Hi -
I have a 50+ year old mount of a mule deer that needs a new cape. I inherited him recently and wish to have him redone before hanging him. My questions are:
1. How does someone choose a taxidermist? What questions do I need to ask? How do I know good mounts when I see them? Remember I have no experience in this :-) Also, not sure how many mule deer a taxidermist in Virginia might have mounted? Does this matter?
2. I have no cape.....How do I best go about getting one without heading west to get my own :-)
Sorry to be so uneducated, but trying to learn. thanks for any help!
Kim
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Because I am a taxidermist, let me answer this generically, and not as though I want the job. Guys in the east mount their share of mulies, as local hunters bring them back home. The guys out west USED to suggest us easterners dont know the western animals, but in this day and age, the reference material and knowledge is no longer regional, and that claim is seldom made. To know what is or isnt good is simple. Does it please YOU? Thats a good starting point. To some, clean smooth work will do. To others, certain characteristics such as overbuilt muscletone is desirable. To still others, details like the eyelids and expression rule out above all else. Most taxidermists have a network such as these forums, or friendships in the business for obtaining good capes. In some areas, questions asked include "how long will it take" or "how much will it cost" or even "is it a tanned cape"? In other areas, the prices are similar, times are too, and other forms of skin preperation is accepted. Every taxidermist is an "award winner" so this usually cancells out, lol. Sorry, thats an inside joke! Bottom line, consider your price range, patience, and tastes, and make a choice based on visits to interested taxidermist you speak to. I would think, off hand, that if youve had him this long, time wouldnt be a big consideration, price shouldnt dictate the choice if it means enough to re-do it, so it comes down to a mount you like. Because you left your email addy, youll undoubtedly have at least a half dozen offers already sent to you! I have my thoughts on this too, but Ill keep that to myself, lol! Good luck taxidermist hunting!
lol Bill...I have yet to see an answer from you that I have ever disagreed with.....IMO your attitude and professionalism should be a guide for all.Great since of humor too.....TD
I'll take the job! I would have to say that Kim couldn't have said it more professionally then that. The truth of the matter is it all boils down to what you like and how much you are willing to pay. If you can't tell the difference from a commercial job verses a compitition job then you should pay for it either. Be aware of the added $ after being quoted something else. I have had that happen to me before. Give them a deposit and get a receipt with the amount owed. If the taxidermist tells you its not needed, insist and get a receipt. I don't want to scare you but there are a few out there that will always want to had a few dollars to you mount. The excuses are usually " The hide had several tears in it that needed to be repaired" or "It came back from the tannary with damage" Thats BULLS--T. Choose another tannary then!