Suspicious taxidermist????? HELP!!!!
 

Hey Guys & Gals-
I'll refrain from saying the name of the taxidermist for now, but here is what's going on...
I took a deer on Nov 8, 2008 that scored 162", and was my first ever bowkill. Before the season, I did a lot of "asking around" about a reputable taxidermist in my area. I had several people give me the name and number of an Award Winning taxidermist about 2 hrs away. He is in a couple of taxi magazines that I get, and his work is all over the Gander Mountain store in his town. That being said, I've seen his awesome work, and on the recommendation of friends, I trusted him.
A friend and I both took our deer to him on the same day, which was Nov 8, 2008. We paid the $775.00 up front, the day we brought the deer in. He said he would have them finished in 10-12 months. My buddy picked his deer up in early October 2009. I called the taxidermist in December 2009 to inquire about the status of my mount, and he said he had not yet started on it, but to call back in a month or two. That is the last I have spoken to him.
I have tried to call AT LEAST 15-20 times over the last month. He will not answer, will not return calls, and will not return emails. I took off work one day a couple of weeks ago and drove the 2hrs down to his shop to inquire in person, but he was not there.
I have been calling all the guys that recommended him, and they say he is still in business, etc. One friend just picked up a European Mount there three weeks ago.
Long story short- I can't take off work much at all, but I can't get him to answer my calls or call me back. I have a friend that lives about 20 minutes from him, and he is going by there tomorrow morning to check on it.

What could be going on??????

What else could/should I do??????

Thanks for the suggestions guys- I appreciate it.

So what your saying is he is 2 months over do on getting it back to you. That is not bad as I know some guys who take up to 2yrs. Some of these guys are 150 heads deep and work by them selves or with just someone prepping forms, skinning and doing everything else that would slow down a taxidermist from just mounting. I see your concern over not hearing from him BUT how many times has your # showed up on his phone? Please don't tell me you called him 10 times a day for weeks? Did you ever call him, got his VM then called him back just to let him know you were calling again? I have had many people come and have stuff mounted that say I don't trust you taxidermists! My advice is to wait it out another month then send him a certified letter asking nicely when will it be done.

Also don't go by when someone else got their deer back as circumstances can be different from year to year. I also see you said you paid him in full. This is something taxidermist have been doing more and more rather than the 50% deposit cost. Reason? Guys not coming to pickup, bad economy, materials are up and less work in general and its hard to spread $xxx.xx over a long time and make $$$$$.

I tend to agree, it’s a little too early to worry much. From your description, he’s a talented and successful taxidermist. You don’t get to that point by ripping people off. My guess: you called to check status and left a voice mail. Then, before he even had a chance to return your call you called back again, and again and so on. He probably has figured out by now that the only thing you want to hear is “Your mount is ready”. Taxidermists don’t get work done when they’re answering calls all day, so most have voice mail and caller ID so they don’t have to answer phone calls. I’ve had a customer that was let’s say, “over eager”. He started calling within a month and got to the point he would call almost every day if I wasn’t there to answer. I eventually stopped answering his calls. I called him when it was done, and suggested he find another taxidermist. You don’t want to be that guy. Give it some more time and I’m sure you’ll be very happy with the mount you get

Good things come to those who wait. Give the guy a chance.

a 160 class deer? i bet your buddies didnt fair as well as yours?

maybe he is just trying to do a good job...dont rush an artist. ya dont get art that way!

circumstances vary.

Ok guys, thanks for the replies.

The only thing I was worried about is he said 10-12 months, and it has been 16 months. I've got a lot of money out on the table, and at the very least, expected a small amount of communication.

I don't think I have "pestered" him, or not given him enough time to call me back. Having my own business myself, I know the etiquette of getting back to customers on a timely basis. I also know that I can't answer every call every time, so I return calls as soon as possible. A two minute return phone call would go a long way to solve problems and answer questions. Nobody is too busy to take care of their own business and reputation- that's bad business. I know if I didn't answer my phone and didn't call customers back, I would be out of business.

Anyway, I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks a bunch for the advice, and good luck!
:deer:

im self employed as well. if ya cant communicate it starts lots of problems. some guys have it and some dont...you have to understand he is more of an artist than a business owner.

I wouldn't worry about him being over due on the time issue. However, the guy doesn owe you a return phone call if you have left him messages. Thats uncalled for in my book.

Nov 8, 2008, that's closer to 27 months since you carried the head in. I would be sitting in his driveway waiting for an explanation. If he is that slow he is taking in too much work. I would never pre-pay in full.

Currently he is only a little over 16 months since he carried the head in.

I'm starting to think something is up though. Your buddy got his back and you took them in at the same time and he won't return your phone calls as well. I can see where your starting to get pissed. I would be going back and be asking for your rack and cape. I would put a $100 that your cape is not there and is lost or got ruined. I've heard this whore story more than I care to share.

That's a stupid thing to say considering you don't know squat about the situation. And I'm guessing you actually haven't heard of that happening very often. It doesn't happen often, and when it does most taxidermists will just tell the customer and buy them a new cape. Not a big deal. Estimated completion dates are just that, estimates. It's a bit strange your buddy got his back, but it's way too early to jump to conclusions.

