re: Does this sound right?

[grunt11B]

Hello,

      I want to tell you my story...I will withhold the information until I get a final answer. I dropped off my trophy blacktail to a taxidermist in November 2010. I was assured that it'll be done in January 2011, I called and he had informed me that he recieved a workload that came in from Africa and mine will be pushed backed. He had informed me that it should be done in June, I called in June and he had informed me that he wasn't done and it should be done in September. I called in September and he said he wan't done and I asked him if he started on it, he said no, but it should be done in October. I informed him that I'll be stopping by to see my deer and he said that he hasn't started on it and there's nothing to see. I'm thinking about just taking my money and trophy buck back. I would appreciate it if he didn't give me the run around. I want to see my investment before I leave again to Afghanistan.
What is your opinion? Please advice.....Grunt11B

[Knocker of rocks]

Yes, get your buck and buck$ back.  He has done nothing but lie to you.  It's bad enough that he pushed your job back.  That was questionable in and of itself.

[Kola16]

Take it back, and tell everyone on this site who it is so we do not go to him.

[grunt11B]

Knocker,

      There is the fear of my trophy being stolen like the one article I read of a guy who got his trophy buck stolen...I am shopping around for an attorney as a fall back plan...Theft by deception...I don't want other hunters to experience this situation, and I might just bring it up to the better business bureau....I'm going to see if he gives me the run around next week when I ask for my buck and cash back...

[predator guy]

Go get your buck and take it to someone else. Thank you for your service by the way.

[grunt11B]

Predator,

      Thank you for your support....

[firefighter4607]

Did you pay the fully amount upfront?
Did he give you a date on when about it would be compete?
Does he have your cape?

I would go and talk to him. Tell him that you are disappointed with his service. Ask him why your business got pushed back. If he gave any type of BS responses I would ask for my money and deer back.
Please keep us informed on this issue we had another member that had to have his whole mount redone, the taxi screwed the ears to the horns.
There are alot of good taxidermist that are members on this site, if you take your mount back I would recommend you take it to one of them.

[grunt11B]

firefighter4607,

      I didn't pay the full amount, I paid half now and the full amount upon completion. When I first dropped it off he said it'll be done in January, then June then September and now October. He said that it will be worked on and it shouldn't pushed past November. He has said this all throughout the timeline he's given me. He has the buck in his possesion and we have the receit. The buck I am on is in his shop. I might as well inform everyone the shop name since I don't want anyone else to experience this type of crap. ...I never bugged, nor pressured him. I called on the timeline he gave me, and now it's getting old.

[Knocker of rocks]

Knocker,

      There is the fear of my trophy being stolen like the one article I read of a guy who got his trophy buck stolen...I am shopping around for an attorney as a fall back plan...Theft by deception..

I don't think it would be theft by deception, I would think it would be just plain theft.  If he somehow switches bucks with you, then there could be a case for theft by deception.  In any case, that would be the choice of the police, sheriff, prosecutor and court system. 

But regardless of what the police and courts do, if your buck is missing, you can bring a civil action against him.  You can also sue him if he doesn't refund all your funds if you request him to du so.  He has broken all contracts with you (written or verbal), and you are deserving a full refund and return of your property.   

I would think about not using an attorney.  At $200/hr, they can chew through  a lot of money fast.  If your buck is gone, you would be able to receive reasonable damages for that, probably on the order of $500 to $1500.  There wouldn't be any chance for emotional or punitive damages   

Forget about the BBB, and also do not threaten him by saying something like "give me my buck, my money back and $100 for being a pain in the ass to me, or I'll tell everybody on the internet".  That could be viewed as extortion.   

Maybe you could tell him that, but sure as hell don't send it in an e-mail, letter or voice mail.

[firefighter4607]

I am glad you didn't pay the full amount. I have seen a few people pay full amount then not get there mounts done in a timely fashion.
With that being the case I would try to get my money and buck back. Good Luck!

[grunt11B]

Knocker of rocks,

      I really appreciate your legal advice. Trust me Extortion is not on my list. Once this guy screws me over I will inform everyone of this mess, so they won't step into his shop. Thanks again for your advice.

Grunt11b

[3nails]

 I wasn't going to comment but then I had a close up of your buck........ ......I'd go straight down there and demand your antlers back first. Then start a discussion. That's a buck of a lifetime. If you get your antlers back but no cape pm me and I'll give you a real nice one.

[Knocker of rocks]

Knocker of rocks,

      I really appreciate your legal advice. Trust me Extortion is not on my list. Once this guy screws me over I will inform everyone of this mess, so they won't step into his shop. Thanks again for your advice.

Grunt11b

I ain't a lawyer, just been around a long time, and have had to finely tune a letter or two in my time.

I'm also a junkie for pod casts of "Handel on the law"

[grunt11B]

Knocker of rocks,

        Nonetheless, I'll take any advice that would help...

[grunt11B]

3 nails,

      Thanks I might just do that....