Need advice about bobcat mount...

[cruball17]

Recently dropped off my bobcat to Clay Wagner at Deer Creek Taxidermy in Lott, TX. (Literally in a trash bag) He called the very same night and said out of a few hundred he's seen he thinks mine may be in the top 5. (Coat and size) He originally said it'd take 6-8 months to get it back but said he has a proposal for me. He said he's got a out of state taxi show coming up and would like to use my cat as the one for his exhibit. Said he'd sink more time (2 to 3 x's worth) and $2,500 to $3,000 worth of time/money, meanwhile charging me the same he originally said.

Here's the con- he would mount it differently than I originally wanted. I was thinking wall mount heading downhill off of driftwood whereas he would want to table top mount him heading down hill looking at you eye level. Would you go with what you originally thought or go with his idea because he's willing to put so much more time and money in it?

Thanks for your opinions,
BB

[Cuz]

I'd probably let him do it if your only concern is the position. It's sounds close to the position you wanted anyway.
I would though wonder why he doesn't make each mount "show quality" though? Maybe all taxis do this but doesn't seen right to me.

[Colton]

Definitely let him put as much time and effort as he wants into it. He probably has an amazing design in mind and will make it great.

I'd definitely let him do his own thing.

[elkbowhunter]

Congrats on the cat. Don't let this guy to the taxidermy work.

[hully1029]

def let him do it.

[cruball17]

I'd probably let him do it if your only concern is the position. It's sounds close to the position you wanted anyway.
I would though wonder why he doesn't make each mount "show quality" though? Maybe all taxis do this but doesn't seen right to me.

Thought the same thing. Apparently he cuts the stock head mold off the mold that comes in and does his own thing with the face. Then apparently he'll deck out the surroundings too. Not sure other than that. My first cat, probably my last too.

[PondPopper]

Recently dropped off my bobcat to Clay Wagner at Deer Creek Taxidermy in Lott, TX. (Literally in a trash bag) He called the very same night and said out of a few hundred he's seen he thinks mine may be in the top 5. (Coat and size) He originally said it'd take 6-8 months to get it back but said he has a proposal for me. He said he's got a out of state taxi show coming up and would like to use my cat as the one for his exhibit. Said he'd sink more time (2 to 3 x's worth) and $2,500 to $3,000 worth of time/money, meanwhile charging me the same he originally said.

Here's the con- he would mount it differently than I originally wanted. I was thinking wall mount heading downhill off of driftwood whereas he would want to table top mount him heading down hill looking at you eye level. Would you go with what you originally thought or go with his idea because he's willing to put so much more time and money in it?

Thanks for your opinions,
BB

Lol. No brainer!! I would not hesitate. Clay's "competition" cats are second to none. Consider yourself lucky. Any time a taxidermist asks to use your trophy for a comp piece all you say is "absolutely"!!!
There will be a ton of extra work and time dedicated to your piece than a normal commercial piece. DO IT......

The Lion in my avatar was a customer piece that I used for competition at our state show.
I lost my arse on it as far as time and money goes but won a blue ribbon at the competition. In the end It was worth it.

[cruball17]

Congrats on the cat. Don't let this guy to the taxidermy work.

That is awful looking... That taxi would have to pay me to put that thing in my house

[cruball17]

Lol. No brainer!! I would not hesitate. Clay's "competition" cats are second to none. Consider yourself lucky. Any time a taxidermist asks to use your trophy for a comp piece all you say is "absolutely"!!!
There will be a ton of extra work and time dedicated to your piece than a normal commercial piece. DO IT......

This is great advice coming from you. Just never experienced it before so I thought I'd ask. What all is "extra" in competition pieces? I'd ask him personally but he's in WV right now.

[mpotts]

Clay mounted two deer for me his work is second to none!!!!

[PondPopper]

This is great advice coming from you. Just never experienced it before so I thought I'd ask. What all is "extra" in competition pieces? I'd ask him personally but he's in WV right now.

Mainly just a whole lot of extra time. The components are basically the same. In a competition mount your are shooting for perfection. We try to duplicate nature to the exact anatomical symmetry and balance of a real live animal. There cannot be any signs of seams or repairs. Basically it has to be as perfect as one can get it. It's can be very nerve racking trust me.
It takes time!!!

[Slick8]

I'd probably let him do it if your only concern is the position. It's sounds close to the position you wanted anyway.
I would though wonder why he doesn't make each mount "show quality" though? Maybe all taxis do this but doesn't seen right to me.

To me it's a business, the market will typically only pay so much allowing them only a certian amount of time to complete the project and turn a profit.

To the OP, DO IT!

[cruball17]

Mainly just a whole lot of extra time. The components are basically the same. In a competition mount your are shooting for perfection. We try to duplicate nature to the exact anatomical symmetry and balance of a real live animal. There cannot be any signs of seams or repairs. Basically it has to be as perfect as one can get it. It's can be very nerve racking trust me.
It takes time!!!

You've pretty much made my mind up for me. Appreciate your input. I searched long and hard for a cat taxi (6 months) and everything kept coming back to Clay. (Even though he's a touch higher than most) I wanted it done right since it'll probably be the only one I ever mount. Appreciando amigo!

[Jven]

No question. Let him run with it

[LivinADream]

lets see a picture of the cat... im jealous