Freez-Dried or Conventional Mount

19 August 2007, 08:59

What is the difference and the pros & cons of having my mount freeze-dried vs donventionally mounted?

Is it more life-like and a better depiction of the animal for is it not the exact animal that is freeze-dried...?

It is more expensive?

Does it last as long?

These are for deer, rams, boars, etc. that I will be hunting...

Any info would be greatly appreciated...

Aloha

I am new to hunting and never heard it mentioned of until today.

19 August 2007, 19:43

L. David Keith

LB, what it mainly depends upon is the artist doing the work. A professional Taxidermist becomes a master of his art if he reaches the apex of the trade. Both have their pros and cons. Personally, other than small game, turkey heads and the like, I'd much rather have a conventional mount than freeze dried. Cost will vary from studio to studio, but being in HI confines you to finding the best person for the job in your home State. Shipping costs would eat you alive if sending your game to the mainland. Main thing: do your homework. Don't take someone's word for it; visit all the studio's you can find. Remember: show room displays normally exhibit thier best work. Ask to see some mounts that are waiting to be picked up. You'll be able to see what their day to day work looks like. High quality work is not cheap. If you want a professional job, it will cost accordingly. Good hunting, David

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20 August 2007, 07:25

george roof

Actually, freeze drying is a multimillion dollar operation. Joe Kulis has made a fortune over it and household pets are the mainstay of the big businesses. I don't know that it's much higher here in the US with all things considered, but just like L. David said, I tend to prefer conventional work. You have so many more options available to you because freeze drying obviously depends on injecting water to fill out tissues before freezing and then vacuuming off the sublimation. Many species also are not candidates for freezedrying such as the very greasy fish and animals.

20 August 2007, 07:26

J P Baker

I'm not sure anyone would freeze dry deer, ram,boar or any other animals of this size. Freeze drying is normally used on perch,mice,small rabbits,turkey heads,lizards etc...

Does it last?
I have sent items to freeze driers to test it out for myself and IMO, NO it will not last.

Freeze drying is like putting fruit chips in the dehydrator. They do not remove the meat or tan the hide. How can it last?

Have them tanned and conventionaly mounted.

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20 August 2007, 11:42

TrophyShotPrints

Thanks to each and everyone of you for your replies...I'm very satisfied with the responses you have shared...I'll stay with the proven conventional methods as prescribed...First time here on this forum of AR and I am really happy with your replies and advice...thanks for sharing!!!

Aloha

Roland