Shoulder mount issue...

[Mac...]

I had a shoulder mount done a few years back and was told by the taxidermy that the hides had been screwed up by the tanner. He offered to put a different hide on my mount but:
1. Then it wouldn't be the deer "I shot"
2. I only saw one bad spot and it was hidden when it was on the wall
3. I was happy just to get it home

Fast forward, this thing is falling apart... it's the only mount I have or have ever had, so I don't know how long they're suppose to last or if I should have them looked at and touched up every once in a while.

To me, it's jacked up. Ears splitting along the edge all the way around them.
The back of the head was where the 1 screwed up spot was, is now worse.

I plan on calling him and asking him if he's still willing to do something with it. But I don't feel that I should come out of pocket for it.

[SB09]

No, it shouldn't be falling apart already.

Why do you not feel you should come out of pocket for it?

Taxi tried to tell you the hides were screwed up right? Offered to rectify that situation and you declined the offer. Now, years later you want them to redo it?

It can be fixed with a new cape. But, I'm sorry, I don't think it's fair to expect them to cover the costs after you turned his recommendation down.

That's like a mechanic telling you that you need a new motor and offering to cover some of the cost to which you decline. Then, when the motor completely blows up you expecting them to replace the motor free of charge.

[Jmh05]

^^^^i agree with the above. The cost is on you man. Just get another cape and have it remounted or remove the antler plate and make an antler mount out of it.

[Buckshot-73]

Did you get a lifetime warranty, in writing??


If not, good luck.

[BrandonH]

Sorry to say but you should have taken his initial offer. I've read used different capes on a few animals and until now haven't really thought about it. Unless the cape has very unique markings I could care less whether it's the original. The time and labor difference between the taxidermist correcting the issue then as opposed to now is huge. I'm afraid any costs incurred will be on you.

[Mac...]

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[Texantax]

Is it being kept in a garage?

[stinkbelly]

I had my sons first buck mounted. When I got it back I saw the hide was screwed up. This taxidermist tried to hide it from me. If I would have known I would have paid the extra for a good hide.

I also had a taxidermist switch my hide on me without telling me. It was very unique.

Because of these two problems I will never go to a taxidermist that is working out of his house again.

As for your deer, there is no way he can guarantee it because he doesn't know how it has been kept/stored. Either way if the hide was switched when it was originally mounted or if it is switched now it is going to come out of your pocket. If you do get another one, I would recommend going to another taxidermist.

[Mac...]

Is it being kept in a garage?

Yes

[Mudslinger]

If it is being kept in the garage, then heat is probably what is doing that to the hide. Who's fault is that?

[Mac...]

If it is being kept in the garage, then heat is probably what is doing that to the hide. Who's fault is that?

My wife's. Lol

[Texantax]

I would never warranty anything hung in a garage. Would you hang a $500 leather jacket in there and expect it to look fine after several years? Sorry sir but the burden is all on you IMO.

[BDR]

I would never warranty anything hung in a garage. Would you hang a $500 leather jacket in there and expect it to look fine after several years? Sorry sir but the burden is all on you IMO.

X2. The unregulated amounts of heat, humidity, and just the overall fluctuation in temp will absolutely destroy a mount. You can cheat even the highest quality work from years of longevity by placing it in those conditions. This one is on you just my .02.

[Killem all]

Whos the taxi. I have my guesses if its local

[Aggiebow88]

Have to agree with above posters.
1) he offered to fix it at the time and you declined.
2) hung in garage
= it is on you,,