Questions for first elk mount

[Mark Youngblood]

I have a really good eastern Oregon tag this year and have high hopes of taking an elk suitable for the wall.  I live in Tacoma and have been checking out the threads on the different taxidermist in our area.

What is the average turn around time for a elk shoulder mount?  I understand the  good ones are "busy" but I personally cannot see any reason it should take over a year but it seems like allot of people wait 2 or more years for their mounts to be finished... just curious what your experiences are , pm's are welcome and will not be shared with anyone as well.


I do plan to get with the taxidermist I choose to get all their specific details for how they want the animal skinned and care of the trophy as well.
 
If you have any warnings or bad experiences to share please send PM.

Thanks,
mark

[vandeman17]

I have found that 9-12 months is about what I have come to expect unless it is some crazy mount you have.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Check out Michell Nelson. She is a mod on this site and lots of good reviews.

[Natures Way]

Check out our website and our post on here and right now we are around 9-12 months. congrats on bull tag.

[Mark Youngblood]

Check out our website and our post on here and right now we are around 9-12 months. congrats on bull tag.

Thank you I have been looking at your website and reviews.

[Mr Mykiss]

Did you really have to ask...BuckLucky!!

[PolarBear]

Did you really have to ask...BuckLucky!!

Charlie is the elk king imo.
If you are getting your mount back in less than a year or year and a half, there might be a reason and quality could reflect that. 

[Mark Youngblood]

Did you really have to ask...BuckLucky!!

Charlie is the elk king imo.
If you are getting your mount back in less than a year or year and a half, there might be a reason and quality could reflect that. 

I have not called him yet but see he comes highly recommended...do you know what his average delivery time is by chance?

[sirmissalot]

Mark, I would recommend Charlie for a local guy, he does amazing work that's for sure. Maybe he can chime in with his lead time. I will PM you another referral

[KNOPHISH]

High praise for site sponsor Cedar river taxidermy in Ravensdale. 

[Natures Way]

Hi, Mark all the site sponsors on here do a good job! The best thing to do is go to there shops speak with them in person get a feel for them and there shops and go from there.

[Mr Mykiss]

Mark, I would recommend Charlie for a local guy, he does amazing work that's for sure. Maybe he can chime in with his lead time. I will PM you another referral

I waited 1 year 8 months from Charlie and it was worth it. Also I believe that I hit him roughly in the middle of his tannery problems so I wouldn't be surprised if his turnaround time is less or will be less soon.
Unfortunatly for Charlie my bull was:
My first elk.
My first bull.
The first animal that I got mounted.
Worst thing was that I made the mistake of sending the antlers with him so I didn't have them at home to play with.
All of that made for a pain-in-the-a$$ customer...not angry, just bothersome...
Sorry Charlie 
I would take another bull to you in a heartbeat and I recommend that anyone else who wants the mount of a lifetime (which big bulls usually are) to......................     TAKE EM TO CHARLIE!!!

[quadcrazy69]

Did you really have to ask...BuckLucky!!

Charlie is the elk king imo.
If you are getting your mount back in less than a year or year and a half, there might be a reason and quality could reflect that. 

I have not called him yet but see he comes highly recommended...do you know what his average delivery time is by chance?

Last time I called about doing my bull he said he was booked out two years.

[quadcrazy69]

I have a record book bull at a taxidermist's in the Wenatchee area and he's had it for over two years. He won't answer the phone and won't return my calls. I showed up on his door step last weekend and told him I wanted my horns and hide back and he said "nope, you're not taking them". My next trip over to see him will be with a Sherriff in tow.

He requested a large down payment when I dropped it off because he didn't want to get screwed if I decided not to proceed. Now who's getting screwed.

Lesson learned; make sure you get receipt's and be careful who you leave your trophy's with.

[jrebel]

I have a record book bull at a taxidermist's in the Wenatchee area and he's had it for over two years. He won't answer the phone and won't return my calls. I showed up on his door step last weekend and told him I wanted my horns and hide back and he said "nope, you're not taking them". My next trip over to see him will be with a Sherriff in tow.

He requested a large down payment when I dropped it off because he didn't want to get screwed if I decided not to proceed. Now who's getting screwed.

Lesson learned; make sure you get receipt's and be careful who you leave your trophy's with.

Which one is it??