Need advice about bobcat mount...

[Texastaxi]

With a deal like that, if he told me he wanted to mount it doing the backstroke, I'd let him do it because it'd be the best bobcat backstroke you've ever seen!

The table top base could always be changed out for a wall habitat, but I'm willing to bet you won't, once he's done with it.





Oh, and my hat's off to you for doing your homework and not dropping that gorgeous cat off with someone because they were cheap.

[Navajo]

I was going to give my 2cents, but everybody has already said it. I'm pretty sure you know the answer by now.

[cruball17]

Thanks guys!

[TBoat10]

With a deal like that, if he told me he wanted to mount it doing the backstroke, I'd let him do it because it'd be the best bobcat backstroke you've ever seen!


This...

[super_dave]

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.

X2

[WCB]

Oh heck yeah!!

[Shane]

Absolutely let him do it. I am doing the same thing with my bighorn. My taxidermist here (Jerry Huffaker) is almost finished with the mount, a really unique pedestal mount, and he is going to take it to a few shows/competitions between now and June. I saw it today. He just has to do all the final touches around the eyes and nose and such, and then he'll be done. It looks fantastic already. I can't wait to get it, but I don't mind waiting until June because he has really worked some artistic magic on it. It's really cool.

[JGreen31]

Is that a hint??

Awe... Did I do that???

I pick the horns back up tomorrow...

[cruball17]

Absolutely let him do it. I am doing the same thing with my bighorn. My taxidermist here (Jerry Huffaker) is almost finished with the mount, a really unique pedestal mount, and he is going to take it to a few shows/competitions between now and June. I saw it today. He just has to do all the final touches around the eyes and nose and such, and then he'll be done. It looks fantastic already. I can't wait to get it, but I don't mind waiting until June because he has really worked some artistic magic on it. It's really cool.

All the reviews keep reassuring me that this is the right decision. Really appreciate everyone's input!

[cruball17]

Awe... Did I do that???

I pick the horns back up tomorrow...

Haha haha!

[Black Ice]

Haha haha!

I would do it for sure. What's his going cat price with habitat?

[Drycreek3189]

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

LOL ! He looks like he just saw a black panther !

[mjbtexas]

I vote to do the pose you want. I get the coat is awesome. But see if he'll compromise on the pose. I understanding that competition mounts are amazing, but a good taxi will give you solid work anyway. For instance; when I get a dall sheep with my bow, I want a great shoulder mount. Even if the taxi called and offered a free full body mount, I would say no. I have to look at it after it gets shown.

Why? It's your animal and you'll never get that specific one again.

[cruball17]

I vote to do the pose you want. I get the coat is awesome. But see if he'll compromise on the pose. I understanding that competition mounts are amazing, but a good taxi will give you solid work anyway. For instance; when I get a dall sheep with my bow, I want a great shoulder mount. Even if the taxi called and offered a free full body mount, I would say no. I have to look at it after it gets shown.

Why? It's your animal and you'll never get that specific one again.

Touché. Not really a lot of negotiation power given what he typically charges verses what I'm paying. I'm assuming there are standards to enter competitions. Thinking its a no brainer after the comments mentioned above.

I also think he did meet me halfway on the pose. Think he merged my thoughts with his. Still downhill, just not on wall.

[Coach W]

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.

This. I've seen some Clay's customer pieces posted here... even a Bob cat or two and I was unimpressed. Seriously, the level of his competition pieces are second to none. But his customer everyday joe pieces leave ALOT to be desired.

Let him do yours as a competition piece, in any position he wants. You will have a show stopper of a mount for a steal of a price.