I got my biggest buck ever in November 1998. The taxidermist who has it never finished. The antlers are intact and the cape was properly removed from the deer, frozen, later sent to a company to tan it, and returned to the taxidermist for mounting. Nothing else done. I've been more than patient, have not spent any money yet, and wonder if it is too late to take the cape and antlers to a professional and have it done after all these years. The measurements are a bit foggy but I could probably give a good guess based upon some good photos taken at the time of kill. Help, is there any chance for me to salvage this situation? Am willing to pay a top notch taxidermist to reproduce this wonderful trophy using what is left. Is there some professional advice for me?
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A tanned cape could still be usable. If not a nice cape will not be extremely expensive at this time of year.
Do some research on the next taxidermist first, get a contract too.
e-mail me. might be able to help.
lee
The cape is still the size it was. Most taxidermists know how to get the numbers from the cape. Go talk to the taxidermist and let him know you are going elsewhere, the antlers and cape belong to you. Be prepared to pay him for whatever he DID do so far, though. I get way behind at times also, so I understand this from both sides. Hopefully HE will, too!
Why is it when we talk about taxidermy this always comes up. Drives me nuts! 1 year is acceptible, 2 years is crap! I just do this for myself and some friends but I keep hearing this over and over. "It took 2 1/2 years or 3 years". What the heck is up with that. I'm in business, not taxidermy, but theres no such thing as too much. If you have to much then you should be able to hire help or turn the customers away. I know theres a level of skill and art that goes into the final product but theres grunt work also. Almost anyone can do it or be trained to do it. I think greed takes over and costs everyone. Customers dont want to wait that long. The thrill is gone. They tell their friends and then they are turned off by it. Are you guys and gals costing yourselves business by not turning people away or by not hiring help? I'm just an outsider/customer looking in but 2 years is a joke let alone 3 or 4. Every hunting season there should be new mounts to be done but if your not done with last years then what do you do. It stacks up doesnt it? Am I out of line here?
Just my 2 cents worth
Chuck