For me it all boils down to these few questions and in this order:
1) Can I afford to have this buck mounted? If yes, go to #2.
2) Do I have a place to display this buck? If yes, go to #3.
3) Does this buck hold a good memory for me? If yes, then go to taxidermist.
I have one mount of a six pt. 17 1/2 inch spread. I learned alot from that deer mostly that when they look you in the eye right before they expire it is a most humbling experience. (never had that happen before, not to mention that although a direct heart shot, an initial wait of 45 minites I still bumped him twice! And that was after 30 minute waits inbetween. I thought it was a bad shot....til I field dressed him. Infact posted the pics quite awhile back. It was very unsettling when he looked me directly in the eyes at the last. Go figure... ) I had a shoulder mount done out of respect for him, and for what I experienced and learned. The animals we hunt are truly survivors and their will to do so is very exceptional.
I now have my 2003 buck at the taxidermists now, and it will be another McKenzie shoulder mt. He was aged at 3 1/2 to 4 yrs. Was he the biggest 8pt I have ever seen....No, but his rack is a very high one although I have not had him scored yet. The story behind the hunt is that I missed him the first day of rifle season here......something I rarely do is miss. Not bragging just the truth. He taunted and teased all season long and then dissapeared. I felt that he had either been taken by another legal hunter, or poached. My son was to sick for me to hunt and I also had started a new job. Then....the very last day of Muzzy season I had the chance to go out. And, guess who showed up!! This time his number was called, down in one shot as it should be. But that is just my way. When I cannot do it that way....that is when I will quit hunting. It was just something meant to be even though all odds were against him presenting himself over a month later.
That and respect for the animals that I love, respect and hunt is why he will also be gracing my wall sometime this Spring.
Regardless of why any of us make the choice to mount or not, it is a very personal one and the reason differs from one to the other.
Good Luck to you with the choice you make as to having your mount done. They can bring back so many memories and lessons learned over the years.