i was wondering about what the average cost for whitetail shoulder mount is in texas. i was also wondering how brand new amatuers can charge professional prices and acually get them. four new guys popped up in my area and i gave them all a call. asked them what they charged and how long they have been in business. the most common answer was $350 and "well, i went to school for six months so... a year and a half." I almost laughed at them...
Return to Deer Taxidermy Category Menu
For the record I have been doing taxidermy for 1 year. I have won best professional mount overall in two states, Alabama and Missouri, and a blue ribbon in North Carolina, all with a whitetail deer. There is no way you can tell by a phone call what the quality of their work is or whether the price is justified. I live in Kentucky and chage $360 for a monunt with no panel. Just because someone has been in the taxidermy business for a long time does NOT guaratee they are a quality taxidermist. There are a few guys around who have been in business for many years and about the best thing you can say about them is that is a long time to suck at something. So before you "almost laugh" a someone and their ablities, do your homework first and look at the work.
There are newbes popping up in my area who are doing a full shoulder mount for $150. Most of them use DP,and Van Dykes form with the free eyes and ears. They ALL have learned from videos. The hunters in my area are not very discriminating and it hurts any full timers who advertise, pay taxes, carry insurance, etc. and charge more.
I try to convince folks to come see my work first,so that they can compare my work against some of the fly-by-nighters who charge 150.My work speaks for itself and I usually get their business,and I charge 310 without a plaque and 360 with.I'm in Illinois and some of the better taxidermist and some not so good charge 400 dollars,but with that said they have to pay a tanning bill where I do all my own tanning.
I try to convince folks to come see my work first,so that they can compare my work against some of the fly-by-nighters who charge 150.My work speaks for itself and I usually get their business,and I charge 310 without a plaque and 360 with.I'm in Illinois and some of the better taxidermist and some not so good charge 400 dollars,but with that said they have to pay a tanning bill where I do all my own tanning.
who cares what the average cost is, charge whatever you want or need to make a living. is going to taxidermy school a bad thing? why laugh at them? i went to taxidermy school for 7 1/2 months and when i got out, my work was far and away better than 90% of taxidermsits in my area. experience isnt always the best teacher. im in connecticut and i charge $475 for a deer with no panel and i have no problem taking work. how about looking at their work fisrt and then laugh if its necessary.
I charge 495.00 no panel.The other 6 taxidermist in town range from 400.00 to 550.00 last year,not sure about this year.