Submitted by Pacemakr on 6/20/99. ( jfwagner@hereintown.net )
Here in W.Va. I charge $250.00 for deer, which is not cheap around here, which gives me about $10.00 an hour for labor. How much do you think I should charge for a caribou shoulder mount. I think it'll cost me about about $50.00 more than a deer to do.
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This response submitted by George Roof on 6/21/99. ( georoof@aol.com )
I hunt WV and I don't think I've ever seen any caribou walking around in those mountains. Charge accordingly. If a hunter can afford to go there and spend $2000 for the trip, he shouldn't think too much about spending 1/4 that for a good mount.
Caribou are not particularly difficult to mount, but I'd bet you have antlers that are split at the least and fuzzy at the worst. You probably have a hide that been salted with rock salt and without the lips split or ears turned. Even in your area, you shouldn't go less than $400.
This response submitted by area man on 6/21/99. ( )
Pacemaker
How much does a new f150 ford cost in your AREA, a washing
machine at sears, are these things less in your area than mine , i don't think so . Is the federal minnium wage less in your area than say New York City ? Did it cost that hunter less to go on the Caribou
hunt from your area than my area ? If your area is so poverty laden may be you should move to a better AREA. At 250.00 for a deer head
i can see your trying to maintain that poverty mentallity that your area has. Are you getting the "AREA " discount from your suppliers and tanneries, i hear this is a new program for depressed AREAS and
starving artist taxidermists , but to qualify for this program which is subsidised by the federal goverment you have to attend and pass in the top ten percent of the BUSINESS 101 Class at your local colledge , good luck .
This response submitted by Pacemakr on 6/21/99. ( jfwagner@hereintown.net )
You're right! I don't remember taking a vow of poverty when I got my license. Actually, at $250.00 I'm the highest price in town. I've seen $140.00 - $185.00 for deer, but I've seen those deer too. You get what you pay for. My prices just went up again (just invested in an auto-tanner). Every town has a highest priced, and best, taxidermist... might as well be me!
This response submitted by George Roof on 6/22/99. ( georoof@aol.com )
Area man,
You are the perfect example of the yahoo jerks that have made our industry what it is. You have a lot of mouth and convictions but don't have the guts to put your name under them. You are one of those who have "secret methods" and don't post your prices because we know, they fluctuate by the customer, not the quality.
Pacemaker asked an honest question that deserved a decent response. Crawl back in your hole, and stay off the forum. Some of us would like to see the whole industry gain the knowlege so that we could all make a decent living. And if you have a smartassed response, you can send it directly to me. I don't hide from behind anonymity.
This response submitted by Bill on 6/22/99. ( yoxtax@aol.com )
You are the highest price in town, right? Might as well be the price you want, too! They are coming to you, and they still will, just dont get crazy! George is right, those antlers are always in two peices, cut skull plates, that all takes time. You sew longer, shave and turn longer, so charge accordingly. I like what areaman had to say, too, even though he sounded somewhat sarcastic, he made the point. Not all things are relative so charge the amount you should. Why price to get the work? You were probably going to get it anyway, right? If you don't, let your fellow taxidermist do it for less, while you get after all the top dollar heads you already have. We will all stay busy.I think you already know what you need to do and are on the right track without OUR opinions, so good luck to you!
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