RTF Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 How much would you guys, pay for a shoulder mount? Whats your cut off price? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Shoulder mounts around here go for about 300-375 I'd say, though it's been 4-5 years since I've had one mounted. I don't know what my "limit" would be, it's just a shoulder mount. It's not like a guy could come in and tell me he'll do better quality for 500 when I'm getting great quality now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 to me its not really a money thing but rather the buck is big enough for me to want him on the wall...... Prices around here are $350 to $500. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 For me I think it would depend on the deer. A whopper like a Booner or 200+ deer I'd look for the very best taxidermist out there. If it was a deer in the 140-160 class, I'd say around $350. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Depends I guess. If I am at home the most should not go over $350. The new to us taxidermist we used last year charged $275, have not gotten my deer back yet to really look at it close. With this trip we are taking to Wyoming and the cwd regs, we may not have much in the way of options depending on how we do. If we are pressed it may be that we have to use a taxidermist there and have them send it home, in that situation I am expecting we may be looking at $600 shipped. Hope is that if we have something to bring back that we get it early enough to get it caped and the skull cleaned so we are able to transport it back home to a local taxidermist. Just gonna have to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoosierhunter Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Depends on the deer. A true booner I would probably pay upwards of 700 for the right guy(nationally recognized). For a good buck about 450 is my cut off but I think my guy is well worth it. I have a buck mounted from 2001($175) from him and another from 2005($325) and the older buck still looks better than the newer one. He also did my 2008($425) buck and I couldn't be happier. BTW the 1st price was a deal because it was my first wallhanger and a family friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Bucknasty Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 (edited) I charge $260 per shoulder mount. Next year, I'll probably up it to $285. Most of the other guys are charging $350-500 around here now. Considering how much the materials cost. anything over $350 is ridiculous. Full body mounts are a lot more of course. I get $800 for those, but some of these other guys are charging $1,500-2,000 or more. Personally, I'm not trying to get rich, and I like having a clear conscience. Edited September 17, 2010 by TN Bucknasty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Bucknasty Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Depends I guess. If I am at home the most should not go over $350. The new to us taxidermist we used last year charged $275, have not gotten my deer back yet to really look at it close. With this trip we are taking to Wyoming and the cwd regs, we may not have much in the way of options depending on how we do. If we are pressed it may be that we have to use a taxidermist there and have them send it home, in that situation I am expecting we may be looking at $600 shipped. Hope is that if we have something to bring back that we get it early enough to get it caped and the skull cleaned so we are able to transport it back home to a local taxidermist. Just gonna have to see. So you are headed to Wyoming this year, huh? Been up there before? Congrats on getting to go. Anyone who has had to hunt here for a long time deserves an occasional vacation. I guess that makes two of us who are headed elsewhere to hunt this go around. I got a lease in Southeast Kansas this time. Best of luck to you. I hope you slam the sad daddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okiedog Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Last one I had done was upwards of $500.. I did get a tine repaired and went up to a prem form. Alot of people do not think about form quality but to me it sure makes the mount stand out for a little more money. If I kill a big body deer.. I do not want it on a "pencil neck" form. Just my thoughts and reasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 So you are headed to Wyoming this year, huh? Been up there before? Congrats on getting to go. Anyone who has had to hunt here for a long time deserves an occasional vacation. I guess that makes two of us who are headed elsewhere to hunt this go around. I got a lease in Southeast Kansas this time. Best of luck to you. I hope you slam the sad daddy. Thanks. Yep, getting away from the backyard where we have so much pressure from the neighbors is gonna be a nice change for sure. Mule deer has long been a dream of mine. Never hunted Wyoming, really looking forward to it. Taking my 14 year old daughter which is gonna be special for sure, gonna meet some fellow forum members I have been looking forward to meeting as well. Hopes are that my daughter gets a