Taxidermy Costs

[jigginjim]

Which one would you go to? Taxidermist charging $295.00 or $400.00 if all things being some what equal? What do you look for in choosing someone to mount your trophies? Be it deer or fish?

[hockeybc69]

If "all things equal", why the heck would you pay more???

I guess I dont understand what you are asking.....

[ERdeerhunter]

If "all things equal", why the heck would you pay more???

I guess I dont understand what you are asking.....

I agree, if all things are equal except price, who in their right mind would go the more expensive route?

[Greybeard53]

I think it’s the “all things being equal” statement that is confusing.

If all things truly were equal, it would be a no brainer to decide. But typically it’s the less than obvious differences that determine what you’re willing to pay extra for.

There are a LOT of people that do taxidermy. Some do it professionally, and others as a hobby or part time business. That alone doesn’t tell you much. I’ve seen incredible work at all levels, and unfortunately have seen terrible work at all levels. Some are great at one thing, like fish, but not as good at deer heads or vice versa.

There are also different levels of taxidermy, like competition level mounts, versus standard customer work.

There are also many methods of taxidermy (types of tans, varieties of forms, artificial heads, eyelids, feet, etc.)

BUT, everyone’s expectations are also different. I’ve seen work that I wouldn’t hang in my garage, but the customer couldn’t be happier.

That’s why I think it’s so important to do your own research. If you want a walleye mount, don’t go to a guy just because he did a really nice duck for a guy you work with. Look specifically at examples of walleyes they’ve done. Do you like the coloring, the eyes, the fins, the position, etc..

If possible, check references to see if customers are happy several years down the road. Have their mounts held up over time?

Sure I’d rather pay less. But, I’d also rather pay $400 for a mount I love, than $295 for one I don’t care for. But until you know what’s available, it’s hard to make that decision.

[Cheetah]

Some guys think that by paying more they will by default get more. Whatever more is, maybe better quality, faster service, etc. Doesn't matter what the product is, it could be two identical rocks at a rock shop, the more expensive one must be better, right? That's how some folks think anyway.

[Double D]

References and examples of past work are what you would want to look at most. A good taxidermist should have plenty of both.

That will tell you a lot.

DD

[Chuby Minnow]

Personally, I choose to pay a little more for my mounts for a couple reasons. One, I found a taxidermist that does good work and I have not been disapointed with any of my mounts. Two, I consider it art. Unlike art that you may re-decorate in a few years. These are not going anywhere and are on my wall for my lifetime. So, I want it to be as good as it can be.

I choose not to risk it with a "deal" on my mounts. With that said, if it truly is apples to apples, good work and good references, it may pan out. Wont know for sure until you pull the plug and try them out.

[Crappie Rage]

My guy is $500 to $600. I don't even care anymore, his work is perfect. I just ask him what I owe him and write the check.

[slimngrizzly]

You have to look at the work and make sure you like it! Anyone can mount a deer or a fish, whatever... Its making it look good thats the artistic part and thats what your paying him for!

[Sorgy]

Be carefull when choosing a taxidermist.

Look before the season so that if you get that special animal you don’t make a decision on convenience. My cousin had a taxidermist in Cook- then Tower disappear in the summer of 2010 with his antlers, cape and a substantial deposit. Luckily I was able to track down where some of the stuff was stored and we recovered the antlers.

Also look closely at the eyes, nose, lips , ear position ect. A lot of the work on display in their shops look good side by side take one of the mounts and compare it to another taxidermist work and you will see differences. I have a mount done from a guy in Shakopee and one in Ham Lake and the one done by Chris Wallace is hands down – way better – more natural in the pose and it has held up since 1998. The one I had done in Shakopee was done in 1994 and looks sleepy. On its own it is a nice looking mount but the other looks like he stuck his head in the room for a look around. I saved $75 for the cheaper mount- Not worth it in my book.

Steve

[mnviking28]

As was stated earlier, definitely do some research beforehand. We have all seen some hack-jobs and taxidermists that don't know what they are doing. Making a decision in a rush because you don't have a place to keep the animal until mounting usually leads to regret later. I unfortunately heard a story of a young man this fall-14 years old-who shot a "deer of a lifetime" on opening weekend. It was a huge 13 pointer. However, the hack that he brought it to told him that "deer that are shot this time of year, you can't shoulder mount, because they don't have long enough hair." Really? I know several taxidermists that love to do bow killed deer because they can show off so much more muscle detail. Of course by the time I heard about it, the cape was shot. The poor kid ended up with a European mount because he was told it wasn't possible.

[certified jumbo]

Sorgy you nailed it.

Be very careful when choosing a taxidermist. Years ago I learned the hard way!!!

Check out the show room and ask for a couple of references.

My taxidermist now is very expensive, but very reliable and is one of the best in the state. He was a multiple state champion at deer, now he is one of the judges. He charges $575 dollars, so with tax it comes to about $640 for a deer.

Do your research and you'll be ok.

[bety0108]

I like a ONE man operation!!! Some of these guys are very well know, but hire a staff to do the dirty work and he does the finishing touches! THAT GUY most likely doesnt have the passion i look for. Its a dam assembly line! Just get them in and out. My guy might take longer and cost a pretty penny, but he calls me when he thinks of neat ideas and stuff. Its the communication and quality I looked for. Somebody who understands the deer in its natural environment. I would pay more for quality! The guy charging less i am guessing is the assembly line type. People shoot a big buck and have to give the bones away the next day. We naturally want it back ASAP. That sells a lot of people! Just think about it... They are both making money otherwise they would not do the job! Why is one guy half the price? and how is he making money? fast work! mistakes! sorry i let go on this one

[mabr]

jigginjim, Based on our conversations last year with the buck I killed i think your pricing was real good. If I remember correctly it was on the lower end of the ones I called. BUT your pics looked impressive. I also like the way you wrote me explaining the detail and choices id have. You sounded great to me. Had it not been for me getting my business up and running (short on funds) I would have had you do mine. I ended up doing a skull mount myself.

But to answer your question. People do associate price with quality. Stupid but true. True story - Same wine, bottled in 2 dif containers one was ++++$ other was cheap. guess which one won taste test.

[slimngrizzly]

I will also add that there are several taxidermists that may do phenomenal fish but couldn't mount a deer to save his #&$%, and visa versa! I know a lot of guys who are good at one thing but not the other, maybe find someone who is passionate about that type of animal. It will turn out better if the taxidermist enjoys doing it!

[Coach1310]

I'm just hoping for the opportunity to make that decision someday

[jay83196]

Often if its much cheaper its corners being cut, example a buddy paid couple hundred less for a bear rug later found few differences his felt was glued ( and fell apart later) not sown together and his mouth was put together poorly etc so you get what pay for often. Look over the work they have.