Cost for gemsbok shoulder mount?

[SOS]

What can I expect to pay for a gemsbok shoulder mount?  I was surprised about a qoute from a local taxidermist, but he is an active supporter of our RMEF chapter....but still....  What is your experience?  Thanks.

[Guru]

Originally posted by SOS:
 I was surprised about a qoute from a local taxidermist, but he is an active supporter of our RMEF chapter....but still....  What is your experience?  Thanks.

What does that have to do with the price...not following?

[SilentT]

I imagine he meant that he thought he would work with him on price because of his support of RMEF.  

You are going to find wide spreads in the amount charged for gemsbok mount.  Africa taxidermists will be MUCH cheaper, but then you have to pay to have the mount crated over.  North American guys will be higher, but not as big of a shipping bill.  

What type of a quote did you get?

[TxAg]

Mine was originally $900. I tweaked a few things which made it a bit more. It's definitely a lot of money, but I'm a taxidermist snob...The guy I use is really, really good.

I'd stongly recommend having the work done in the US. I've yet to see a good mount come out of Africa.

[Mike Vines]

So, I'm just assuming that having it done in Africa, versus in the USA, is going to be the same amount in the end?

[SOS]

$900 give or take $50-100 was what I was kind of expecting and seems to be in line with a lot of price lists I've seen.  His price was 50% higher - I wonder if he was quoting a pedestal mount instead of a shoulder mount.  

TxAg - does your guy have a website?

Thnx, Steve

[TxAg]

Originally posted by SOS:
$900 give or take $50-100 was what I was kind of expecting and seems to be in line with a lot of price lists I've seen.  His price was 50% higher - I wonder if he was quoting a pedestal mount instead of a shoulder mount.  

TxAg - does your guy have a website?

Thnx, Steve

A pedestal mount should only be $100-$200 more expensive if you're still hanging it.  If he's actually including a wooden pededstal then I could see it being that much more expensive.

Here are couple websites. They are both really good, and are actually friends with each other. They just happen to be in different cities.  


*****best taken care of thru a PM,thanx****

[TxAg]

The timing of this thread is ironic. I picked up my African animals just today. 2 1/2 hour drive each way but well worth it.

Man, I wish I had taller ceilings.

[SilentT]

I bet you could find that south africa taxidermists would charge $350-500 for the same mount.  Drastic price differences....but then there is the shipping.

[jason1040]

The real question is what type of quality do you want? A couple hundred more for excellence is a small price compared to looking at only average work - but hey you only paid the average price...

It really is a no-brainer don't you think?

[Al Dente]

I have a friend that hunts Africa every year, and he would never, ever let a mount get done there.  He's seen firsthand the "workmanship" and quality.  The importation and shipping fees add to the cost, almost making it a no-brainer.  The real issue is the quality though, and I trust his opinion, and that of others also who have had similar experiences.

[Ray Hammond]

Steve,

I'd be willing to bet you went to Washington,GA- right?

Did you spend less than 2 hours to get out of his shop?

He mounted my elk. His work is first class... but there are other places to go.

[STUMP THUMPER]

I just got my mounts back from Africa.I had them done there.I use to do Taxidermy and the job they done was satisfactory. I'll fix the imperfections my self. If I had them done here it would have been almost double, and shipping was only $900.00 more for the crate.
I had a Kudu, Gemsbuck, Blue Wiltebeast, Blesbuck and 2 Impalas all shipped in one crate. They don't do as go of a job as we do, but the outfit I hunted with had they're own tax shop, so I was able to see the quality of work they do and they knew what I was expecting. There are some OK taxidermist there and I seen some real bad ones also. I would check the quality of the work in the area you would have the work done over there and then make a decision if you just want the capes and horns sent back here to be done. We do have some of the best Taxidermist here in the U.S., but they could too they just don't have the resorces we have here.

[Prairie Drifter]

I wouldn't touch one for less than $1100. I've done many african animals. There is ALOT more too them than deer or elk.

[Bill Turner]

I'm not sure what the difference in price is but I would have to say when it comes to taxidermy work, I've always found you get what you pay for. Taxidermy is truly an art form to those who are good at it. I have a really nice double shovel carribou and a 40" Dall sheep, both taken in the Brooks Range in 1985 by me, that still look great in my "man cave", some 26 years later. My recommendations would be to make your taxidermy decision before you go on your hunt. Have your chosen taxidermist provide all information needed for export before you leave for Africa. Have capes, horns,etc. shipped stateside. It's easier to check on progress here than in Africa. Don't let the cost savings sway you. Budget your taxidermy work with your hunt. Don't skimp on the taxidermy, you'll be sorry if you do. Be prepared to wait for 1 to 2 years for your finished product,depending on when the capes hit the shop. This isn't all bad. It helps you come up with the cash. Finally, take lots of pictures while your in Africa. This will help you get through the agonizing wait. Good luck and good hunting.