BEAT THE BAN WITH 3D

An Alternative to Trophy Mounts

Can 3D printing provide a viable alternative in response to potential or existing bans on trophy imports?

First and foremost, it is essential to emphasise that Rust De Winter Safaris remains a staunch advocate for the legal, responsible, and sustainable use of wildlife. These principles are the cornerstone of our business. However, as more institutions and governments bow to public pressure by withdrawing their support for trophy hunting—often ignoring scientific evidence—the repercussions on Africa's conservation model are becoming more pronounced. The impact is evident as more land is being converted for agricultural purposes. For instance, in Tanzania, several unprofitable hunting concessions have been returned to the government, resulting in the destruction of wildlife and the degradation of once-thriving habitats into wastelands.

The situation has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many conservation agencies, local communities, and both photographic and hunting operators struggling with significant budget shortfalls. The ongoing effects on wildlife populations and habitat destruction are already being documented. Trees are being cut down for charcoal, and poaching has escalated as people resort to alternative means of survival, including the bushmeat trade.

In contrast, Namibia has openly supported hunting, recognizing the undeniable socio-economic benefits it brings to communities when managed sustainably. A regulated industry is far preferable to an unregulated free-for-all that could accelerate the extinction of local fauna and flora.

The pressure to ban hunting, particularly from Western governments and certain groups within the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has led to discussions among Southern African Development Community (SADC) states about possibly withdrawing from the organization. Many African nations are IUCN members, which oversees the legal trade of wildlife and plants. However, policy changes driven by emotion rather than science could impact the legal import and export of hunting trophies, one of the reasons holding back these nations from leaving the IUCN.

Given this mounting pressure, are there alternatives for hunters? While some clients are content with the experience and participate in management hunts without exporting animal products, the majority of trophy hunters still desire more than just a photograph to commemorate their hunt, opting instead to have their trophies mounted.

Though individual countries may ban trophy imports, such bans cannot be enforced in other countries. This means that while hunters may still legally hunt, they might not be able to export their trophies, a prospect that may not appeal to those who wish to display their mounted memories.

Taxidermy and 3D Printing: A New Frontier

Taxidermists are beginning to explore 3D printing technology as a possible alternative to traditional taxidermy. This technology allows for the creation of exact replicas of skulls, horns, and tusks using synthetic materials, producing a final product that is nearly indistinguishable from the original.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, involves constructing a three-dimensional object through a computer-controlled process. Since its inception in the 1990s, 3D printing has made significant strides, enabling the precise replication of complex shapes that would be nearly impossible to craft by hand. The process also allows for the creation of lightweight, hollow moulds supported by internal structures, with realistic finishes and colours.

A wide range of materials can be used in 3D printing, including ABS plastic, PLA, polyamide (nylon), glass-filled polyamide, epoxy resins, silver, wax, photopolymers, polycarbonate, titanium, steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. This diversity offers more design options and applications for both indoor and outdoor trophy displays than traditional taxidermy, which can be vulnerable to sunlight, heat, mould, mildew, and insect damage.

While 3D printing has not yet advanced to replicate the textures of hide and hair, and therefore cannot fully replace traditional mounted trophies, it offers a durable, low-maintenance alternative. These replicas can be safely handled, easily dusted, and stored without the risk of damage from environmental factors.

Moreover, the marketing value of traditional taxidermy in the hunting industry should not be overlooked. The anticipation of receiving a mounted trophy often motivates clients to book their next hunting trip, sustaining the business for outfitters. While taxidermists may view 3D printing as a value-added service rather than a replacement, the technology offers promising new possibilities.

Applications of 3D Printing

Beyond taxidermy, 3D printing has made significant strides in various fields, including medicine, where patient-specific body parts and organs can be created. Designers can now translate flat-screen designs into physical objects, ranging from toys to aerospace components.

In the art world, 3D printing is used for fashion design, architecture, interior design, and jewellery. For instance, a hunter's skull can be reproduced as a highly detailed miniature sculpture or ornamental piece in bronze, brass, sterling silver, or gold. Full-size models, unpainted or otherwise, can serve as modern interior or exterior decorations.

Although shoulder mount technology has yet to reach the market, it is only a matter of time before it is developed. In the meantime, hunters have several advantages to consider when it comes to 3D-printed trophy mounts:

Advantages of 3D Printing in Taxidermy

Traditional taxidermy requires time and precision to ensure mounts are properly tanned, mounted, and prepared for export, whether as raw prepped (salted, dipped, and packed) or mounted specimens that meet European Union and US Fish and Wildlife specifications. These processes contribute to the overall cost of taxidermy. However, 3D printing, with its use of plastics and composite materials, can streamline this process and reduce costs.

Exporting traditional trophies also involves fumigating and treating wood for export crates, sealing raw-prep trophies in plastic for inspection upon arrival in EU countries, and complying with a host of other requirements. These steps can be eliminated with 3D-printed products, which can be exported as standard souvenirs.

Preserving Memories for Posterity

One of the most significant advantages of 3D printing is the ability to save a scanned trophy in the cloud, allowing it to be recreated at any time. If a traditional trophy is lost due to fire or theft, it can be easily replicated.

Advancements in Measuring and Scoring

The scanning procedure for 3D printing is simple and more accurate than traditional tape measures. Portable scanning devices can be sent to hunters, with files verified by official Safari Club International (SCI) measurers. This tool is being evaluated for use as the official SCI measuring method.

Furthermore, the data collected from scanned trophies can be used for research and hunting records, providing valuable information for conservation decision-making by organizations like the IUCN.

Simplifying Trophy Export Documentation

The complex paperwork required for exporting trophies—export permits, CITES permits, veterinary certificates, and more—can be bypassed with 3D-printed trophies. These products can be shipped as regular souvenirs, eliminating the need for extensive documentation.

Avoiding Trophy Boycotts

For hunters facing trophy import bans, 3D printing offers a workaround. Trophies can be accurately scanned in one country, uploaded to the cloud, and then downloaded and printed in another country where imports may be restricted. This eliminates the need for permits, import duties, and shipping costs while allowing hunters to display their trophies as artwork rather than stuffed animals.

Technology is rapidly transforming the hunting industry, offering hunters new opportunities and products that were unimaginable just a few decades ago.

Cost of 3D Printing

The cost of 3D-printed replicas varies widely based on several factors:

1. Complexity and Size of the Replica: Larger and more complex replicas, such as full-size skulls, horns, or tusks, will generally be more expensive due to the increased material usage and printing time. Smaller items, like miniature replicas or ornamental designs, are typically less expensive.
2. Material Used: The choice of material greatly impacts cost. Basic plastics like ABS or PLA are relatively affordable, whereas more specialized materials like metal alloys (e.g., titanium or stainless steel) or high-end resins will significantly increase the price.
3. Finishing and Detail: High-detail finishing, including painting and texturing to mimic the natural look of the original trophy, can add to the cost. Simple, unpainted replicas are less expensive.
4. Customisation: Custom features, such as personalized engravings or unique designs, will also contribute to higher costs.

As a rough estimate:

• Basic 3D replicas (small, less detailed) might start at around $100 to $500.
• Mid-range replicas (life-sized skulls, detailed finishing) could range from $500 to $2,000.
• High-end replicas (large, highly detailed, made with premium materials) might cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.



The costs are still evolving as the technology advances and becomes more accessible. Some companies might offer package deals or discounts for multiple items.