from moisture, heat, and sunshine. Clean your sable trophy twice a month if it is in a dusty environment.
• Use a delicate damped towel to wipe down your cherished treasures. Do not soak it; rather, use just enough water to make the dust attach to the cloth.
• Use the same method to wipe down the horns and clean the eyes of your sable trophy or other trophies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Sable taxidermy cost?

Individual quotes can be requested through our website.

How long does Sable taxidermy take?

The industry standard for producing a quality sable mount can range anywhere from eight to 12 months at Life-Form Taxidermy. Taxidermy is an art-form that involves an intricate step-by-step process so that each trophy is rendered perfectly and is of a high quality standard that will last you a life-time.