I might do that JZ, I also need some recommendations on a decent taxidermist as well. I don't mind paying for a good one but quality and timeframe are most important, I'm hoping I don't have to wait a year plus to get him back.
In this area if you want something good you're going to wait every bit of 12 months. It's just the way it is. Too many hunters, not enough good taxidermists.
I'd find the nearest professional tannery and see if they also do taxidermy. That is where all your wait time is.... The taxidermist holds the capes to ship them in lots to save money.... can be months.... Most tanneries have a minimum of 90-120 day lead time. Fine a tannery that does good quality taxidermy and you wont have to wait so long. :p I have one of those in mind if you are willing to ship your hide and rack. You would have to call him to see if he would take it.... He doesn't even advertise his services any more he has so much work.... To give you and idea I had mine back before x-mas. At the same time I was first in the queue so I won't have the same expectation this year.
There are (2) quality taxi's fairly close to me, Google Ashkum & Foosland. If you need detailed info on either PM me. I like this form:
It's a ways away, but I know they ship: Minnesota's Taxidermy Unlimited ? Burnsville, MN I had mine by June. Top notch work by these guys!
The exact form is an opinion thing if you ask me. i would suggest, and I know justin agrees, to stay away from joe meder forms. His forms tend to be fat at the nose.. Making the deer mount looking more cow than deer. stick with the straight up forms that aren't typically followed with some dudes name and I think you get closer to a deers more natural forms. And in this area.. You're going to wait for a good mount. Even a crappy taxi takes 6 months here. LOTS of hunters bidding for these guys. You'll have to wait. But trust me.. It's worth the wait. I see lots of taxidermy at shows and on these boards. Those taxi's would often be considered of poor craft here.
