How to select a taxi?

[Txjourneyman]

I have never used a taxidermist. Nothing I have killed deserved it. I hope to change that this year. So, how do I go about making sure I get the right guy or gal?
I'd like to have one in mind so I'm not shopping after the kill. What should I ask? How much deposit should I have to leave? How many references should I check?
Please educate me. If and when the time comes for me to need one I don't want to make a mistake.

[KHo]

Physically go look at his / her work... Pictures can only tell you so much, but looking at what they do, IMO, tells the story.

Don't make your decision on price...you really do get what you pay for - again, my opinion.

Expect 5+ months for delivery / completion.

The two I really liked using both 'retired'. Good luck in your pursuit.

[Txjourneyman]

Thanks, I have thought about maybe using a member here. I know there are several but then logistics becomes a problem. None of them are close to me.

[DorothyNotKeegan]

I'd stick with one who got a proven track record and trustworthy! I'd imagine if you found one here on TBH the express could work for you! Hope you get a good one this year Greg!

[systemnt]

I plan on finding one that works out of his house...so I know where he lives if something doesnt go according to plan.... even if where he lives is way out in the boonies in tomball...and i got lost twice just leaving the place...

[MountainMan]

Like is said above, go look at their work, ask a ton of questions and get to know them. Then I would call past clients and ask them what they thought of their experience with them.

[Loneaggie]

I'm in the same boat this year. Has anyone ever used the guy(s) that work with Syracuse/CCR?

[Chance Love]

Go look at their work. Don't get caught up just looking at horns when you get there. Look up close at the eyes, nose, ears, ect. Are the hair patterns correct? Make sure they actually TAN their capes. Run-away from the $350 shoulder mount guy. Expect 8-12 months for turn-around time.

[slayer]

I have used several, not a pro by any means but I feel like a get an excellent quality mount for the right fee. There are several in the area, but I really like Alpine Taxidermy in Ft. Worth. You are hunting in Gordon, TD's does good work, have had several mounts done by him. He did my first mount over 8 years ago and it still looks wonderful, no issues at all. I've seen most take between 8-12 months to get the mount back and it seems most cost between $ 450-$ 600 depending on what you want done. I'm always cautious about using someone that works out of their house because if something goes wrong, can be hard to get your horns back. Saying that, I was cautious using a shop too! I checked the Better Business for complaints and ran their name on TBH to see if any mud came up. Good luck to you and hope you smack a giant this year.

[slayer]

I'm in the same boat this year. Has anyone ever used the guy(s) that work with Syracuse/CCR?

Alpine works with Syracuse, has done 4 rams mounts and 1 whitetail for me and I love the work. His name is Greg, does a great job.

[Txjourneyman]

Thanks Slayer. Anyone familiar with Don Nation in Kaufman?

[Speedgoat]

I usually just whistle and the first one to pull up gets my money.

[systemnt]

I usually just whistle and the first one to pull up gets my money.

Taxidermists, Matt.... not strippers

[cwbow]

Make sure they are not showing you competition mounts and then do just a plain jane sorry job mount for you. had this happen in crosby.

[Buckshot-73]

I have used Modern taxidermy in Joshua for year's. I had the same thought's when I picked them.
Expect 8-12 months delivery time, the earlier you get it in, the sooner you get it back. My last one was 450.$ for shoulder mount- 6 yrs ago.

Ask who will do the actual mount.. Are they training new taxi's, you don't want a rookie doing a lifelong mount.

Ask up front, if you are not happy with finished mount, what is their procedure to fix the problem's. Don't wait till it is done, you may be too late.

Do not try to save 50-100$ and get it done quickly... You will be disappointed.

Good luck to you this year.