Average cost of taxidermy/processing?

[Smossy]

Being as this will be my first year out. Id like to get whatever I put a tag on, processing for eating and shoulder mounted if its a deer/elk, or turned into a rug if its a bear. Im wondering on prices because I honestly dont have the foggiest clue. As far as deer/elk.. Id like the meat obviously processed/packaged up and ready to throw in my freezer.
Im sure there will be others who wonder the same thing.

Price guestimates and or tips in regards to this would be great.
I know everyone probably pays a different price so lets hear it, and see some of your best mounts with cost. Thanks.

[NWBREW]

If you take it to a butcher, bone it out first. They will charge by weight.


As for horn mounts...do that yourself to save money...very easy. For rugs or shoulder mounts you can go to the taxi's website for prices. I have a whitetail shoulder mount with natural habitat at a taxi now and it is around 750 or so. Top quality work is well worth the money in my opinion.

[Smossy]

Ok cool thanks.

[JoeE]

I've taken a few deer to Olson Meats in Enumclaw and I've always been  happy with their game processing. I usually get the best cuts in steaks and the rest ground into burger and if I remember right its less than $100. Its not that hard to butcher a deer yourself, my wife just doesn't want me making a mess in the garage so I pay somebody else to do it.

[bear hunter]

I use to pay 55 cents a pound min. 100 lbs. Now I pay 75 cents a pound. If you have extra stuff made it will cost more depends on the butcher. I do my own butchering if I have time. Sometimes I am out for the week and fillled my tag the first day in hot weather. I than take it in to be processed, but I also have butchered my deer in camp the day before we left for home once. Deer mount range 450.00 and up Elk mount range 600.00 and up. Hope that helps.

[huntnphool]

Contact Charlie (bucklucky) for taxi prices, he does great work at a reasonable price.

[jackelope]

I would learn how to process the meat yourself. It's not difficult and it will save you a bunch of money. I've done it every year for as long as I can remember except in 2010 when holidays and weather caused me problems and I took it to a butcher shop in Bellevue. I decided to get lots of sausages, jerky, etc made and I spent close to $300 all together. That was excessive and I probably won't do that again. Not with a whole deer anyway. You could do all that yourself too if you've got the equipment like a smoker, grinder, dehydrator, oven, etc. That too is not that difficult.

[Bean Counter]

  I've never paid a butcher. It will definitely save you money, but you have to consider the opportunity cost. It takes me a few days to get through an elk. If I were low on vacation hours at work, it would be more cost effective to pay someone rather than take time off work without pay. 

Start keeping your eye out on Craigslist NOW for a used freezer. I found  a great upright a few years ago for $100 and it works great 

If you just want to kill an animal and don't care about antlers, put in for doe/cow tags. When you kill it, you can always save the cape and have it tanned into a sheet of leather. That will be at least some form of keepsake. Check out WB Place in Wisconsin. You can also DIY euro the skull. All depends on how much time you have on your hands.

[Smossy]

I've taken a few deer to Olson Meats in Enumclaw and I've always been  happy with their game processing. I usually get the best cuts in steaks and the rest ground into burger and if I remember right its less than $100. Its not that hard to butcher a deer yourself, my wife just doesn't want me making a mess in the garage so I pay somebody else to do it.

Dont they just grind your stuff up with everyone elses when making burger meat? Thats what I read online. But we all know everything you read online isnt always true

[Smossy]

I would learn how to process the meat yourself. It's not difficult and it will save you a bunch of money. I've done it every year for as long as I can remember except in 2010 when holidays and weather caused me problems and I took it to a butcher shop in Bellevue. I decided to get lots of sausages, jerky, etc made and I spent close to $300 all together. That was excessive and I probably won't do that again. Not with a whole deer anyway. You could do all that yourself too if you've got the equipment like a smoker, grinder, dehydrator, oven, etc. That too is not that difficult.

