That sucks for sure. On the bright side sounds like the taxidermist feels almost as bad about it as you do and is making it right the best he can right now. Killed a 7pt back in high school and the butcher let the cape lay out and ruined. The taxidermist got me another at no charge and 24 years later it is still on the wall. Point is be understanding and patient cause a good taxidermist can work wonders.