Post by: Odell on October 20, 2019, 03:38:51 PM
Is there a way to just get your antlers, capes and money back? This is pretty frustrating.
Also zero communication from the taxidermist.
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Post by: 92xj on October 20, 2019, 03:41:20 PM
If you didn't sign anything there is no contract and you will just have to ask the taxidermist to give you your stuff back and a discount or your money. He could easily say no to the discount and money part.
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 20, 2019, 04:13:09 PM
Post by: Bango skank on October 20, 2019, 04:18:54 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on October 20, 2019, 04:21:51 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on October 20, 2019, 04:32:41 PM
Post by: Bango skank on October 20, 2019, 04:33:00 PM
Two years IS bad if the customer is told 12-16 months with no follow up communication.
I hear ya on that. Taxis need to be realistic if they give you a turn around time. A guy is told hed have his mount done in a year, and still no word after 2 years, thats not right.
Post by: Brushbuster on October 20, 2019, 05:07:34 PM
After my season is over I'll probably just go get my stuff & take it to someone else.
As a side note, my Deer shoulder mount from Oct 2018 I took to a different taxi & had it back in June this year. :tup:
Post by: Bango skank on October 20, 2019, 05:12:28 PM
I'm in the same boat. I took in my 2017 Bull for a shoulder mount & a 2017 Deer antlers just to be put on a plaque. I waited over a year & then contacted the taxi in Jan 2019 for a status update & he wouldn't look up my invoice #s. He just brushed me off with general answers telling me it takes him too long to provide status updates. I have not heard from him since I contacted him in Jan. He is a sponsor.
After my season is over I'll probably just go get my stuff & take it to someone else.
As a side note, my Deer shoulder mount from Oct 2018 I took to a different taxi & had it back in June this year. :tup:
2 years and counting just to put some antlers on a plaque? Thats absolutely ridiculous.
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 20, 2019, 05:24:25 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on October 20, 2019, 05:27:50 PM
I think I know who you are talking about and he does excellent work
Post by: Odell on October 20, 2019, 05:31:28 PM
Sorry guys but your taxi is busy for a reason.
I think I know who you are talking about and he does excellent work
Excellent work or not, it’s a business. Lack of communication and missing deadlines is bad business.
A little communication and an apology would go a long freaking way. Instead you get ghosted.
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Post by: huntnfmly on October 20, 2019, 05:43:35 PM
I didnt say it was good buisness practice and I completely understand your frustration just saying he's busy for a reasonSorry guys but your taxi is busy for a reason.
I think I know who you are talking about and he does excellent work
Excellent work or not, it’s a business. Lack of communication and missing deadlines is bad business.
A little communication and an apology would go a long freaking way. Instead you get ghosted.
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Post by: Bowhunter3 on October 20, 2019, 05:48:05 PM
Sorry guys but your taxi is busy for a reason.
I think I know who you are talking about and he does excellent work
Excellent work or not, it’s a business. Lack of communication and missing deadlines is bad business.
A little communication and an apology would go a long freaking way. Instead you get ghosted.
:yeah: do we get to hear who you’re dealing with?
Post by: Born2late on October 20, 2019, 06:18:01 PM
If its the same one that has all my stuff i'm willing to wait.He has three deer and and full mount cat.It has been a couple years on the oldest deer but i hate nothing more then looking at a mount and seeing poor quality . I took it to him for a reason,especially my blacktails!!,I know there are other circumstances that put a bigger back log and i understand that happens too.I have had him do a deer for my daughter and everytime i walk in her room and see it , i see it like the day she shot it.It looks great.I didnt say it was good buisness practice and I completely understand your frustration just saying he's busy for a reasonSorry guys but your taxi is busy for a reason.
I think I know who you are talking about and he does excellent work
Excellent work or not, it’s a business. Lack of communication and missing deadlines is bad business.
A little communication and an apology would go a long freaking way. Instead you get ghosted.
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Usually once or twice a year i try to send him a encouraging text about it.It goes along ways to be the guy that can look beyond the problem and still be encouraging when they might be struggling to keep up.
