what to look for?

[gigit]

i've heard that when looking for a good taxidermist in your area that you not put so much stock in their work that's on their walls at the shop since those have been done with much more detail than a regular mount would be. or the "competition grade". is this true and what would be a good way to find a good taxi in my area without having to stop by every shop?

[mntaxidermy]

Gigit,

It would be in your best interest to stop at every taxidermy shop you are thinking about using. You need to see their work. Yes taxidermists tend to put theit competition work in their show room. They also tend to put specialty customer mounts in their show room. Like any buisness man or woman they want to impress you. I am not saying every taxidermist is like that. I personally don't compete and I don't have a show room. I have a shop with one wall designated for finnished mounts. If you are worried about this when you go to see the taxidermist ask to see "customer mounts".

Don't just go with the first taxidermist you visit because he does decent work for a fair price. Visit as many as you can. Don't go with the cheapest taxidermist unless you go and see his work. That also doesn't mean if he is the most expensive he is the best. You must decide on that....

[Buckhunter]

Good advice. I looked a t a few taxidermists before choosing. The guy I had do mine is top notched My mount looks as good as any that he takes to the contests and he does a great job on his other mounts also. I had my buck at a outdoor expo and I looked at many good mounts that looked as good as mine. Then there were the mounts that looked horrible. I thought one mount was from the 60 or 70's and it was last years buck. I did spend a little more going through him, but to me it is well worth it. I have him mounting an elk for me now it should look great. I'll post pics when its done.

[jwj4856]

all the above are very good advise, when someone comes into my shop I have one wall for customer mounts and one for my mounts and competition mounts so they can take their choice of how they would like it mounted, really not much difference in my competition mounts and customer mounts other than maybe a little grooming or the base that it is on.