Yeah I have all those things at my disposale between my girls family and my stuff. $300 bucks does seem like alot, Is what you get in return worth it though if you were to even just go buy random stuff from the butcher? Im trying to weigh out the $ we spend yearly on meat at local stores, compaired to what we could put into getting meat ourselves and having it processed. Be it done myself or a butcher.

[Smossy]

I've never paid a butcher. It will definitely save you money, but you have to consider the opportunity cost. It takes me a few days to get through an elk. If I were low on vacation hours at work, it would be more cost effective to pay someone rather than take time off work without pay. 

Start keeping your eye out on Craigslist NOW for a used freezer. I found  a great upright a few years ago for $100 and it works great 

If you just want to kill an animal and don't care about antlers, put in for doe/cow tags. When you kill it, you can always save the cape and have it tanned into a sheet of leather. That will be at least some form of keepsake. Check out WB Place in Wisconsin. You can also DIY euro the skull. All depends on how much time you have on your hands.

Well thats just it, I might not be working this year "Lets hope thats not the case".. With my history Im having a rough time finding work. Im not necessarily gung ho about it either. So this may be my way of contributing to the family untill I can find said job/work..
So saving on expenses would always be best.

[huntnphool]

I've never paid a butcher. It will definitely save you money, but you have to consider the opportunity cost. It takes me a few days to get through an elk. If I were low on vacation hours at work, it would be more cost effective to pay someone rather than take time off work without pay. 

Start keeping your eye out on Craigslist NOW for a used freezer. I found  a great upright a few years ago for $100 and it works great 

If you just want to kill an animal and don't care about antlers, put in for doe/cow tags. When you kill it, you can always save the cape and have it tanned into a sheet of leather. That will be at least some form of keepsake. Check out WB Place in Wisconsin. You can also DIY euro the skull. All depends on how much time you have on your hands.

Well thats just it, I might not be working this year "Lets hope thats not the case".. With my history Im having a rough time finding work. Im not necessarily gung ho about it either. So this may be my way of contributing to the family untill I can find said job/work..
So saving on expenses would always be best.

in most cases $$$ spent hunting/fishing for food costs more than just going to the grocery store. If you are doing this with the idea it will save you money you are mistaken.

[Bean Counter]

Hunting is a fun activity and putting fresh, organic free ranging meat in the freezer is a gratifying bonus. However, if funds are short, don't think that you're getting into this to be cost effective. Even AFTER you have spent thousands on optics, guns, bows, ammo/arrows, boots, etc... If you average out your costs in gasoline and out of state tags you could do far better going to a local cattleman and buying 1/2 cow, driving it home in the truck, DIY cut and wrap, and throw it in that upright freezer. Exactly the research I have been doing since 2012 was a tag soup year for me   

[Smossy]

Hunting is a fun activity and putting fresh, organic free ranging meat in the freezer is a gratifying bonus. However, if funds are short, don't think that you're getting into this to be cost effective. Even AFTER you have spent thousands on optics, guns, bows, ammo/arrows, boots, etc... If you average out your costs in gasoline and out of state tags you could do far better going to a local cattleman and buying 1/2 cow, driving it home in the truck, DIY cut and wrap, and throw it in that upright freezer. Exactly the research I have been doing since 2012 was a tag soup year for me   

Ill never be hunting out of state as long as Im unemployed. I have all my equipment already. I'm not doing it ONLY to provide but its a release from all the other bs in my life. Im addicted to the outdoors and always striving to find new things that excite me and make a new lifestyle for myself. I grew up a punk kid running around with guns and smoking a lot of pot doing oxy. I spent a few years incarcerated and found an amazing woman and my whole outlook on life has changed. Wouldn't and couldn't imagine ever stepping foot back in those shoes. So its really a balance of cost efficiency/sanity I guess you could say.

[Bean Counter]

Those are very good reasons to get outdoors! 

Just curious: you do time for dealin'?

[elk247]

DIY what you can. Its the most economical way to go. I do agree butchering an elk is a pretty large project and i leave it to the pros. as well as tanning hides. Euro mount skulls and deer butchering is a good place to start.

