I totally understand. One goes into business to hopefully make a little money. Sure you may love what you do but love is not enoguh to pay the bills. After I read the thread. I did some research here in KY. I found several taxidermost and viewed their web sites. I believe based on what I had read I paid about middle of the road for here in KY. I seen shoulder mounts range from 265 to 500. nctaxi, do you have a web site? I would love to view some of your work. I often find myself amazed at the art work.