I bought a tanned bobcat skin from a taxidermist in Mt. last August to be made by him into a rug for a friend. This hide was already tanned and ready to be rugged. All the correspondence has been answered with him. The bill has been paid. He continually promises delievery times, but never does. He answers all phone calls and promises more. as yet no cat. Several times he's said it just needed a finishing touch on the sewing and it would go out the following week. As yet nothing. I called the first week of this month and asked if I could expect it for Christmas, so I could give it as a present. He said no problem. As yet no cat. Is this expecting too much? His work seems very good and I understand things sometimes don't go as planned. Most of my taxidermy has always taken about a year to a year-and-a half to complete. Should I just be patient?

If you were told you will have it for Christmas and you do not, then I would consider that a problem. If you do not keep your word, your word eventually means nothing. Perhaps the rug was sent to a rugger and he does not have it in house?

If that taxidermist is a good and reliable one with a full time studio then its just putting the cat in line with all the other work and headaches .and if he is not a full timer you will get it when he gets time from his "real job "to finish it. In my studio , completion time is 8 to 12 months , no matter if its tanned or raw for the studio will do over 400+ worldwide critters a year and you must do great job on every item-no exceptions . Most people will say anything to get the work but interruptions do happen,a life mount that takes a week or longer to compelte, fresh items coming in all the time to skin and salt, family matter, etc..so just hold on and hope its a good job when its done.The more you call the guy the more he may put it on the back burner. Tip of the day--never pay the total bill,unless there is a credit problem, you must give them a incentive to finish it. Good Luck

www.african-montana-taxidermy.com

Thanks OAKMAN, that is good advise. I'll just be patient.

Cessna when I started taking my animals to a new taxidermist he showed me a yellow tablet and he said this is the list and your number ?? but that didn't last a year and ever who cried the loudest would get there mount back first. I still take things to him and the guys that cry loudest are still getting theres first so I guess if I get enough of it maybe I should give it a try myself.Good luck