Typical Costs of a Deer Mount?
 

Hey guys,

I'm new to hunting but I'm looking to take my first buck this fall. I've been thinking about mounting my first harvested deer, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford it. How much is a typical shoulder mount for a white tail in your areas? I'm SE PA if it makes a difference.

on average I would guess any where from 300 to 500 bucks is the norm, range IMO!
a lot depends on the person doing the work, there skill level and well, what they charge
NOT all taxidermists are up to the same skill set, I highly recommend you learn some things to look for on mounts, to tell GOOD from bad one's and then go visit some taxidermist near you and see what there work looks like!
a good taxidermist that is ALWAYS consistent, is rather hard ti find IMO
and some time,s price has NOTHING to do with quality either!
also ask for turn around times, and if you drop anything off, get something in writing with prices and estimated return time!

Prices for dee
 

I believe that the average here is around $500.

Did you have any luck this season? I realize this is a little old but was just curious. In my area 350.00-500 was the norm but it's been a few years since I've had one done.

To ask this question on a web site that encompasses many states is counter productive. The cost of taxidermy varies from state to state. You live in PA, you should google Taxidermists in your area an contact them and ask what they charge for what you want. After you know what they charge, visit their shops and see their work, then select the taxidermist that suits you within your financial ability!

I’m in Vermont and it’s $550.

$400-$600. Most taxidermists will be in that range. A cheaper alternative is a European mount which will run about $150 give or take.

I charge $580. which is about average in my area. I also have an extra charge of $35. for any repair from knife, slug, bullet or broadhead from being shot in the neck or above the shoulder area that will be in the finished mount.

I'm in eastern NC and it's $400 here.

UPDATE: $620.00 for 2021. Still less than some in my area

$700 here last fall when I took mine in..

I paid $800 last Fall. But CA is usually pricier on just about anything.

$780.00 here now.

Are you doing alright at $780 or close to another increase?

Price of everything has gone crazy in recent years.

I'm not saying your price is crazy.

But supplies etc.

The cost for you to get what you need

I just took my price to $780. for this upcoming year. It was $750.00 last year. Most around me are at $700 up to $900.00

One young fella that I was talking with was told $700 plus tax and would be around a year’s turn around. ( this is not where I took mine to). So after around a year he called them and asked about it. They told him it was not ready yet and needed a little over $300 more. They said something about some kind of issue that they had run into. I think that it’s crap they were saying but if he wants it back I guess he will have to meet their demand. Myself I would be getting the state to look into it for him..

He had contacted the state and the taxidermist ended up sending him a picture of it and said it is almost complete. Now just waiting on a piece of wood for it and he will have it soon

Yes, I agree. I give my clients a copy of everything we discussed, pose, ear positioning, plaque, etc. included with the receipt, also the condition of the cape when I receive it. If there is a problem discovered after I thaw out the hide, then I call them and discuss what can be done and the cost, before I proceed. Sometimes you thaw out a cape and one shoulder has the hair rubbed off from dragging the deer. I will not mount that cape.

I agree with you excalbur43… This guy has been waiting for it now for a year and a half and never hear anything until after he called him around 6 months ago. Now after he contacted him again and got stuff rolling he is seeing progress on it. He was told that he will be getting it soon..

I hope he gets his money's worth on his mount. Hopefully he'll get it back soon.

My friend has gotten his mount back but wasn’t very happy with the cost increase.

I received mine back yesterday but can’t post any pictures of it because I just can’t appear to do that. I also picked up a few little booklets of his shop with price lists of his work. The prices for this year remain the same which surprised me. Also how fast his turnover was on my buck mount.

I just figured out how to post the pictures.. He is not on the wall yet because I am trying to locate an official scorer for Maine Antler & Skull Trophy Club. I only need a score of 125 and the taxidermist gave it an unofficial score of 140.. So I am confident he made the club..

Good buck Phil.

Thank you Oldtimr..,

Very nice buck. Congrats

Thank you and I was talking with another guy that had the same issue from that other taxidermist. I gave him a pamphlet from the one I went to.. It’s pretty sad how some are..

Nice looking buck.
What is the name of your taxidermist, also the not so good taxidermist.

The one that I went to was DeLaite’s Taxidermy.. The one that I would personally shy away from is the Crown of Maine taxidermist.. That’s me and from the stories and issues that has been going on.