LOL!!!!!!!! 2 Lunger- you crack me up....

I've heard some "whore" stories too- but they usually have a happy ending! LOL
:sign0004:



Hey guys- you don't have to start calling each other "stupid" on here. That's not called for. I just wanted some other people's opinions, and that's all. We're here to help each other- not dishonor each other.

I appreciate everyone sharing their opinion, but if it is different than yours, you don't have to get angry about it. That's not fun or helpful for anyone.

Thanks for everyone's help- I appreciate it.

Bad morning? :s13:

Let me clarify, and I should have picked my words better. I apologize for that. I didn't mean to call anyone "stupid", only that jumping to worst case conclusions is a bad idea without knowing more information. If for no other reason than to prevent worrying the original poster more than he already is. At this point, there's no reason to assume the taxidermist is trying to rip anyone off or hide anything. Is it possible? Sure, but I still think it's unlikely.

So who is to say he didn't do his buddies deer then go to do a full size bear then another job then another job ect ect ect.....just because it was brought in the same time means absolutely nothing. Also, if for some unknown reason something did happen to the cape and it got ruined tell me where specifically it would always be the taxidermist fault? The only times I have ever had a cape get ruined was from the tannery cutting off an eyelid and the others were capes that slipped caused by spoilage from the customer. I without hesitation told the customer that the cape looks bad and the other issue with the tannery was on them to replace the cape.

I guess I had leap year in mind..........:D

Well gosh dang darn...you taxi's sure are a jumpy bunch.

Original poster - The man has got your cape and he is dying to get started on your buck. The fact that he is avoiding you like the plague is nothing to worry about. Just go over to your buddies house and look at his deer.

Everyone happy now? :cool2:

Lol- I guess I will have to go hang out at my buddies to look at his deer!
Went down there on Saturday morning (1:55 minute drive), and the shop was all locked up and dark, ... ... ... again.
Left a note on the door asking (politely) to please call when he gets a chance. I'll be holding my breath.

I understand him having other things to mount as well, but my taxi does his deer in the order he receives them. Fair for everyone.

I think you would have reason to be upset....you have been waiting a long time with no communication. I am surpised with the full payment up front. I have never heard that from an established taxidermist. You should be able to see your completed work before paying.

As an Ex Taxidermy Studio Owner, I'll tell you I didn't appreciate a bunch of people calling me every week to inquire about their mounts, it took time off from my work to answer the dang phone, If he came through for your buddies yours should be ready any day now, IMO

Update!!!
 

:s12:

Update.......

Finally got in touch with the taxi today. He said there were no problems, but he should be done in 2-3 months. What a huge relief.
This is also the same thing he said in December, but no big deal- at least he finally answered his phone. I will wait until July and try again.

:confused0024:

Good deal. At least he spoke to you. He must of had a lot of stuff lined up between you and your buddies deer or needed a break from mounting deer and went to something else.

Don't call him for 4 or 5 then. Really though anything over 18 months is getting to be too much. Sounds like he might hit right at the 18 month mark though. If it takes more than 18 months for something the guy shouldn't be taking in anymore work and yours is only a nov 8th bowkill so I'm wondering how many after you there are that are the bulk of the season gun kills from 2008 yet. Anyways I'm sure your mount will look great. Sounds like you did your homework looking for a good taxi. WCL

Ive had plenty of mounts and lifesize animals taxidermed by a couple different taxidermists.That is a usual thing you are going thru.They will tell u in about another 2wks or so.Every time u call.But the reality of it is some taxidermists are taking on to much work,For only one worker in the shop!They got to much on their plates.And they should be honest,like any buisness man or women,And tell u straight out they are swamped and its 1st come 1st serve!!
But on the other hand the buisier they are means the better they are ;) Cause everyone wants his service!
I have been lucky enough to find a taxidermist whos turn around time on mounts are 5-6 months,And he does excellent work.But he also has a team of profesional taxidermists working in that shop so they do a production line sort of thing.
I bet that mounts gonna come out great,U were just gettn antsy/nervous cause its your biggest buck!:wink:Which is understandable..Post pics when ya get it in 3yrs!!!LOL,(JOKING)About the 3yr thing,lol,take care...

Maybe Im spoiled, but I would never wait over a year for a mount, my taxidermist is a good friend ,and does exellent work, and has been in biz for 20 years. his turn around time for WT shoulder mounts, is about 2-4 months from when the deer is dropped off. he does all his fish , birds and furbearers in the spring and summer and gets em all done by next deer season. he also calls people back, and only takes a 50% deposit. If you want to be an "artist", get a loft and a grant from NEA ,and work for free. if youre taking people's $,especially up front, you owe them basic professional courtesy, nobody is so "good" that they are above that. I am a craftsman of sorts, and a own my own biz and I would never give my customers the run around like that. JMHO

At least you have a chance at getting it back in 18 months. My taxidermist still has my deer from the last four years...none of which have even been started. :( But it also doesn't cost me squat seein as how I spend the whole year helpin him in the shop and skinnin deer during the season...and all the other chores that helped with around the house growin up. But I usually get one mount for Christmas and one mount for my birthday every year. It's nice bein a taxidermists son...until it comes time to actually get your mount and you realize you are four years on the back burner lol.

