How Much To Shoulder Mount A Deer

So, there I was, a few years back, standing in my buddy's backyard, admiring his newly mounted deer head. I mean, it was a beauty - a twelve-pointer, he told me, with a glint in his eye. But then, I noticed something. It was... crooked. Now, I'm no taxidermist, but even I could see that the thing was listing to one side like a drunken sailor. I couldn't help but ask, "How much did you pay for that, again?"

That's when he leaned in, like he was about to share a secret, and said, "Too much, my friend. Too much." And that's when I realized, I needed to learn more about this whole 'shoulder mounting' business. Because, let's face it, you don't want to end up with a lopsided Bambi staring at you from your wall, do you?

So, What's Shoulder Mounting, Anyway?

Alright, let's backtrack a bit. Shoulder mounting, for those of you who haven't had the pleasure, is a taxidermy method where the deer's head is mounted on a plaque, showcasing the entire shoulder area. It's a popular choice because it shows off the antlers beautifully and can make your trophy look even more impressive.

But here's the thing, shoulder mounting isn't just about slapping a head on a board. It's an art, a craft. And like any craft, it comes with a price tag. But how much should you expect to pay? That's what we're here to figure out.

Size Matters

First things first, the size of your deer is going to make a big difference in the cost. A smaller deer, like a doe or a young buck, is going to be cheaper to mount than a big, old trophy buck. Why? Because the taxidermist has less material to work with, and it takes less time.

But remember, size isn't everything. A well-done mount on a smaller deer can still be a beautiful addition to your wall. So, don't let the size of your deer deter you from getting it mounted. Just be prepared for the price to go up with the antler spread.

Quality and Skill

Now, you might be thinking, "I can get a deer mounted for $50 down the road. Why should I pay more?" Well, my friend, let me tell you, you get what you pay for. That $50 mount might look good from a distance, but up close, it's likely to look like a cheap Halloween mask.

Adjustable Shoulder Mount Wall Hanger- Deer NOT Included - Etsy

The skill of the taxidermist is going to make a big difference in the final product. A good taxidermist will take the time to position the head and antlers naturally, tanning the hide to match the original color, and adding details like glass eyes and realistic fur. All of this adds to the cost, but it's worth it for a mount that looks like it could jump off the wall at any moment.

So, how much should you expect to pay for a quality shoulder mount? Well, that varies. But as a general rule, you're looking at anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the size of the deer and the skill of the taxidermist.

Don't Forget About Shipping

Alright, so you've found a taxidermist you like, and you're ready to hand over your deer. But wait, what about shipping? If the taxidermist is a few states over, you're going to have to factor in the cost of getting your deer to them. And let me tell you, that's not cheap.

I've seen shipping costs range from $100 to $500, depending on the size of the deer and the distance it has to travel. So, don't forget to factor that into your budget. And if you're really lucky, you might find a taxidermist who includes shipping in their price. But don't count on it.

Adjustable Double Hanger for Shoulder Mounts- Deer NOT Included - Etsy

So, Is It Worth It?

Alright, so we've talked about the cost, the quality, and the shipping. But is it worth it? Should you even bother getting your deer mounted?

Well, that's up to you. But let me tell you, there's something special about looking up at your wall and seeing the deer you hunted, frozen in time, looking back at you. It's a reminder of the hunt, the challenge, the triumph. And for some people, that's worth every penny.

But remember, it's not just about the money. It's about the story. It's about the memory. It's about the fact that, every time you look at that mount, you're reminded of a day in the woods, a challenge overcome, a victory won.

So, is it worth it? You tell me. But if you ask me, there's no price too high for a memory like that.