Ok, so I'm a pretty poor college student and I am planning on going black bear hunting this fall in NY. I've done some minor scientific taxedermy stuff in class, everything else I've shot have been deer and I have had the money to get a head mount. If I get a black bear I really really absolutely do not want anything but a lifesize, I just don't think anything else can do it justice. Here's the problem, I can't even come close to affording it. So I was thinking maybe I could try it myself, I've read up on how to do it, but I don't want to mess up my big trophy. What should I do? I'd rather have it brought to a taxedermist, plain and simple I just can't afford it.
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There is a difference between taxidermy work and good taxidermy work. Mounting a lifesize bear requires alot of knowledge of the species and general knowledge of skin handling and prepping. My advice is, if you what to learn taxidermy, practice on a less expensive animal. Secondly, don't just send it to any taxidermist. Research and find a taxidermist with good quality work with experience and knowledge of bears. Save the extra money and get it done right. You will be kicking yourself in the as...... if you don't.
P.S. You might want to consider 1/2 lifesize or a shoulder mount.
Then Start saving. If you are a full time student, you will not have the time to acquire the skill necessary to do a top notch job in just a few months. I my humble opinion. You would do the bear a greater justice with a top notch shoulder mount. than that of a poor full body.
Why not contact a taxidermist and have the hide tanned for a lifesize mount. Under proper conditions, the hide will keep for at least a couple of years...then maybe you will have enough money to get it mounted..
Why not make payments? We do payment plans in our studio. Contact us and maybe we can work with you to get the life-size mount you want.
Make payments, I have several clients that can't afford to do the 50% deposit and then the balance when it's done. They may put up 25%-35% and then make monthly payments until paid. It's kind of like a law-away plan. Don't start any work until you collect the 50% percent though.
Last year there was a record take of bear in NY. That, coupled with the third coldest winter on record, might make it a tad harder to fill your tag this year.n Good luck!
Thanks for all the replies,
I never considered just having the hide tanned and waiting till i have the money to get it mounted or payment plans. That way I can get a top notch full size and afford it.....kind of. Both are execellent suggestions. I appreciate all the advice.
Jeff