shot on her dream buck, she wants something non typical. Good luck to you in Kansas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Bucknasty Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Last one I had done was upwards of $500.. I did get a tine repaired and went up to a prem form. Alot of people do not think about form quality but to me it sure makes the mount stand out for a little more money. If I kill a big body deer.. I do not want it on a "pencil neck" form. Just my thoughts and reasons. Even so, you're talking about $20- $30 more for a premium form than a regular one as far as cost goes. It takes me about 20 minutes with a rasp to convert a regular form into a high definition form. I wouldn't think there should be a whole lot of price difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Head and shoulder mounts around here for deer and antelope are about $375 on average. My taxidermist does incredible work so, basically, I'll pay what he charges me. I have a feeling I'll be bringing him a lot more antelope than I would deer. Of course, I'm planning on going to school for taxidermy anyways. Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clrj3514 Posted September 18, 2010 Report Share Posted September 18, 2010 The guy we use charges $175. Cheap guy but great work. I wouldn't go over $350 probably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebohio Posted September 18, 2010 Report Share Posted September 18, 2010 225 is the norm around here but i live in a depressed area. 75 for antlers only. 125 European mount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWTaxidermy Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 (edited) Most of the other guys are charging $350-500 around here now. Considering how much the materials cost. anything over $350 is ridiculous. LOL......You have to be kidding!!!!......Those whom charge less than $350 will not be in Business long IMO!!!.. "Wheres the dead horse when you need it?" Edited September 20, 2010 by RWTaxidermy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTF Posted September 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 I charge $260 per shoulder mount. Next year, I'll probably up it to $285. Most of the other guys are charging $350-500 around here now. Considering how much the materials cost. anything over $350 is ridiculous. Full body mounts are a lot more of course. I get $800 for those, but some of these other guys are charging $1,500-2,000 or more. Personally, I'm not trying to get rich, and I like having a clear conscience. I cannot believe what I just read from a person who calls themselves a taxidermist. First of all, no one gets rich doing taxidermy no matter what price they charge. I know a few award winning taxidermists that don't even have enough money in the bank to make ends meat and keep their business floating. You know, I know and a few others who replied to this thread know, that if you would have posted this type of crap on over amongst your piers on taxidermy.net forums you would have been ripped apart. And that’s a fact. But before I go any further I must know more about your mind set. It may just as well explain to me why you responded the way you did. 1) How old are you? 2) How long have you been doing taxidermy? 3) Are you self taught or did you graduate from a taxidermy school? 4) Where do you get your deer forms from? 5) How do you tan your deer hides? 6) Are you licensed by the state? 7) Do you have a federal permit to do taxidermy? 8) Are you insured against liability if someone gets hurt at your shop? 9) How many hours does it take you to complete a deer mount? 10) Are you full time or a part timer? 11) Do you belong to your state taxidermy association? 12) Are you a member of the National Taxidermy Association or the United Taxidermy Association? Without knowing some of your background I couldn’t possibly begin to respond to your post. It’s kind of like how I would respond to a 4 year old kicking his sister, then to a 18 year old kicking his sister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 I wouldn't pay over $400. You taxidermists wear your feelings too far down your sleeve. Looks to me like TN is just being honest but apparently the ways of a taxidermist are the same as a car salesman............some of you may get that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92xj Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 What did TN say that was so horrible? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Bucknasty Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 (edited) I cannot believe what I just read from a person who calls themselves a taxidermist. First of all, no one gets rich doing taxidermy no matter what price they charge. I know a few award winning taxidermists that don't even have enough money in the bank to make ends meat and keep their business floating. You know, I know and a few others who replied to this thread know, that if you would have posted this type of crap on over amongst your piers on taxidermy.net forums you would have been ripped apart. And that’s a fact. But before I go any further I must know more about your mind set. It may just as well explain to me why you responded the way you did. 1) How old are you? 2) How long have you been doing taxidermy? 