A while back there were several threads on here about high-quality vs. cheap and inexpensive taxidermy. I thought I would share my experience/photos with y’all and show off the mount of the buck I killed last year, “C.B. 10”. Here’s a link to the full report, including mega write-up and video:
Both of these deer were killed on the same ranch….actually both deer were standing in almost the same exact spot when I killed them. They were both killed mid-late season (mid Dec. and early Jan.) in cool temperatures, had about the same size body (145-155 dressed),and both were taken very well care of prior to arrival at the taxidermists.
The first buck was mounted for $250 by a contact of an uncle. At that time I didn’t know what kind of mount I would get back, but it was all I could afford. When I did get the deer back, I was just relieved to have it back, although I was a little disappointed in the mount. I went cheap, and I got it in return.
The first things that stick out when looking at the mount are the bug eyes, the “makeup”, the ears, and the extra long smile the deer had. Pictures are not top quality, but they will work for the sake of comparison.
The Mount

The Eye Makeup

Funky Yellow Ears

Plugged Up Nose

The “Smile.” Those cuts were NOT made by me when examining the deer’s teeth.

The second buck was mounted by Josh McDaniel (Roosterpt1 on here). I think Josh did an excellent job and I am extremely happy with the mount of this deer
. I sent Josh the video and pictures of the deer, and he captured the exact pose of the buck, ear positioning and everything, a few seconds before I shot him. I can’t thank Josh enough for the job he did on this buck. Many of you have seen Josh’s work on here, and I can tell you even these photos DO NOT do the mount justice. Every time I see it I want to shoot him all over again. 

Here are the pictures and close ups of the same features in the buck that Josh mounted:
C.B. 10


The eyes

No nose plugs

The ears

No smile

Notice how much more natural the deer looks, not like he is getting an enema
. Josh is a TBH sponsor and I would recommend anyone taking their business to him. I will be sending the first buck to Josh to be re-done after I get some bills and other expenses out of the way. I tried going cheap the first time, and I paid for it. Lesson learned.

Both of these deer were killed on the same ranch….actually both deer were standing in almost the same exact spot when I killed them. They were both killed mid-late season (mid Dec. and early Jan.) in cool temperatures, had about the same size body (145-155 dressed),and both were taken very well care of prior to arrival at the taxidermists.
The first buck was mounted for $250 by a contact of an uncle. At that time I didn’t know what kind of mount I would get back, but it was all I could afford. When I did get the deer back, I was just relieved to have it back, although I was a little disappointed in the mount. I went cheap, and I got it in return.

The Mount

The Eye Makeup


Funky Yellow Ears

Plugged Up Nose

The “Smile.” Those cuts were NOT made by me when examining the deer’s teeth.


The second buck was mounted by Josh McDaniel (Roosterpt1 on here). I think Josh did an excellent job and I am extremely happy with the mount of this deer



Here are the pictures and close ups of the same features in the buck that Josh mounted:
C.B. 10



The eyes

No nose plugs

The ears

No smile

Notice how much more natural the deer looks, not like he is getting an enema

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