Taxidermy question

[dmdude]

I recently got my black bear rug back after waiting 2 years and paid $2,800. They did a great job but one of its ears is bent over. The bear was not like this prior. Is it normal to have things like this happen or should I be annoyed?

Bent over as in the top half of its ear points down 90°.

 

[waspocrew]

Did you bring this up to the taxidermist?

 

[Bluethunder8]

If you paid $2800 for the work you should expect it to be perfect.

 

[dmdude]

I just received it and its my first time getting anything done. I usually just euro mount. I’ll give em a ring. I just wanted some advice, thanks!

 

[butcherboy]

Was the head mounted with the ears up or laid back? Almost sounds like the ear was broken somehow. Find out if it was shipped out for rugging then shipped back to your taxi for finish work. That’s what a ton of taxidermists do including myself when I did taxidermy. The head is mounted then shipped to the rugger. It’s shipped back when it’s done and the taxi does all the finish work and painting. Could have been broken during shipping. I always mounted the ears back. Your taxi should have seen that and fixed it unless he doesn’t know how.

 

[dmdude]

UPDATE: It was too late to call because of my work schedule, so I sent an email. They called mid weekend as soon as they saw the email. Super friendly and told me the ears have tin in them and it probably got bent over in shipment. Sure enough, it rolled out just fine and it looks great now. Top notch folks. Super happy with how well the rug turned out and how easily my problem was solved.

Thanks all for input

 

[butcherboy]

Interesting. I’ve never heard of tin being used as an ear liner. Wonder if the cartilage was pulled out or left in. I also don’t know of any glue or epoxie that would glue that tin to the skin or cartilage. Glad it worked out for you though.

 

[blackpowder72]

Never heard of tin being used but I'm glad it worked out for you. Crazy how expensive taxidermy is getting.

 

[EdP]

The cost of a bear rug seems to match the cost for a full body mount.

 

[butcherboy]

Cost of everything has gone up. I was once able to buy deer mannikins for about $50.00. Now I believe they are close to $100.00. Now add in eyes, ear liners, and tanning. Not to mention the cost of turning, fleshing, salt, etc. Also, cost of utilities, supplies, and possible labor of other employees. It’s the same thing with meat processing.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

The cost of a bear rug seems to match the cost for a full body mount.

That’s about the going rate for quality rug these days. Full body is 3800-4200.