3) Are you self taught or did you graduate from a taxidermy school? 4) Where do you get your deer forms from? 5) How do you tan your deer hides? 6) Are you licensed by the state? 7) Do you have a federal permit to do taxidermy? 8) Are you insured against liability if someone gets hurt at your shop? 9) How many hours does it take you to complete a deer mount? 10) Are you full time or a part timer? 11) Do you belong to your state taxidermy association? 12) Are you a member of the National Taxidermy Association or the United Taxidermy Association? Without knowing some of your background I couldn’t possibly begin to respond to your post. It’s kind of like how I would respond to a 4 year old kicking his sister, then to a 18 year old kicking his sister. Easy now. I'm not seeking to start anything with anyone. I live in one of the poorer regions of the South. I think the original question was how much would YOU pay. Obviously in New York or Indiana, the cost of living is much higher therefore you probably have to charge more. Edited September 20, 2010 by TN Bucknasty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 When I get my shop up and running, I'll probably start out with cheap prices at first. Deer: $285-$300 Antelope: $290-$310, eventually will go up to $375 once I have a good number of clients, a good reputation and am full time. Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Bucknasty Posted September 20, 2010 Report Share Posted September 20, 2010 Eyes $12, form from McKenzie $40-60, + shipping charges, and a little bit for clay, earbase, tanning solution, and bondo. I end up out about $100 in materials. Then I average about 10 hours labor per shoulder mount. I spend about $150 in licenses and permits, then utilities. I am in the red until I get past the first 5 mounts. Then all my bills are paid. If this was my only career, I'd probably charge around $325 or so instead of $260. As it is, I come out somewhere around $14 per hour which is a decent wage for where I live, especially for a second job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybear Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 $350's about my limit on my budget...it would have to be something REALLY special to ever get another one done. Had one done years ago and beatles started crawling out of it's nose and ears months after. Larva casings dripping from my trophy first bow kill.:angry: Sure did look nice on the wall...but.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWTaxidermy Posted September 21, 2010 Report Share Posted September 21, 2010 (edited) Eyes $12, form from McKenzie $40-60, + shipping charges, and a little bit for clay, earbase, tanning solution, and bondo. I end up out about $100 in materials. Then I average about 10 hours labor per shoulder mount. I spend about $150 in licenses and permits, then utilities. I am in the red until I get past the first 5 mounts. Then all my bills are paid. If this was my only career, I'd probably charge around $325 or so instead of $260. As it is, I come out somewhere around $14 per hour which is a decent wage for where I live, especially for a second job. Form: $62 Eyes: $14 Ear Liner: $7.50 Tan/chem: $7.00 Septum/nose: $13.00 Clay/ glue etc. $4.50 = $108.00 Now add in for ,Building, Elec, Water, Gas, Phone, Vehicle, Insurance, Work Contracts, ID Tags, Paper Work, Licenses, Educational expense, Travel Expense, Competitions or work shops, Charge Offs, Lawyer fees,,, yadda yadda yadda.......Now tell me $350 is rediculous... I figure atleast $225 for all expenses per competition quality shoulder mount and that leaves me a small profit of $175.....$175 div by roughly 14hrs= $12.50hr nothing to brag about IMO, If this was my full time Job i would be charging $425-$475 and if people didnt want to pay this, then there are plenty other guys down the road who is just starting out and will charge $225...hey you get what you pay for! Edited September 21, 2010 by RWTaxidermy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY_Bowhunter14 Posted September 23, 2010 Report Share Posted September 23, 2010 guy i go to charges $485... however, Bill Yox, who many of you may or may not heard of, has his taxidermist shop about 20 minutes from me, charges over $600, and that was 2 years ago... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTF Posted September 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2010 guy i go to charges $485... however, Bill Yox, who many of you may or may not heard of, has his taxidermist shop about 20 minutes from me, charges over $600, and that was 2 years ago... It's $700.00 for this year. He will have no problem in getting that price. He is a master taxidermist and I I'm sure you know he also has a deer farm, next to the shop. Besides taxidermy and running a deer farm, he travels the country giving seminars to other taxidermists. Bill is know world wide. Everyone who is in the industry has heard of Bill Yox or has meet him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.