TraumaSlave
Well-Known Member
Just wondering what you are paying for your deer mounts? and what is considered show quality price? I pay what my guy says I owe him. Aside from a missed stitch or two, I think his work is top notch.
I have a minimum of $300 in materials which doesn't include my time, profit, equipment, water, utilities, license, taxes etc. Not to mention the hours, travel, shows and training I have invested in.275.00 get them back in about 6-8 weeks
After you get your deer back from him hand him a calculator.Our guy does it for 300. Does a great job. Doesn't do it full time just 30 to 40ish a year for friends. He does euro mounts for 60 with the deer on a plaque ready to hang.
He isn't trying to make a living at it. Just a hobby for him he picked up when he was a kid. Does it for close friends and family.After you get your deer back from him hand him a calculator.
I never have, honestly never thought about it.Hey, do you guys tip your taxidermist?
~ 3 years - what? please share the taxidermist info... pm is fine. I would go crazy if I took a kid's deer to this place.Last one I took was supposed to be $400 with cape tanned instead of dry preserve like most taxis around here do. I gave a $100 deposit and it is going on 3 years. I get some lame excuse every time I call. I am not happy about it.
The cost of taxidermy and how most mounts start looking poorly in 15-20 years old is why www.antlerdaddy.com was created. We modeled it after a great company http://classicantlermounts.com/. It was a way to engage kids in work during Covid and make some money.
Taxidermy is really a poor investment. Nobody wants when you downsize or die….especially your wife.
However, we about to shut our quality service down. Too many people boiling 30 or 50 skulls for nothing and even spray painting them. There are some low standards out there.
My $.02.
I don't see how a guy could mount deer heads for 275 …what is his TWRA license number?
Everyone has their opinion! I know mine is not popular with many hunters.Poor investment? I guess it depends on what you expect your return on investment to be? I enjoy the deer heads I have mounted in my living room. Also enjoy the euro mounts as well as the ducks, geese, antelope, mule deer and other taxidermy we have in our home....good taxidermy, that last, is expensive....but for us it's been an excellent investment because we enjoy it everyday. As far as what will happen with my collection after I'm gone? I won't care....I'll be gone....but there are a few special deer that will go to a family member or friend.
Everyone has their opinion! I know mine is not popular with many hunters.
It has been the best option for us. We chose to live in a culdesac vs the country, so there are limits for the bride. The wife can only stand so much and a full-size mount mountain lion, a 6x6 elk rack, and our best deer antlers has been the best choice for us. I no longer have the extra room as a mancave or a basement. We moved 5 states and 6 homes since married and that is also a logistics pain to take care of the taxidermy.
Now, if I had stayed single then I would have a few more for sure. I also sort of regret not mounting my son's 8 pt because it is a beautiful rack and had a great cape. But, if his wife will allow it then he can can get it done later. It makes moving much easier.