Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

I just talked to a taxidermist that wants to do a shoulder mount on my little piebald I killed on 10/24. I didn't think my wife would agree to a full-body mount.....so I skinned him and was going to have the hide tanned.

Taxidermist tells me he can use the hide (possibly) and do a shoulder mount. He says it'll be $375.....and he possibly will give me a "deal" if I'll let him take it to 2 competitions, next year.

What are your thoughts? I REALLY trust you guys. My wife is worried we might not like the finished product....and that we have no guarantees. I guess you have to trust someone, though. I'd hate to walk away from this little deer with nothing but the meat and the memory...........He was a special little guy.

Let's hear your thoughts! I need them!

Jeff

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Personaly, I would rather have the hide than a shoulder mount. Just because the piebald is over his entire body, not just his head. Thats a once in a lifetime trophy bud, make sure that you are happy with your decision. Again, congrats on that deer.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Personally I would either have a full body mount (which you ruled out) or just have the hide done. I think this is an oportunity I would pass on. Like stated before with the shoulder mount you don't get all of the hide. I think the hide tanning is the way to go.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Guys.....that's why I love this place. I'd ever thought I'd be wasting a LOT of the hide. You guys make a GREAT point!

Jeff

Any "mounters" out there?

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Jeff,

Judging from the pictures the majority of the character of the piebald coloration is behind the shoulder anyway.......that decision would be an easy one for me. Tan the hide whole.

Maybe even include the head on a "rug" like you would a bear and hang on the wall. I saw one like that recently of a buck and it was really neat looking. I'll see if I can find the picture of it.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Get the hide!!!!!!! Do a Euro mount for the skull!

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

What is a Euro mount?
Sorry, new to all this......

Mike

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

The full body mount was expensive. I still would do one and have to really think about a second. They look real nice. If it's a no then yes frame the hide in away to accent the house somewhere you can show it off.

Congrats, I haven't seen any pics yet. I'll have to look for them.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

A Euro mount is the skull with horns if any! Some turn out pretty cool!

Hers a link to a thread with a pic!

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Hey Matt, that rug is awesome!!!!!!

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Why not take some pictures of the hide and get the shoulder mount done that way you have both.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Thanks!

I vote against the shoulder mount. Show off that hide!

Mike

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

I would do the hide.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

I'd do the hide. If the taxidermist offered to mount it free (or at his cost) and take it to some competitions, then I'd consider it. But I think the hide itself is more of what makes him special. Hide!

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Hide

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Now the question arises.... What if he can do both?Granted if money is an issue, then not but you can do both. Maybe something like this



and a rug.....

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

I'd go the full body route.

Tanning hide would be second choice. I'd rule out just a shoulder mount.

Full body would look really nice.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

I too would say some sort of tanned hide. Like others have said, the shoulder mount would not show off all of the character like a tanned hide would do. I have never seen any hides done with the head attached like in the picture until now.....but that one really looks nice. And that way you would be able to show off the entire package in one shot...without the cost of a full mount.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

I would tan the hide.If it was anexceptional buck I would do a full body mount.I think the displayed hide will be a lot more satisfying than a shoulder mount.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

I would do a mount with the hide and head attached like that gentleman posted early in the post. On the other hand I bet if you let this guy do the shoulder mount and really convince him that you dont have any money(I am sure you do but its a great bargaining tool) If he really wants to take your deer to shows you can be garanteed of 1# he will do the best job he is capable of. 2# he needs your deer to enter into competition or to show off. Let him know your situation, there is always room for negotiation. especially if you have something he wants. but anyway I would get the skin and head mount if you can weasel a smoking deal out of him(and I bet you can).

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Go with having the hide tanned, the uniqueness is in the WHOLE hide not just the head. I was lucky enough to get a Piebald three years ago and have the hide on my wall and it looks awesome!! These animals are truly in a class of thier own, I've only seen 2 in my whole hunting career.
The one I shot, I had gotten3 pics of on my trail cam. I decided to hunt this deer specifically, letting other deer go so I wouldn't spook the area. It took 9 days and 4 sightingsbefore I got her. It's one of my most memorable hunts ever!:)

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Sb it all depends what the animal means to you, I would have a full mount down for the simple reason my chances of taking another one is slim to none. It's a beautiful deer, if you dont feel comfortable with the person mounting him wrap the hide up and freeze it until the right decision is made.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

I like the sound of that, why not pack it into a freezer and wait until you can afford the full body. good thinking Q2.

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Also maybe ask the taxidermist about payment plans?

RE: Dilemma RE: my piebald
 

Another vote for the full hide tanned here, because of the spotting all over it.