[FSTaxidermy]

Congrats Smossy on having the courage to leave the old life.  The outdoors have always been a great escape for me also, nothing like going into the great outdoors for a little perspective, glad you have someone special to share it with.

Hunting local Blacktails (if your from the wet side)  isn't too hard on the wallet if you have some close places you can get to.  If you can pick up a used meat grinder on craigslist, it would pay for itself quickly.

Good luck on finding a great job to pay for your passion for the outdoors.

[sirmissalot]

I'm gonna agree with those saying buying meat is cheaper... I've said it many times. I don't consider myself a meat hunter for this reason, but I do love to eat it and its a great bonus to have a hobby that also puts food in the freezer. I for sure save money on groceries every year but also spend stupid amounts every year on hunting and fishing.

[jackelope]

I would learn how to process the meat yourself. It's not difficult and it will save you a bunch of money. I've done it every year for as long as I can remember except in 2010 when holidays and weather caused me problems and I took it to a butcher shop in Bellevue. I decided to get lots of sausages, jerky, etc made and I spent close to $300 all together. That was excessive and I probably won't do that again. Not with a whole deer anyway. You could do all that yourself too if you've got the equipment like a smoker, grinder, dehydrator, oven, etc. That too is not that difficult.

Yeah I have all those things at my disposale between my girls family and my stuff. $300 bucks does seem like alot, Is what you get in return worth it though if you were to even just go buy random stuff from the butcher? Im trying to weigh out the $ we spend yearly on meat at local stores, compaired to what we could put into getting meat ourselves and having it processed. Be it done myself or a butcher.

I got jerky, italian sausage, breakfast sausage, summer sausage, pepperoni sticks, good cuts cut and wrapped for the grill. I think thats about it. It was a good lot of meat, but I don't think it was cheaper than buying it at the store once factoring in gas money, license fees and all the other expenses.

We use a grinder attachment onto my wife's KitchenAid stand mixer for burger. It works fine but it's nowhere near fast. That'd be the only downside to our DIY operation. At some point I'd like to buy a real grinder with some horsepower.  We do have a good recipe and make our own breakfast sausage. My neighbor has a couple Bradley smokers so we make brat's too. Yumm.

[Eli346]

Smossy,
 When you get one down give me a call and I'll help with the butchering and wrapping if I'm in town. I've been doing it for decades and it's alot better than spending your money at a butcher and not getting what you want. You can take the hamburger meat in and have it smoked or whatever you want done with it but do the cutting up and wrapping yourself. You won't regret it!

[blackveltbowhunter]

Definitley Butcher it yourself, especially deer. Save money and feels bada$$ knowing you DIY.  I really enjoy processing game. My wife enjoys wrapping, so I cut she wraps. Works out great.  Depending on the cuts of meat we want it takes anywhere from 30 min to 2.5 hours to process a buck. elk same thing, just more time.

Taxidermy rates will vary as has already been stated, regardless of price check up on several pieces of work, and several different clients. I cant think of any work I have seen posted by taxis on here has not looked good. Turn around is another thing you may want to find out, it seems to  be an issue for alot of guys..... I guess im weird as I really dont care how long it takes as long as it looks great when its done.

Im also in the minority that is of the opinion ( perhaps due to circumstances ) that killing game is still cost effective. Notice i said killing, not hunting. I pay alot to hunt, not to kill. You may pay in the beginning as you learn, but as skill increases your cost to kill will go down if you want them to.

[Smossy]

Those are very good reasons to get outdoors! 

Just curious: you do time for dealin'?

No way. Ive never had any drug involved crimes. It was more of discharging a firearm in city limits to deter a crime. I have my whole story on here somewhere. Im sure you could find it with some searching.

[Smossy]

Congrats Smossy on having the courage to leave the old life.  The outdoors have always been a great escape for me also, nothing like going into the great outdoors for a little perspective, glad you have someone special to share it with.

