AVID HUNTER AND CONSERVATIONIST
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.