I have a small business and understand how you can say its not good business and your right, but If there is a way too put yourself in his shoes and consider how you could work through the problem by being overly patient and hopefully it will work itself out.I know you will get a great mount in the end. Or you can go there and get your stuff and take it to someone else.
Hopeing the best for both parties, Never like to see these posts.
Hope this comes across right
Post by: RightPlace-RightTime on October 20, 2019, 06:51:29 PM
Yes. Agreed no communication. I did call him. He has had some personal issues come up. I'm not gonna pry. It will be finished eventually and will be great as per his reputation.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 20, 2019, 06:56:41 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on October 20, 2019, 07:03:25 PM
Post by: The scout on October 20, 2019, 07:16:57 PM
Post by: Tbar on October 20, 2019, 07:20:20 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on October 20, 2019, 07:50:48 PM
Post by: blindluck on October 20, 2019, 07:57:58 PM
Post by: HillHound on October 20, 2019, 08:09:32 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on October 21, 2019, 05:39:43 AM
Post by: Alan K on October 21, 2019, 06:29:33 AM
All that said, if he is having some personal problems I feel for him. He was always a great guy to us. I know he does a lot of hunting himself and is involved with another company too that probably takes some of his time away, so maybe that is the reasoning behind the lack of communication. Doesn't make it right, but might be the reasoning.
Post by: trophyhunt on October 21, 2019, 06:38:43 AM
Post by: Widgeondeke on October 21, 2019, 08:27:20 AM
When he's as far behind as he is, and has all his customers' money that they paid up front, what he should be doing is skipping hunting season himself. It's not right that he has the time and money to go on out of state hunting trips every year while customers are deprived of the mounts that they were promised. I'm just glad I'm not waiting on anything from him. But I feel bad for those who do. You would also think his bad reputation that he is now earning due to unkept promises and lack of communication would rub off on the new company he's working for. :dunno:
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I think the only way something could rub off is if we all knew who he is :dunno:
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 21, 2019, 08:48:10 AM
Post by: Encore 280 on October 21, 2019, 08:49:03 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on October 21, 2019, 08:55:00 AM
Post by: TriggerMike on October 21, 2019, 08:56:31 AM
Post by: buckfvr on October 21, 2019, 08:57:00 AM
Go in and ask to see your capes......they cant still be frozen raw, so if he has them, they must be tanned, if not where are they ???
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 21, 2019, 09:00:53 AM
He may be farming stuff out as well which means hes has far less control on things, its does happen and it does take longer. I know of instances where items are shipped out of state to independants that bid on the jobs......even some that have been sent to schools. Ya never know. Local taxidermists wont want to be known for farming out work.
Maybe his shop collapsed. It doesn't matter the reason. He could still communicate and acknowledge he missed his commitment.
Post by: buckfvr on October 21, 2019, 09:07:54 AM
He may be farming stuff out as well which means hes has far less control on things, its does happen and it does take longer. I know of instances where items are shipped out of state to independants that bid on the jobs......even some that have been sent to schools. Ya never know. Local taxidermists wont want to be known for farming out work.
Maybe his shop collapsed. It doesn't matter the reason. He could still communicate and acknowledge he missed his commitment.
Even if he pops up with a reason now, there will be a real strain on the validity at this point. The longer this goes on, the harder it will be to accept an excuse.
Post by: CaNINE on October 21, 2019, 09:56:07 AM
Post by: Alan K on October 21, 2019, 10:12:25 AM
Post by: Encore 280 on October 21, 2019, 10:33:53 AM
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 21, 2019, 10:42:20 AM
Honestly, what's the point of complaining and telling everyone your concerns and you don't mention the other party that has caused you harm?
Pointless.
Post by: whacker1 on October 21, 2019, 11:15:45 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on October 21, 2019, 11:16:33 AM
I have taken heat for this before and probably will on this one too. If the OP wants to name the taxidermist and give proof of what is going on that his choice. I just don't want to see us jumping to conclusions and smearing someones name that might not even be involved in this.
