I'm in no way a professional taxidermist, but I have mounted a couple deer. It didn't take 20 hours, unless you include drying time which takes a few weeks. I'm sure the way I did things is different than the way you do it, but not 20 hours. I understand what you are saying, though.

I realize this taxidermist is cheap. Yes, he has a fulltime job elsewhere. He does taxidermy part time but still manages to do 50-75 deer heads a year, plus a few life size bear and bear rugs. He does a few odd baal stuff like foxes, coyotes, bobcats and small game also. He's a workaholic if you ask me. He's always working on something.

I think he does taxidermy to pay for his hunting trips. He's been to Alaska a few times and other states and Canada.

I know there's a difference if a guy does taxidermy to make ends meet than if he does it for a few extra bucks. Yeah, I can see the difference. But being a customer, I also have to watch where I spend my money. I'm sure that it is easier to explain to your wife that you are spending $550 for a moose mount that to tell her you are spending $1200. I'm sure most hunters can relate.

By the way, my taxi sends his stuff out to get tanned, so maybe that helps, I don't know.