I am getting ready to do my first Elk mount. I was wondering what the going rate for this type of mount is. Also is there anything special that has to be done or is it just like doing a "big" deer?
Appreciate any help.
Thanks,
John
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Sounds like a good equation to me, but then I think all deer heads should cost a minimum of $400 anyway.
I can't answer the "going rate" question. As has been discussed on here at length, "going rate" shouldn't be relevant. Figure YOUR cost, (don't forget overhead), and determine how much profit YOU need to maintain the lifestyle YOU desire. If the market won't bear that price, YOU have some choices to make. Change your lifestyle, quality of work, location, or change careers. I know, I know, you just wanted a number, a ball park figure. You can search the various taxidermist's web pages on this site and get a feel for prices. As for mine......I charge $800 for a standard commercial mount. (George, I charge $450 for deer. I like your equation too!)
Having said that, remember elk capes cost MUCH more to have tanned (square footage alone dictates that), you'll have used much more salt, much more hide paste or epoxie, the form costs are much higher, you'll spend more time mounting, sewing, adjusting, and often will be well served to have an assistant to help manipulate a wet bull elk cape which can weigh quite a bit. Be sure to factor all that in, and obviously if this is your first remember the reference photos.
Hope this helps!
I always thought when looking at other taxidermists prices on elk that they were too low. When I see someone chargeing 300 for deer and 550 for elk, I have to just shake my head.
You take an animal that is 3 to 4 times bigger than a deer, mannikins than cost 3 times as much, tanning cost 3 times as much, not to mention the physical labor it takes to put one together and chargeing less than double the price of a deer. Well you can figure out the rest. Does this make any sense to any one?
You should get at least 2 and a half the price you charge for deer or why bother?
I figure it takes my 2 hours longer to do a commercial shoulder elk than it takes to do a mule deer. About 30 min longer to cape and prep, 15-20 minutes longer to prep the form, and 45-60 min longer to sew it. Like was said before figure your costs and add what you want to make per hour. I like to make $30, but my wife likes me too make $50.hahaha
What to charge for an elk shoulder mount? Can be as varying as the number of stars you can see on a given night. One must ponder a multitude of things before deciding.
Your area, the economy in your area. Your experience, and ability to do the job. If you charge top price you better be able to perform top quality work. I just went through a court case where a fellow Taxidermist was sued because he did an elk that was less than top shelf. his saving grace was that he told the customer he had no elk experience, and charged accordingly. I am not saying to undercut your competition. Or refuse the work. the experience is invaluable. What I am saying is consider all the facts, and possibilities then set your price at what is comfortable for you. after all it is you that will have to deal with the work, Customer. And consequences. Good or bad.