I have seen enough of these threads to know there is a he said she said to every story and somewhere in the middle is the truth. We only have very limited information from one side of the story. It doesn't matter what the taxidermists name is the OP is wondering what his options are.
If it was me and I wanted my stuff back at would camp out where ever I left it until I got it back.
FYI I have an animal at a site sponsored taxidermist that has been there for two years and he told me right up front that he wouldn't get to it for at least two years. It took me 25 years to get said animal and it will be on my wall for 30 years, waiting 2 plus years for the quality of work that I want is worth it to me.
Post by: whacker1 on October 21, 2019, 11:29:14 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 21, 2019, 11:31:03 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on October 21, 2019, 11:34:34 AM
I think many taxidermists are seeing more work, because there is more money in the economy than say 5 years ago and thus more folks are having taxidermy done. I know very few Taxidermists that decline more work, and may be putting themselves in an awkward position of getting too far over their skis and can't get caught up on all the extra work. :twocents::yeah:
I know in my business I only fish for what I can keep and process. Some of my competitors over fish and catch more than they can process. In the end all of their fish end up rotting in the boat because they are too busy fishing for more fish. My business isn't fishing but you get the idea.
Post by: whacker1 on October 21, 2019, 11:45:55 AM
I think many taxidermists are seeing more work, because there is more money in the economy than say 5 years ago and thus more folks are having taxidermy done. I know very few Taxidermists that decline more work, and may be putting themselves in an awkward position of getting too far over their skis and can't get caught up on all the extra work. :twocents::yeah:
I know in my business I only fish for what I can keep and process. Some of my competitors over fish and catch more than they can process. In the end all of their fish end up rotting in the boat because they are too busy fishing for more fish. My business isn't fishing but you get the idea.
Yes, understood, but not everyone has learned this lesson. Some "artists" don't have the best business sense. I find that they will often times take on work with great intentions of working more hours, but just can't get caught up or are unwilling to put in the extra hours.
Post by: washingtonmuley on October 21, 2019, 12:06:46 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on October 21, 2019, 12:19:31 PM
Post by: Odell on October 21, 2019, 02:52:16 PM
Not knocking the OP specifically but threads like this are just bad taste. If someone has wronged you then put their name out right away so others are not caught in the crossfire.
Honestly, what's the point of complaining and telling everyone your concerns and you don't mention the other party that has caused you harm?
Pointless.
I didn't take it as a knock personally, I could have worded it differently and I am frustrated by the lack of communication so I guess I am complaining. That said I haven't posted the business name or location and I have about six pms asking me about it and I haven't told anyone the business name. I want him to do be able to do his best work and get caught up, not have to deal with online complaints about his business.
What I am asking---generally--- when others have faced this frustratingly common experience---if anyone has ever gotten their capes/antlers/deposits back from a taxidermist and gone somewhere else? There is no he said/she said here other than my claim of 12-16 months which is what I was told, exact quote was "more like 16".
The facts are I took a deer in to this shop in Oct 2017 and another in November 2018. 2 years is a long time to wait on a deer shoulder mount, especially when 16 months was the long end of it and there has been no communication.
Post by: teanawayslayer on October 21, 2019, 02:55:43 PM
its your right to ask for your deposit back. If the cape is tanned he may charge you for that and or if he ordered the form. Either way it’s your property.Not knocking the OP specifically but threads like this are just bad taste. If someone has wronged you then put their name out right away so others are not caught in the crossfire.
Honestly, what's the point of complaining and telling everyone your concerns and you don't mention the other party that has caused you harm?
Pointless.
I didn't take it as a knock personally, I could have worded it differently and I am frustrated by the lack of communication so I guess I am complaining. That said I haven't posted the business name or location and I have about six pms asking me about it and I haven't told anyone the business name. I want him to do be able to do his best work and get caught up, not have to deal with online complaints about his business.
What I am asking---generally--- when others have faced this frustratingly common experience---if anyone has ever gotten their capes/antlers/deposits back from a taxidermist and gone somewhere else? There is no he said/she said here other than my claim of 12-16 months which is what I was told, exact quote was "more like 16".
