I pay around 400 after tax, and get rebates for continuous use of his services. He does it all and has done it for years. He even does freeze drying. I've seen the work and his operation is pretty darn good. Turn around depends on when you get your deer. He will have it done in 3-4 months if early, or out to 6-8 when he gets backed up. This guy does everything from shoulder to full mount, deer to bear, kudu to birds. A local guy takes all his exotics there. I doubt I'll be changing unless something drastic happens.
I dont even ask my guy how long it will take. It doesn't really mater to me. I did get mine in before shotgun season so I'm sure that helps.
Took ours in in November, $450 - he said it's be back April/May. Took our pheasant and turkey to the same guy and it was a 10-12 month turn around. Our best was done by a man out of state. I think he was in VA (our outfitter in IL recommended him). Best work I've seen, cheapest price, and quickest turn around. Shot it in November, it was done January (Though never got back up here until March because we had to wait for the outfitter to come to the area for an Expo). This guy is a champion taxidermist - and I can surely tell why!
Most of mine were done by a guy $340-360, I don't remember exactly and I'd get them back around march-april. This year's went to a guy that I LOVED his work. He's $450 & says probably around July
Killed my 9 pointer October 5th, I got him back middle of December! Cost was $515. I also shot a real nice 8 point on November 16th, same price, but he`s gonna take longer to get back, I was told March or April.
thats a deal, so basically you pay for the mannequin and other supplies and he doesn't charge your for his time..
I've taken all 6 of my mounts to a guy up the road from me. He's gone up over the years and is now charging 500 and takes a full year to get back. However, he has always done phenomenal work and I won't let anyone else touch my trophies. About ten years ago, his son started doing it with him and has turned out to be better than his old man. He's won numerous awards and accolades for his work. I'm thankful to have a good taxi close.
That. I would love to ship ours to my favorite guy - but I'll pay the little extra and have it done close to home with someone that is good (too).
Has any one tried doing there own mount? I decided to try my own mount back in 2010. Now I have completed 5 mounts by my self with no training, just read a lot of books and watched videos. Its really rewarding process to go out hunting, shoot a buck, process the meat, tan the hide, and mount the trophy. All in house, its a great feeling! Once I stock piled a lot of the bulk material for the mounts ( which you can mount dozens of mounts) the cost is less than $100 dollars per mount. I know a taxidermist not to far away that will always answer any question I have, and return I give him deer meat for his family and any unwanted buck hides that I am not using. The whole process is done in a month or less if I keep after it.
I would love to try some day. My taxidermist is a good friend so I'm sure he would help me if I asked. I've thought about asking if I could work with him on one to see how it is done but don't have the extra time right now. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post up some pictures of the ones you've done. I'd love to see them! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I just moved this winter, so all my mounts are at my shop. So I will take a few pics in the next day or 2 when I am in there. My favorite mount is of the deer in my avatar. If you have any artistic ability, its a very easy process. You will be surprised if you try it. I only do 1 mount a year at most, But it does take a lot of time. If you did it every day you could do it fast.
