Deer mounts are a popular way for hunters to preserve their trophies. They can be a beautiful and impressive addition to any home. But there’s more to deer mounts than meets the eye. Before making a deer mount, have you ever wondered about the cost of mounting a deer head? No worries. This guide is for you.
This blog will teach you more about deer head mounting whether you’re a hunter yourself or just curious. We’ll explore the different types of mounts available, the price range you can expect, and some important things to consider before getting your deer mounted.
What Is a Deer Head Mount?
The term ‘deer mount’ refers to the practice of treating and displaying the deer’s head with antlers as a trophy. Often this is a way for hunters who are proud to celebrate a hunt and show their trophy in their house or cabin. It usually involves the deer’s skin and flesh taken out, the head kept and prepared, and the antlers are mounted to a plaque or pedestal for display.
Deer mounting can be done in different poses, either a shoulder mount or a European mount, which involves displaying only the skull and antlers. In general, the mounting of the deer is a form of respect for the animal and an opportunity to celebrate the hunting event.
Common Types of Deer Mounts
There are several popular types of deer mounts that hunters and outdoor enthusiasts often choose to display in their homes.
1. Shoulder Mounts
The shoulder mount is the most often used mount to display the deer. This mount type includes the deer head and neck mounted on a plaque or display board. The deer in this portrait appears to be looking out of the frame, highlighting the intricate details of its antlers and other features.
2. European Mounts
Instead of creating a luxurious and classic atmosphere, European mounts focus on a minimalistic and modern approach to deer trophy decoration. This kind of mounting typically represents the skull and antlers of the animal only, which are frequently clean and bleached to create a striking and clean look.
3. Pedestal Mounts
Pedestal mounts are an innovative and attention-nailing way to showcase your deer trophy. This mount is displayed with the deer on a pedestal or a base with its legs and hooves visible. This kind of mounting provides more freedom in decoration and also becomes a focal point of the room.
4. Full Body Mounts
Full body mounts, which are more elaborative and realistically look like live deer, are a superior way to expose your deer trophy. In this setup, the whole body of the deer is preserved and put in a lifelike position. A complete mount can be expensive as well as it takes up more space but it gives a great and attractive display of the animal.
How Much Does It Cost To Mount a Deer Head?
The average cost to mount a deer head can vary depending on the taxidermist and the quality of the work. Generally, the cost can range from $300 to $700 or more.
Factors that can influence the cost include the size of the deer, the complexity of the mount (such as a full-body mount versus a shoulder mount), and any additional customization or accessories requested.
The price of a deer mount can vary depending on several factors, including the type of mount you choose.
- Shoulder mount: This is the most common type of deer mount, where the head and shoulders of the deer are preserved in a standing position. Prices typically start around $500 and can go up to $1000 or more.
- Life-size mount: A full-body replica of the deer. These are significantly more expensive, usually starting around $3,000 and potentially exceeding $5,000.
- European mount: This mount features just the skull of the deer, cleaned and prepared for display. These are a more affordable option, typically costing around $100 to $150.
Why Is Deer Taxidermy So Expensive?
Deer taxidermy is rather costly due to several reasons.
- Deer mounting and preservation requires special skills and expertise, which makes it a thrilling challenge. Taxidermists, however, spend a lot of time precisely skinning, cleaning and preserving to get an authentic look. This level of skill and craftsmanship is a paid option.
- The demand for deer taxidermy services may also be increasing the cost. The taxidermists may have a small number of clients to work on hence the price of their services may be increased due to the supply and demand of the market.
- In addition, the materials used in the deer taxidermy are one of the causes of the high cost. The use of quality materials like glass eyes, artificial antlers, and specially-made mounts can be a significant investment.
- Moreover, taxidermists have to buy equipment and tools to properly control the drying process and mount the deer, which further increases the expenses.
- The particularity of deer preservation and mounting also makes the process a lengthy time-consuming one, which means it is expensive too.
How Long Does It Take For a Deer Head Mount?
Finishing a deer head mount can take varying amounts of time depending on the method used and the skill level of the taxidermist.
On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to complete a deer head mount. Some taxidermists may be able to complete a deer head mount in a shorter amount of time, while others may take longer to ensure a high-quality finished product.
Things You Should Know Before Mounting a Deer
Before choosing or paying for a deer mount, there are several important things that hunters should consider.
- Quality of Taxidermist
One of the most crucial factors to it is the quality of the taxidermist. Research their past pieces to judge their talent and expertise in making the specimen as real as possible and beautiful.
- Type of Mount
Determine what kind of mount you want for your deer: either shoulder mount European mount or full-body mount. Every type has its look and price accordingly, the choice can be based on your desires and pocket.
- Cost and Payment
Know the price of the mount clearly and additionally in case it may be customized or have special features you will be charged extra. Ensure that you talk about the payment modes and options with the taxidermist before this can become a reality.
- Timeline
Inquire from the taxidermist regarding the approximate period it would take to complete the mounting. It is essential to define clear guidelines as to when you are going to receive your completed project.
- Legal Considerations
Make sure that the deer was hunted legally and that you have all the required permits and documents with you before you start with the mount. Not following the hunting regulations may cause legal issues.
- Maintenance and Care
Last, but not least, inquire the taxidermist about the necessary care and maintenance of the mount to preserve its excellent condition for years to come. Correct maintenance will be the key factor in helping the mount stay beautiful for generations to come.
Conclusion
Conclusively, a deer mount becomes a valuable trophy for the hunter offering variant options like shoulder mount, European mount, and full body mount.
The cost to mount a deer head can be as low as $300 and as high as $5,000 or more, which is reasonable given the level of detail and the specialized craftsmanship.
However, before deciding on a taxidermist, hunters should take into account factors such as the quality of a taxidermist, type of mount, cost, time needed, legalities, and maintenance requirements so that they can have a meaningful display of their hunting achievements in the future.
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