The facts are I took a deer in to this shop in Oct 2017 and another in November 2018. 2 years is a long time to wait on a deer shoulder mount, especially when 16 months was the long end of it and there has been no communication.
Post by: westside bull on October 21, 2019, 03:02:58 PM
Post by: 92xj on October 21, 2019, 03:04:57 PM
Would you PM me which taxi your talking about please, I've always supported a certain taxi on here and I hope it's not him. I paid for a bear skull over 2.5 years ago to get euro'd, nothing yet. I've called but keep getting, oh we are getting on it. It sucks because I have really respected the guy and his word for years, not sure what is going on.
2.5 years on a Euro mount!?!
For all, what is your personal expectation for euro mounts?
Post by: Odell on October 21, 2019, 03:08:23 PM
Would you PM me which taxi your talking about please, I've always supported a certain taxi on here and I hope it's not him. I paid for a bear skull over 2.5 years ago to get euro'd, nothing yet. I've called but keep getting, oh we are getting on it. It sucks because I have really respected the guy and his word for years, not sure what is going on.
2.5 years on a Euro mount!?!
For all, what is your personal expectation for euro mounts?
I took a bear skull into Cedar River Taxidermy in June of this year and I have it back already and it looks great. Also, this is NOT the same taxidermist I took my deer too
Post by: Rainier10 on October 21, 2019, 03:54:02 PM
OP has decided to not name the taxidermist and is merely looking for input from members on what his options are for getting his stuff back.
My advice is talk to the taxidermist in person, go to the shop. See where the 2017 deer is in line. My guess is it is very close. I would probably leave it there to have it finished. Then I would talk about the 2018 deer. That one I might ask about paying for the caping and tanning that is done and take it elsewhere. The taxi loses a little business on the second deer but it hopefully frees up his schedule to get caught up on other peoples mounts.
Just my :twocents:
Post by: HntnFsh on October 22, 2019, 08:13:49 AM
Post by: Angry Perch on October 22, 2019, 10:43:13 AM
Would you PM me which taxi your talking about please, I've always supported a certain taxi on here and I hope it's not him. I paid for a bear skull over 2.5 years ago to get euro'd, nothing yet. I've called but keep getting, oh we are getting on it. It sucks because I have really respected the guy and his word for years, not sure what is going on.
2.5 years on a Euro mount!?!
For all, what is your personal expectation for euro mounts?
I took a bear skull into Cedar River Taxidermy in June of this year and I have it back already and it looks great. Also, this is NOT the same taxidermist I took my deer too
That's a different thing altogether, as I think he sends them out to be done.
Post by: Qaib Thai on October 22, 2019, 10:54:01 AM
Post by: blindluck on October 22, 2019, 01:25:31 PM
Post by: Sundance on October 22, 2019, 03:43:57 PM
Twelve years ago I went on a guided hunt back east and took several animals. I went with the local shop that the outfitter recommended and left ½ deposit with my capes, skulls and antlers. After two years of broken promises on the timeline and no picture updates I finally cut my losses and walked away. They wanted me to send the 2nd half of the money without picture confirmation and before the work was “complete”. That taxidermist ended up stealing over $15,000 from customers and skipped the state, I never recovered any of my capes or skulls/antlers.
About ten years ago I took a buck to a taxidermist that used to be a site sponsor here. After 4 ½ years of waiting I finally called them out on this forum and recovered my cape, antlers and half of my deposit. While this taxidermist (I’m not sure if they are currently in business and they are no longer a site sponsor) produced high quality work their communication was horrible. Ignored calls, texts and even a few “surprise” visits from me yielded zero results. They were over extended and decided to play ostrich rather than confront the issue and rectify the situation, poor business practice.
About six years ago I harvested a beautiful mature blacktail and caped the deer (removed the cape from the skull) and froze the cape until the spring. I called around and chose a local shop who offered a fair price and a quick 4-month turn around. Having worked for a fur buyer in the past I am more than capable on trophy care and produced a perfect cape for them to tan then mount. When I went to pick up my mount the poor quality of tanning and lack of care for the mount did not reflect the price they asked for. I removed the skull cap that day from the mount only to discover that they hadn’t removed all the flesh from the skull and live bugs had already began to infest the mount. I returned the mount (without the antlers) and was given a full refund from the taxidermist, they kept the mount (with my cape) to use for a future customer and I left with my antlers and money.