Hunting local Blacktails (if your from the wet side)  isn't too hard on the wallet if you have some close places you can get to.  If you can pick up a used meat grinder on craigslist, it would pay for itself quickly.

Good luck on finding a great job to pay for your passion for the outdoors.

Hey thanks for that, I appreciate it. Ill be after anything I can get my hands on just about, Maybe not a cougar as I find them gorgeous. But who knows what would happen if an opportunity arises. My ladies step-father actually has a meat grinder and dehydrator he has no problem letting me use. 

[Smossy]

I'm gonna agree with those saying buying meat is cheaper... I've said it many times. I don't consider myself a meat hunter for this reason, but I do love to eat it and its a great bonus to have a hobby that also puts food in the freezer. I for sure save money on groceries every year but also spend stupid amounts every year on hunting and fishing.

Ok, I agree with ya there. Atleast its not like paragliding or example or whatever other hobby one might have, You get a physical return.. (Meat) Guess Ill have to look at it alittle differently. I like to know where my food has been also.

[Smossy]

Smossy,
 When you get one down give me a call and I'll help with the butchering and wrapping if I'm in town. I've been doing it for decades and it's alot better than spending your money at a butcher and not getting what you want. You can take the hamburger meat in and have it smoked or whatever you want done with it but do the cutting up and wrapping yourself. You won't regret it!

Thanks 
I appreciate that offer

Glad to see so many good hearted people on here.

[Smossy]

Definitley Butcher it yourself, especially deer. Save money and feels bada$$ knowing you DIY.  I really enjoy processing game. My wife enjoys wrapping, so I cut she wraps. Works out great.  Depending on the cuts of meat we want it takes anywhere from 30 min to 2.5 hours to process a buck. elk same thing, just more time.

Taxidermy rates will vary as has already been stated, regardless of price check up on several pieces of work, and several different clients. I cant think of any work I have seen posted by taxis on here has not looked good. Turn around is another thing you may want to find out, it seems to  be an issue for alot of guys..... I guess im weird as I really dont care how long it takes as long as it looks great when its done.

Im also in the minority that is of the opinion ( perhaps due to circumstances ) that killing game is still cost effective. Notice i said killing, not hunting. I pay alot to hunt, not to kill. You may pay in the beginning as you learn, but as skill increases your cost to kill will go down if you want them to.

Yeah plus you've already attained most of the skill/knowledge/gear that comes into spending $ also, Once I get this Hunter Ed class out of the way Im more than likely going to take up the bowhunters class. Seems like the right thing to do. I may already know most of what they have to say but I like to listen to older folks with experience. It goes along way.

[Button Nubbs]

FYI a big animal like an elk is a lot more work that I ever thought it would be. Have a plan to get it out quickly and to the butcher in the 90 degree heat. Don't mess around. I've never taken a deer to abutcher but iI have with all my elk. Too much to deal with in Sept.

[coachcw]

Congrats on turning your life around . I'd put some hunts under your belt and maybe do a skull mount or nice leather wrap if you kill a buck , If you kill a masher then concider a shoulder mount . You can cut and wrap your own stuff but have a freezer handy .if you havn't ate much deer you may want to see if you have a taste for it. burger is a good way to go . you can find a grinder and with some pork shoulder roast make some up. tons of ways to cook burger that helps hide the gamie taste.

[Smossy]

FYI a big animal like an elk is a lot more work that I ever thought it would be. Have a plan to get it out quickly and to the butcher in the 90 degree heat. Don't mess around. I've never taken a deer to abutcher but iI have with all my elk. Too much to deal with in Sept.

Good advice, We have some large hunting ATV's that my girls parents also own. Im sure again he would have no problem letting us use them for more remote areas. Its the one he used to haul out his whitetail out of eastern WA I think. Not that it helps when it comes to butchering lol but maybe actually trying to get the meat out of a location. Do you guys haul out your entire elk? Or just quarter them out? Im not sure how that works. Ive watched some "how to" videos on youtube but those involve just quartering them out, or does that actually mean processing on the spot?

