So the norm is about a year. I have 2 birds at a local taxidermist right now. The first one I dropped off on March 9, 2007 and the second was on April 12, 2008. I put a 50% deposit down on each.
I shot a grey fox back in November 1998 during archery season and I didn't get it back until November 2001. I dropped it off at a highly recommended taxidermist from WV who said it would take a year.
Right now I am waiting on a gobbler that I dropped off at the new taxidermist that I am using from VA. It has been one year and four months. When I dropped off this years gobbler I talked to him about it. He said he just had to paint the head. Maybe this one will get done soon.