Article on the home page - https://www.bowhunting.com/article/taxidermy-fees-by-state/ Little shocking, I got my 2021 buck shoulder mounted by a taxidermist in Nebraska and paid in the 400's Also got it back before new year that same year. This was a 1 man shop that tan's his own hides Its really too bad because the conversations/memories when looking at mounts are great! Euro mounts are good but to me, its not the same.
Taxidermy prices are absolutely out of control around here. You're looking at $800 to $1,000 (or more) for a good whitetail shoulder mount these days. I used to get them for $350. Unless a deer is really big or unique in some way, I'm euro mounting from here on out. They're all going to get tossed in a landfill after I'm dead anyways.
Thank God I'm not the only one who feels this way. I'd love to get a shoulder mount, but it'd have to be special.
Yep they’re crazy anymore, I’m on the skull mount only band wagon from here on out. My first mount was 400$, now its pushing 900$. Once I get my IA buck that’s prob it for me.
I’ve considered going to taxidermy school and doing it as a hobby/side, but I’m a hobby whore and I rather drink beers and go fishing. Maybe when I retire from the normal grind.
Agreed. I've done my own euro's the last 2 years. My 2018 buck cost me $865 and my 2019 buck cost me $950. I did pedestal mounts, however so there's some added cost. I hunt several public spots close to home in the early season but I do have a couple private permissions that open up to hunting in November, and the agreed upon rule is that if you shoot a buck, it has to go on your wall. It's a rule we have to respect so it's costly but it's cheaper than most lease fees and it's proven to grow a nice herd. I won't complain about the opportunity to hunt decent bucks in SE Missouri, but I do try and find a respectable buck on public between Sept & Nov. Interestingly enough, last season we had a great year in regard to number of bucks but a strange phenomenon of broken tines, points and beams. So, depending on how many of those our neighbors took out in rifle season, there's a chance I come back to this later complaining about a taxidermy fee. Fingers crossed.
I did 4 or 5 mounts back in the day. Back then it was around $200 in materials, plus alot of your own hours. I could do a mount that was good enough for me, but not the same as a pro. I'm sure with price of everything, it's even more in material. It is one of those things that is a labor of love. After trying it, my time is worth doing other things and just paying for it. I'm at the point I probably wouldn't mount another deer unless it's in my top 5. Just stick with euro. Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
Yep I priced out materials and it’s pricey. That’s cool you did a handful of them, it always peaked my interest.
If you are artistic at all, anyone can do it. There is so much info out there now. I mounted a doe first, because I didn't want to mess up a buck mount. Then my first buck mount I messed up and the hair slipped on its ear. Go figure! I ended up getting a new cape several years later and getting it redone. I enjoyed it alot, but as kids came along, I just didn't have time. Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
The old guy i use still only charges $550. He said he hardly makes any money. All other options around me are $700 +. Its around an 18 mo wait because he only does it part time along with being in a classic country band but its worth the wait to me. Its a nice surprise to forget about it and then see his phone call a year and a half later. I also have done some Euros myself with mixed results. The best results i got were from a guy with beetles. Turned out wonderful for $125.
Just shoot everything like you did that coyote in your profile picture and you'll never have to worry about it
