Bear Rug

[gundy89]

We went to the "Hunt of a Lifetime Benefit" on Saturday and bought a Bear Hunt. (Great time and for a wonderful cause) Was wondering if anyone had a ballpark figure on what a Rug would cost. Need to figure it in the budget. Thanks guys.

[tealitup]

I think if you thought about... $100.00 a square foot youwould be safe

[RBuker]

I don't think it's per "Square foot." I think you can get it for about $100 per foot measured nose to tail.

But, I could be wrong. I don't have a bear rug.

[harvey lee]

Bears rug are usually done by the foot from nose to tail. At least that is the way it was done a few years ago when I was still doing it. I believe that from $100-$125 a foot would get it done. You could call a taxidermist and check the prices. Sometimes it depends on how many layers of felt trim you would like around the edges.

[wolfboy630]

it is per foot ( from tip of nose to tip of tail) and you should plan for around 125.00$ per foot for a good mount. the one i have was 6 and a half foot and ran about 800.00

[gundy89]

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'm gonna call around a bit. Hope I don't jinx myself. I've never done it and I'm thinking about getting a rug even if it's not huge.

[Antler_Creek_Taxidermy]

wolfboy is right it is per foot and you can expect to be paying about $125/ft. That is what I charge and most other taxidermists in the area are about the same. I advise you to do some calling around and definitely don't go with the cheapest you find!

Where is the location of your hunt?

[TRM]

$125.00 is average, most people that come in for a rug end up leaving with a half-life size, reasons,

1. little less $$$$ about 100.00 on average, also depends if a small habitat base is used.

2. less space used up, takes up little more than a deer mount, not many people have the room to hang a 5-7foot rug on the wall(takes up the whole thing) and if you have kids or pets you dont want it on the ground.

3. some people like the look better.

But the end decision is up to you (the customer) and what you really want.

Besure to look at all options befor you make you choice of a mount or rug...

[Swamp Scooter]

Another thing you might want to consider including would be the cost to get the skull done up by the beetles! It is not too much - 150 or so and turns out pretty cool looking.

[fishermann222]

Bear skulls only cost about 150 down there? Is that including the whitening also?

[gundy89]

we're hunting out of ifalls. that beetle thing sounds cool. i didnt realize that a half size would be around the same price. i'll have to explore it some more. is there anything special i need to do with the animal? we have an outfitter, so i would imagine that if i told them what i wanted to do they could shed some light but want to be prepared. thanks guys.

[woodview]

Just out of curiousity -

I forget the terminology for a harder-dried tanning vs a softer more pliable tan method like brain tanning gives but am wondering which way a bear rug is typically done.

Basically wondering if the finished rug is board like stiff?

[Tippman]

They are just like a big furry blanket. Very pliable if done correctly.

[Antler_Creek_Taxidermy]

There are alot of bear in that area, you should have no problem seeing bears. The half life size is a great option, once people come in and see a mount and find out it's actually cheaper than a rug there pretty much sold on one. As for handling of the bear after its taken DON'T tie a rope around it's neck (ie: hang it by the neck)or drag it by the neck. This can cause hair slippage and could show when it's mounted. When the bear is skun out just tell your guide or the meat processer that you are going to have the bear mounted and they should know how to skin it.

Good luck hunting!!!!!!!!!!!

[gundy89]

Antler Creek,

Thanks for the help. Is the half mount a head mount or does it have the front legs too?

[Tippman]

Hey Antler Creek, not many people with Santiago, Mn on here for their location huh? I'm assuming you run a business there. I would be interested in seeing your work as I'm from the area and haven't found someone I want to stick with yet.

[Antler_Creek_Taxidermy]

gundy89,

a half mount bear does have the front legs. I can show you some pics if you want, just post your e-mail address.

[Antler_Creek_Taxidermy]

Tippman,

No there aren't many people that live out here in the boonies (ha ha). Unfortunatley that not so good for bussiness but it does let me take more time on a mount and create an awesome looking mount. I live about 3 miles NW of town and working out of the house. I'm always up for visitors, I have a few MONSTER bucks i'm working on now that you should see. If everything works out I should have a booth a the Deer Classic again this March,so stop and say Hi.

[Tippman]

Antler Creek,

How long have you been doing taxidermy? Which road are you off? Sounds like you live in the area I do some deer hunting and carp shooting on the St. Francis. I grew up off county rd 3 and now live closer to St. Cloud.

[gundy89]

Antler Creek,

I'd love to see some mounts.

egunderson at lendsmartmortgage (Contact Us Please)

Thanks for the help.

[Antler_Creek_Taxidermy]

I have been running the bussiness for about 4 years but doing taxidermy a bit longer. I live off CRD 23. It is the first right N of CRD 3/CRD 23 intersection.

[Hibbing]

Question - I recently spoke to a local taxidermist about doing a bear for me this fall. He told me he won't do bears again because they are very difficult to mount. He told me that the hair on the nose is prone to slippage due to bacteria on the snout. He said that the best way to deal with this is to wrap the snout in a rag soaked in Lysol to kill the bacteria. Does this sound right?

[fishermann222]

If the lips are not split the hair will slip. As far as soaking in lysol, wow, I would never do that with my bear. I split the lips, FLESH the hide (VERY important) and then salt and drain, then salt some more and drain, then salt and drain some more, until all the moisture is out of the hide. If hunters in Alaska can deal with hides while being out in the bush for 7-10 days with potential warm temps and not get hair slippage it can be done, I have done it. Just have to know how to properly handle a hide. Did I mention splitting the lips, turning the ears, fleshing and salting and draining? Ok I thought so.

[Antler_Creek_Taxidermy]

I can't say that i've heard of using lysol,but I definetly WOULDN'T try it. Adding lysol to the hide would also add moisture. All bacteria needs to grow is moisture and a little warm weather. Another thing that can cause the hair to slip is if the hide is over neutralized during the tanning process. As long as the hide is salted properly and tanned right there shouldn't be any hair slippage.As for bears being hard to mount, I find that there no more diffucult than a deer and sometimes a little easier. If you plan on having a bear mounted this fall make sure you skin it out asap and get the hide in the freezer or bring it to a taxidermist. Bears have such a thick layer of fat that the hides needs to be cooled to prevent hair slippage.

I hope that answers your question.