I met a taxidermist through this site who offered me deal on a stock cape and to remount my buck. When I went to pick up my remounted buck I was absolutely amazed and the quality that this new outfit produced. I have since then taken multiple animals to this taxidermist and recommend several friends there as well. This outfit I currently use is not the cheapest and has a longer lead time than most. They do however produce the best mounts that I have ever seen which constantly receive compliments from my house guests. On several occasions I have had non-hunters remark that the mounts in my house look as though they are ready to blink and come to life, the work is that good.
I’ve learned that cheap work isn’t good, good work isn’t cheap and lead times can be deceiving. Usually a long lead time means that the taxidermist is highly skilled and people are willing to wait for the quality they produce (with a few exceptions). Phil Soucy is arguably the best cat taxidermists in the US which is why he demands top dollar and a lengthy lead time. The quality of work a taxidermist is capable of producing and the time frame they advertise varies from business to business. Everyone’s definition of “fair price” and “reasonable time frame” is different and it’s up to the client to decide what they are ok with.
Poor communication is always a recipe for disaster and a good business should stay on top of relaying to their customers what the situation is. Personally I’m ok with long lead times and high prices for a quality mount that's going to last a lifetime, just keep me appraised of the situation especially when you are going to miss a deadline. Again, I hope the OP finds resolution here and they come to an understanding with the taxidermist in question.
Post by: lamrith on October 22, 2019, 04:40:41 PM
But saying 12mos when you are actually 24+ that is just not acceptable, period. Life happens, mistakes happen, delays happen, but doubling the quoted timeframe or more is not a delay and not communicating that you are behind on a project is unacceptable. Odell I hope you get some sort of resolution for your situation.
There seem to be so many bad Taxi's we hear these stories every year, I wish there was a way for us to have some sort of good/bad list for members to check a taxi before they take their animals in. Some (myself included) are not accomplished hunters and do not get mount worthy harvest every year, so if we get a decent animal down they are precious to us. Losing one or having one in limbo would be torture.
Post by: KFhunter on November 02, 2019, 11:01:21 AM
Anything predicted out that long would be taken as a very rough estimate.
Post by: Twispriver on November 03, 2019, 06:56:37 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on November 04, 2019, 08:36:47 AM
Just because a person is a good taxidermist doesn't automatically make them good at business. Most small businesses fail and often it is not because they have a bad product or service to offer it is because they don't have a clue about running a business. I suspect that most of the taxidermist that people have problems with probably do fine work but should also probably be working for someone else with a solid business plan instead of being self employed. :twocents::yeah:
Post by: buggy on December 07, 2019, 03:32:39 PM
I've had two bt bucks shoulder mounted by the same taxi. The first one I was told 12-14 month turn around and I received it back in 9.5 months. Second one I dropped it at his shop in January and told him it was for my mother and I'd like to get it back by mother's day. He expressed some doubt but said he'd give it a try. Two weeks before mother's day it was ready! (I purchased a Cape from him so that definitely helped turn it around quickly)
I am sorry for your lousy experience but wanted to show that there are good taxis out there and its possible to get something mounted in a reasonable amount of time. Good luck!
Post by: Lapua07 on December 08, 2019, 07:07:37 PM
Bear & mt lion from 2016
Bear,bull, antelope and mule deer 2017
Whitetail, mule deer 2018
Bull 2019
I’m convinced that they do this game on purpose.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 08, 2019, 07:11:30 PM
I’m still waiting on several animals I’ve paid in full for through a couple local taxidermist.
Bear & mt lion from 2016
Bear,bull, antelope and mule deer 2017
Whitetail, mule deer 2018
Bull 2019
I’m convinced that they do this game on purpose.
I would never pay in full, gotta have something left for them to want.😉