I've had several folks tell me over the net that there's no way to get a good shoulder mount for less than 450+ dollars.

Well, around here they just don't cost that much.

I just got back a couple of whitetail bucks from November of 05'. This 10pt was the smaller of the two but, has character and I needed a mount for the office. I'll take pictures of the other buck later and post them. IMO the other buck looks better. This 10 is in a semi sneak typ of pose and the other is on a full sneak form.

Both cost me $275 each







I like the way he did the nose, sort of gives it a moist look.

I told him to lay the ears back just a little on this one and on the other one in the Full sneak, they're laid back a good bit.

I'll post the pics of the other mount once I get him hung.

What are you fellas paying for your shoulder mounts?

Have a Good One

Reloader

That's a nice mount. Out here in Commiefornia the starting price is $450.

I know of two good places in Brownwood, Tx. That are in the $380 - $425 range. I would recommend either one of them on deer shoulder mounts.

I'd be interested in more details. Did this taxidermist use bondo in the ears or liners? Nasal septum? If so, plastic strip or custom? Tohickon eyes? Meder eyes? Is the hide tanned? Wet tanned? Tannery? Or did the taxidermist use dry preserve? I cannot tell from the photo but did he use or sculpt a nictitating membrane?

Looks like a McKenzie 6500 semi-sneak. He did a nice job of centering the skin on the manikin. Looks real nice. Looking fwd to next photo!

That mount look really nice, and the price is right. I am getting one done by a "friend" that is just getting started in the business and am paying $300. The guy that I used last year and wanted to use again went up to $650. Unless it is a booner, I can't even think about paying that much for a mount.

It looks like your guy did a good job, but time will tell.

First off that mount looks really good. I can see some flaws in it, but they do look good to the average eye.

As to cost, it all depends on how much a guy thinks his time is worth. If he is using quality materials then he is making less than $150 per mount. If he is using less expensive materials the mount may not look good in a couple years down the road. A quality mount in my area runs about $450-750.

Like I said, that looks good. Hopefully your guy can afford to continue to offer them at that price. Congrats on a nice buck.

Thanks Fellas. He's not in it to make a fortune as he has a good job and this is just his hobby.

As to how long it will last, He's got some that were mounted years ago in his shop and they still looked just like the new ones. I have a couple that were mounted like this about 10-12 years ago and they still look good so, I can imagine these will probably be around for a while.

Doc, That's alittle too deep for me on the subject. I'll post his number so you can call him and ask those questions. I do know that it is a Mckensie semi-sneak on the 10pt above because I chose that pose off of the Mckensie poster. I chose the Mckensie Full Sneak on the 8pt. He uses a different brand on the Northern Bucks.

I'm not saying he's the best by any means but, he does a darn fine job for a real good price. I've looked at several other more expensive shops and they couldn't touch this guy's ability. You should see his Full Turkey mounts, they are very nice.

Here's some pics of the other buck:









This buck had several battle scars. He did a preety good job of hiding them but, I like to see em', adds character.

That was the Ole' Buck that gave me the Snort-Wheeze while he was chasing a doe around me for about 20 minutes on Thanksgiving Morning.

Have a Good One

Reloader

Doc,

The guy's name is Terry Ford name of his shop is "Country Boy Taxidermy" which is out in his back yard.

Phone Number is (318)-259-4756

Give him a ring, I'm sure he'd be glad to help you out w/ any questions.

Fellas, I travel to Fort Worth, TX a 2-3+ times a year, down to New Orleans & Baton Rouge, LA Many times a year, and Go Through Vicksburg on the way back every now and then. If any of you would like to give the guy a try, we might could work out a time to meet when I'm traveling and I could take your head in and bring it back when he's finished. It'd beat the high shipping charges and the risk of damage during shippment of the finished product.

Ya'll have a Good One

Reloader

Taxidermy pricing varies with region - what traffic will bear.

A shoulder mount seems to start at $450 around here and goes up to $600+

European skull mounts are looking better and better.

It is just expensive in AZ - maybe because it is so friggin' hard to get drawn for anything here!!