I killed the biggest buck of my life this year and wanted to have the horns mounted on a plack. After a bad experience with a cheap plack kit I called a local guy that does this for $40 a pop. After I pondered my $40 choice I decided that it can't be that hard if I had the right stuff and a good set of instructions. Is there any place I can get instructions on this? I searched the web and all I found was full head taxadermy instructions. If anyone can help I would be grateful to save my $40 and possibly do this as a side job. Thanks.
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We charge $95. I wouldn't even look at them for $40. We use solid walnut panels, cover with buckskin that is fit to the burrs, no braid to cover shoddy fitting or workmanship. Afterall, the focus of the mount is ANTLERS, not fluff. Done individually it is a 2 1/2 hour job, with overhead at $25+. $40 still sounds cheap!
I have a set of instructions on how to do it. The cost is $40.00 plus shipping.
Ever occurred to you that $40 is way under price for an antlermount? You are insulting our industry and our work with your post. Do you think taxidermists have to work for free? Even illegal wetbacks get paid more per hour then what you are willing to pay your local guy.
If it can't be that hard like you stated how come you haven't figured it out on your own then?
Merry christmas to you Mr.Scrooge.
is 60.00, which includes a good quality placque, antler form, padding, split suede cover and roman braiding....dang mayber I should raise my price !
I had the same question. I have a box full of antlers taken over the years and would also like to put them on plaques. While I can afford to pay 40.00 or 100.00, I would rather learn a new hobby. Your arrogance and sarcasm leave alot to be desired during the holiday season. Have you ever thought that 40.00 to some might be more of a sacrafice than it is to yourselves. Hope your never in a position to ask for advise. Michael, if I stumble across instructions, I will email them to you. Happy Holidays. KK
KK,
I don't think these folks are arrogant at all! Michael basically slammed professional taxidermists who are trying to make a living at their trade and then wanted their techniques handed to him on a platter. Having owned my own shop for several years I can tell you that there are much easier ways to make a living!
Arrogant? Michael is the one who came across as being arrogant. This forum is more than willing to help newbies but you have to show a little respect to get it.
Good luck!
Jerry S.
I did not intend to "slam the industry" as I was accused of above, I only wanted to find information and give this "trade" a shot on a part time basis. It is good information to know that this industry is incredibly difficult to learn to put out quality work. I have seen shool advertisements that can teach this trade in five weeks, It takes two years to become a secratary. I hope Scrooge has a better new year and has years of prosperity charging people what ever he likes. I have ordered what I need, and will make my first attempt at this within the week, for everyone else that can relate to me I will let you know how it turns out and how difficult it was. I also want to thank everyone else for the GOOD input. Finally consulting this website was the first step in figuering this out on my own.
I have had a few hours to reflect on my last response (I mean that in more than one way). I want to let Mr. Scrooge in on a few things to think about. I remodled a house last year, I FIGURED out how to do my own siding, plumbing, electrical, roofing, cabinetry, sheet rock, floor tile, and fencing. The only jobs I contracted out was the septic tank and the sheet rock finishing and the reason for that was I don't own a back hoe and I didn't have time to FIGURE out the mudding. Also in my spare time I rebuild motors, do all maintenance on my three vehicles, and raise a child on my own. For a living I design and test explosives for our military. I have FIGURED out a few things in my day. I would like to go to Scrooges house and see if he even mows the lawn! I feel whatever anyone else can do, I can do as well. I think this is probably the same thought that everyone that visits this website has. So thanks alot for the negative experience Scrooge, I wish no one would have shown you how to do what you do!
Michael,
I understand your your thoughts on buying the "kits" as I have not found anything worth buying until I found something on Ebay from a seller call "diamondicelowrider". He makes plaques for horns out of real wood that look pretty nice. I'll have to get the leather "cap" and some other things to finish the job, but think it will turn out better than the kits I've seen advertised. I can relate to the prices charged by taxidermist and think they deserve every penny. For those of us who like to get a little more involved it takes some time to research. Good luck. Andy
When I do another one I think I will try other placks as well. My sister works at a saw mill that will cut any plack design I like with a computerized water jet cutter. I just found out about this in conversation over the holiday. Where are you getting your leather caps at? I thought about going to an upholstry shop and looking around. Thanks for the input.