[Smossy]

Congrats on turning your life around . I'd put some hunts under your belt and maybe do a skull mount or nice leather wrap if you kill a buck , If you kill a masher then concider a shoulder mount . You can cut and wrap your own stuff but have a freezer handy .if you havn't ate much deer you may want to see if you have a taste for it. burger is a good way to go . you can find a grinder and with some pork shoulder roast make some up. tons of ways to cook burger that helps hide the gamie taste.

Yeah my girls second family "her real father and step mother" actually live on almost only stuff they have hunted being as they have a larger family with like 3-4 sons that hunt and share. Ive had deer/elk quite a few times, Have yet to taste bear. I absolutely love bison.

[Button Nubbs]

FYI a big animal like an elk is a lot more work that I ever thought it would be. Have a plan to get it out quickly and to the butcher in the 90 degree heat. Don't mess around. I've never taken a deer to abutcher but iI have with all my elk. Too much to deal with in Sept.

Good advice, We have some large hunting ATV's that my girls parents also own. Im sure again he would have no problem letting us use them for more remote areas. Its the one he used to haul out his whitetail out of eastern WA I think. Not that it helps when it comes to butchering lol but maybe actually trying to get the meat out of a location. Do you guys haul out your entire elk? Or just quarter them out? Im not sure how that works. Ive watched some "how to" videos on youtube but those involve just quartering them out, or does that actually mean processing on the spot?

Chances are your elk is not gonna die on the road after taking an arrow. Don't plan on gettin it out whole. Quarter, get it out and cool.

[Smossy]

FYI a big animal like an elk is a lot more work that I ever thought it would be. Have a plan to get it out quickly and to the butcher in the 90 degree heat. Don't mess around. I've never taken a deer to abutcher but iI have with all my elk. Too much to deal with in Sept.

Good advice, We have some large hunting ATV's that my girls parents also own. Im sure again he would have no problem letting us use them for more remote areas. Its the one he used to haul out his whitetail out of eastern WA I think. Not that it helps when it comes to butchering lol but maybe actually trying to get the meat out of a location. Do you guys haul out your entire elk? Or just quarter them out? Im not sure how that works. Ive watched some "how to" videos on youtube but those involve just quartering them out, or does that actually mean processing on the spot?

Chances are your elk is not gonna die on the road after taking an arrow. Don't plan on gettin it out whole. Quarter, get it out and cool.

Sounds good, thanks.

[elk247]

Smossey- if you grind backstrap or tenderloin into hamburger I will disown you son, and petition to get you banned.

[NoImpactNoIdea]

There are lots of videos on youtube and books that are very helpful for butchering.

[Smossy]

Smossey- if you grind backstrap or tenderloin into hamburger I will disown you son, and petition to get you banned.

mmm Them would be some tastey burgers lol.   

[Bean Counter]

Smossey- if you grind backstrap or tenderloin into hamburger I will disown you son, and petition to get you banned.

 

 

[JoeE]

I've taken a few deer to Olson Meats in Enumclaw and I've always been  happy with their game processing. I usually get the best cuts in steaks and the rest ground into burger and if I remember right its less than $100. Its not that hard to butcher a deer yourself, my wife just doesn't want me making a mess in the garage so I pay somebody else to do it.

Dont they just grind your stuff up with everyone elses when making burger meat? Thats what I read online. But we all know everything you read online isnt always true

Maybe, but it still tasted good

[huntnnw]

as for taxi work u get what u pay for...$300 shoulder mount will be a much different than a guys $700 shoulder mount. Just look around on here theres some atrocius work on here I wouldnt hang in my house then look at charlies work top notch work!

Buy a grinder even cabelas cheapest electric will work great and still be cheaper than your bill by taking it in and having it done and then you will have it for future use. Find your local butcher supply store they are very helpful and carry tons of seasoning, casings and recipes.