Ah you all say what u want but nov 08 thats crazy it isn't done yet. Something is fishy with this one. i wouldnt have payed all up front. Now ur on his time. When u leave a deposit he wants his money so he's gonna finish it in a reasonable amount of time. My rule is it should never go into the next season. Then he's taking in more heads. I dropped off my 08 bow kill in jan 09 and got it back dec 09. And it was amazing. He's got him turning doing a lip curl.

I know how you feel about not hearing back from your taxidermist. It is frustrating but I am sure he was just covered up. I took my first to my taxidermist a few years back and at the time he told me it would be around 10 months or so. After a year I had I started to call and left messages and did not get a return call. I stopped by his place a couple of times but could not catch him in. One day I happened to be over by his house I just drove by and he was outside mowing his grass. I stopped and asked him about the deer and when we went inside it was hanging on the wall finished. I don't know how long it had been finished but after looking at it I was amazed at how well it looked compared to some of my friend's mounts that they had done at other places. He is truly an artist. Well this year I was trying to decide on where to take my kill and I ended up going back to the same guy. I know that it will be awhile before I get it back but that does not bother me so much anymore because I know the quality that I will get when he is finished. It makes the waiting a little easier.
Tuck

Well first of all
 

deernutz nice buck , Is that a McKenzie 6400 up ???
If so It the one I,m loking at getting done on my buck from this past season ...

Next I WONT go into to much detail on my last taxidermist experience ,,But I to trusted a new taxidermist with my 2010 Buck do to my original Taxi. had sergery and is bed ridden for a while . He use to tell me up to 1 year and all three he did for me since 1991 was usualy around 10 months .
That last Taxi, I went to I discussed everything with the guys father , do to his son who is the actual taxidermist was buisy ??
Apparently the father takes the orders and deposits and the son does ALL the work on the mounts ,,
I,d also seen his work in Gander near my Location and had others tell me he was very good .
Long story short . I stopped by 3 weeks after the first visit to drop off a picture of how I wanted the ears angled .
Good old dad says sons not home ( again ), them looks at my like why are you here ????
We go down to the shop and on the way tells me he wasnt sure if my cape was going to be anygood or not ..
He asks how long I had hung it etc, and I explained as I told him the first day I went in with it . I wont go into detail but it was 4 days after I shot it and he had it , The weather was teens to mid 20,s...
Then he says oh maybe it wasnt your deer I was thinking of .
After having a couple sleepless nights I called, ask for his son ( the taxidermist ) He said my cape was fine and I thanked him for the clearing everything up .
His dad gets pissed and calls me and wants to no why I had called his son ????
I since picked up my rack and cape .
Found a new Taxidermist that cares and started the waiting all over again,,,
First guy I gave $100. down ..
Ive NEVER heard of paying for a mount in FULL and taking a chance on quality or time ???
Maybe just me but I DONT AGREE with the idea of its NO BIG DEAL if your cape went bad he ( the taxidermist ) will just get another ..
Well maybe he can get a matched cape as far as measurement but he can Never get a match on color or character of the original cape ,,,
Kinda like saying your racks no good ,We can use your cape and find another rack thats close .... BS,,,

Glad to here he finaly got in touch with you ..
Good luck to ya .....

I have clients pay in full up front all the time. Their stuff gets put in line with everyone else's. Any news on whether deerstand got his buck back?

Nope
 

Hey Timberland
I,ve seen a lot of your work on a few sights ..
With the quality I,d guess you would have guys standing in line to get there work done by you ...
Everyone does there biusness different . Its just a fact ..
I,m sure you must be pretty much on time or they woudnt keep comming back .
Heck if I was near you I wouldnt have a problem paying up front .
Keep up the great work ..
Just hate to be this poor guy waiting and not getting any responce at all ???
Least the Taxidermist could do is call him back and chew his ass out for being a pain in the a$$ LOL.....
Just kidding hope it all works out ..
And we will need PICTURES,,,,,,,

I'm pretty sure that basic math tells us that it has been 25 or 26 months if you
took it in nov. 08. November 09 would be 12 and November 2010 would be another
12 and with that being the case I would be extremely upset. Over 2 years is just not
acceptable.

I'd like to see what he got for his $775...

A few years ago I had a quite similar experience, I had used this guy before and was very happy with him, then on the last one I experienced the same as you, the only good thing he was a little closer, I finally, after several months I caught him at home, although his wife calmed he wasn't!! I told her I was not moving from the drive until he came out, which he finally did, I took the mount (it was not done) but by the looks of things his business was,
To this day I have No idea as to why he so evasive, I think it may have been a "Bankruptcy" Thing, I hope you don't have to go through what I did, but it looks like you are going to have to, Good Luck, Doc

So where is it ???
 

I,m sure everyone is eager to see your mount .
Havent herd anything since March 2010 ?
Guess maybe he got it back and was so happy he forgot everyone here is waiting to get a look at it .
And now for the rest of the story . LOL.....