Mckenzie Mounts Deer (2024)

FAQs

How much is a deer shoulder mount worth? ›

From 632 responses, she determined the average cost of a deer mount in America is $721.35. Interestingly, 5.54% of American taxidermists charge at least $1,000 for a deer mount. If you move outside the continental United States, taxidermy gets more expensive, though.

The most common poses are the upright, a tall and majestic pose; the semi-upright, which is a little more relaxed; the semi-sneak, which is a very natural-looking pose; and, the full sneak, like you would see a buck when he's chasing does.

The long story short is you should expect to pay a minimum of $500 for a quality deer mount, and don't be surprised if that figure pushes to $600 or more. Having been on the receiving end of several really bad mounts over the years, I know full well that you get what you pay for when it comes to deer taxidermy mounts!

With proper care and knowledge, your taxidermy mount can last a lifetime! Find out more about handling and hanging your taxidermy here.

Antler collectors and outdoor retailers will pay big bucks for big bucks, but it's much rarer than you think. A more common exchange is that mounts are “borrowed” by stores and restaurants, where the hunter maintains the right to take back the mount whenever they want.

Make the first cut all the way around the animal, in a circle, behind the front legs. Make sure you have enough skin for the taxidermist to work with. It is better to cut too far back, than to cut the skin too far forward. Remember that skins for shoulder mounts must NEVER be cut in front or at the throat.

Size and Description

A mature buck may weigh from 200-300 lbs. and stand 2.5-3 feet tall at the shoulder, while does will weigh from 90-200 lbs. Coloration is the same in bucks and does, white bellies and rumps, a white patch on their throats, white rings around their eyes and white ring around their muzzle.

It takes me about 30 minutes to prep the form and set the eyes. I can work the cape and mount a deer in about one hour and 15 minutes. Let it dry for about two weeks, then another 30 minutes for the finishing touches. Hands-on, about two and a half hours total to do a deer head.

Deer are aged by examining the wear and replacement of the premolars and molars of the lower jaw. As a deer grows older, its teeth continue to wear. As the enamel begins to wear away, and exposes the dark dentine material, noticeable distinctions in tooth wear occur between each age class.

The best way to transport taxidermy is by using a rigid wooden crate. This will securely hold the mount in place and prevent any movement during transit. Additionally, ensure that any extra space in the crate is filled with proper packing materials for added protection.

How many times will a buck mount a doe? ›

Mating takes place over several hours. However, in most cases the buck will mount the doe several times before she eventually decides she has had enough and runs from him.

A whitetail buck is considered physiologically mature at 5½, and that's your prime shooter age. However, not all areas have 5-year or older bucks. In that case hunters might consider a 3½-year-old as older or mature.

Size and weight

North American male deer (also known as a buck) usually weigh 68 to 136 kg (150 to 300 lb), but mature bucks over 180 kg (400 lb) have been recorded in the northernmost reaches of their native range, namely Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba.

A single, full turkey mount is one of the most common selections. Of course, there are numerous options for a full turkey mount. These include various poses and postures, including: standing alert, one-fourth strut, half strut, three-fourth strut, full strut, gobbling, flying, on a limb and more. Cost: $500 and up.