Difference in $5K and $10K Lifesize Taxidermy

[270-300]

I would not get bent out of shape of analyzing price. I would find the taxidermists easiest to work with, who have a long record of quality mounts, see the mounts they have to show for, and see which one can get you in.

 

[JGBowman]

OP, my taxidermist, who is at all the shows (SCI, DSC, etc) did my life size goat, made a special custom base for it and did everything I asked of him. Best mount I have by a long shot. I won't advertise the cost here, but you are welcome to guess at it. I'll PM you the total after you guess so you can judge for yourself if the cost equals the quality.

I think this is my favorite goat mount. I am going to Kodiak in 2028. If I get one I am getting a mount like this.

 

[buffybr]

I killed my goat back in 1978 here in Montana (I've applied every year since and even with squared maximum "bonus" points haven't drawn another tag).

I shot my goat late in the season and he had his full winter coat. I completely skinned him out before I brought him off the mountain.

My taxidermist back then that mounted him charged $1,200 for a full mount and $600 for a half mount. He said that he had done 150 goat mounts and that mine had one of the largest bodies of any that he had done.

He wanted to full mount mine so much that he offered to do it for $900, but at that time I didn't have enough wall space in my house for a full mount, so I had him only do a half mount for $600. I've regretted that desision ever since.

 

[naneumranch]

Mine is just wrapping up! He still needs a little finish touch up work and a good brushing but I’m completely happy with him. I’m under 5k

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[Kodiak Special]

For the OP, you will like whichever you end up choosing. I used Dewey, who is now retired, and have the most lifelike goat mount you could imagine. It is the expression, the lines, and the engagement. They did three mounts for me, all life-size, and all remarkable. Having said that, I have other mounts done elsewhere that I like, however, the Dewey mounts are noticeably better.

 

[evan97]

OP, my taxidermist, who is at all the shows (SCI, DSC, etc) did my life size goat, made a special custom base for it and did everything I asked of him. Best mount I have by a long shot. I won't advertise the cost here, but you are welcome to guess at it. I'll PM you the total after you guess so you can judge for yourself if the cost equals the quality.

Man that thing is beautiful

 

[7mm-08]

OP, my taxidermist, who is at all the shows (SCI, DSC, etc) did my life size goat, made a special custom base for it and did everything I asked of him. Best mount I have by a long shot. I won't advertise the cost here, but you are welcome to guess at it. I'll PM you the total after you guess so you can judge for yourself if the cost equals the quality.

That is (by far) the best goat mount I've ever seen. Congratulations on a great specimen and your vision on the taxidermy work - it turned out spectacularly.

 

[taxidermybycam]

You get what you pay for. But also a lot of it is like this.
Fishing lures are for catching fisherman more so than catching fish.
Some folks have a lot of "flair" and this and that ,ribbons,awards, fancy social media and "content" . There's a few very good "nationally recognized shops" put out very high end customer work
And then there's the factories ,they may have fancy work they show off, meanwhile a new guy on minimum wage or learning is working on your once in a lifetime animal.
You just gotta do your research yourself. If you see the guy that's charging 6 k and you think It looks great and then you see the guy that's charging 10 k and you don't see the difference,then I'd say save your money.
There's more to it to,turn around times,are you talking to receptionist or the guy mounting it . Is there a bunch of add ons nickel and diming you .
Big shops have big overhead. And it's a skilled trade so your paying for experience too . I wish you luck.