Hunters Heart Taxidermy - South Africa
Our Conservation Commitment
Our Story: From a Young Boy's Dream to a Master's Signature
Hunters Heart Taxidermy founder and CEO, Ruan Viljoen, is an avid hunter and conservationist with a passion for securing the sustainability of hunting in South Africa. Ruan has been a professional in the industry for many years, hunting his first African Buffalo at the young age of 13, and growing up admiring his father’s impressive collection of over 66 trophies.
It is because of this extensive background in the hunting industry that we appreciate and understand the significance of expressing each client’s memories with our custom craftsmanship, and why we focus so greatly on delivering a superb customer experience.
Hunters Heart was established to move away from the “generic” taxidermy often seen in the industry. Ruan saw a gap where many studios were using standard, mass-produced forms that didn’t capture the unique anatomy of each specific animal. He founded the company on three core pillars:
Artistic Precision
We reject mass-produced forms, sculpting every mold to fit the unique anatomy of your specific trophy. From muscle tension to life-like expressions, our strict quality control ensures an anatomically perfect recreation that captures the true essence of your hunt.
Conservation First
We honor every animal by ensuring nothing goes to waste, providing meat to local communities and hides to regional leather crafters. By supporting sustainable practices and the local economy, we protect the future of our proud African heritage.
Customer Experience
We combine modern technology with personal service to make your preservation journey seamless. From our dedicated app to a personal portfolio manager, we provide transparent updates and industry-leading turnaround times for total peace of mind.
Though Hunters Heart is a modern brand, it is built on a foundation of 37 years of combined team experience.
Today, the studio is recognized for its “signature” style—where every eye expression, muscle vein, and pose is anatomically correct, ensuring that when a hunter looks at their trophy, they don’t just see a mount; they see their story.
Every trophy tells a story. At Hunters Heart Taxidermy we offer a full range of taxidermy mounts to preserve yours exactly as you remember it. From classic shoulder mounts that capture the character of a kudu, impala, or gemsbok, to dramatic full-body and life-size mounts of larger African game such as buffalo, sable, and wildebeest, each piece is hand-finished by skilled artisans. For hunters who prefer a cleaner, more contemporary display, our pedestal mounts give your trophy a striking three-dimensional presence, while European mounts (skull mounts) offer a timeless, understated tribute that suits any trophy room or hunting lodge.
Beyond traditional mounts, we craft flat-skin and rug mounts from zebra, springbok, and other prized hides, alongside custom leather goods that reflect our commitment to using every part of the animal. Whether you’ve hunted a delicate steenbok or a magnificent Cape buffalo, our team tailors each mount to the pose, habitat setting, and finish you envision because no two trophies, or memories, are ever the same.
We understand the practical side of international trophy hunting. Our team manages the full process, from field preparation and skull bleaching to professional tanning, dip-and-pack, and worldwide shipping, so hunters travelling from the United States, Europe, and beyond can receive their finished mounts with complete peace of mind. Backed by a deep respect for ethical, sustainable hunting, Hunters Heart Taxidermy blends old-world craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring your African hunting memories are preserved to the highest standard for generations to come.
Get in touch with Hunters Heart Taxidermy today to discuss your mount, request a quote, and let us turn your hard-earned trophy into a lasting work of art.