Life size or full mount - general idea on cost?

[Blacktail Sniper]

Hi Everyone,

I have a coyote that I trapped several years ago (probably 1998/99 season if memory serves me).   My original intent was a life size, closed-mouth mount.   During that time I also had 2 bobcat mounts being done (rug and full-body).   So, to help keep the bill down close to my yearly income, I just had the coyote tanned.  My taxidermist skinned the head and paws for the mount, but by the time I had everything paid-up and ready to go, he retired.

Kinda tired of looking at the pelt just hanging around and was wondering what I might be looking at as far as cost goes for the mounting since the prep work & tanning is already done.   It was a decent sized, adult male, and am still leaning towards a full mount, but would like to get a general idea on the costs of a rug (open mouth) vs the full mount w/closed mouth.

Thanks for any assistance.

[Michelle_Nelson]

Hey Blacktail Sniper.  I am currently charging $650 for a Lifesize Coyote.  That comes with a basic base and habitat.  If it is already tanned I can knock off $100.

I want you to keep in mind a taxidermist can not guarantee the condition of the hide once it is rehydrated.  Unless you know who it was tanned by or with what we will not be able to tell.  Sometimes (rare occations) depending on the tan and how old it is it could possibly come apart during rehydration.  We won't know unless we rehydrate it.  I am not saying you hide will but I don't want you to be left wondering if this were to happen. 

[Blacktail Sniper]

Thanks Michelle, I had all my stuff done by Mr Newman who was in Kalama, Wa (Newman's Taxidermy)at that time.   I do not know if he is even still around to check as far as which tannery he used.

Based on the age of the pelt, would say it is maybe a better idea to just keep it as is?  I would hate to end up losing the pelt all together, since it was one of the last (and nicest looking) ones I got before trapping was outlawed.

Also, would the rehydration be required (outside of the head area) of the entire pelt for a rug?   Just thinking of a way to possibly minimize the risk, with the worse case being just removong the head area and not risking the entire pelt if it goes bad?  Would end up with basically what I have now just without the head.

Thanks for your help and information.

[BLKBEARKLR]

Yep, Michelle gave you some good advice, a cape that old that has been tanned by someone you do not know.I would just leave it hanging on the wall. In my opinion you have about a 50/50 chance of losing that entire thing.

Yes you would have to rehydrate the entire pelt if doing a life size or a rug.


Joe

[bucklucky]

Just my 2 cents, I have tried rehydratin a few different tannery tanned hides and capes before, some only a few years old , and some older that have absolutely fallen apart or acid rotted. If it was me Id keep that one as is and go kill another one and start from a good fresh skin. I turned down a lifesize Musk Ox just for that reason of falling apart. It was 8 years old and dry tanned. 

[Michelle_Nelson]

Blacktail Sniper,

If it were me I would keep that pelt just the way it is.

On a rug if you want it stretched, yes, you have to rehydrate the whole skin.  The rug looks so much better if it is stretched and lays flat. 

I would deffinatly try harvesting another coyote to do a Life Size on.  That way you do not risk the hide coming apart during the rehydration process. 

[Blacktail Sniper]

Thank you all for the advise and information.   It was very helpful, I would never have thought there was any risk to the hide once it was tanned, so I appreciate everyones input.

Now I guess I am just going to have to take the time and effort to shoot one so I can get a fresh pelt to work with...oh jeezz, that means I have more hunting to do...DARN!

Thanks again everyone.

[Michelle_Nelson]

Now I guess I am just going to have to take the time and effort to shoot one so I can get a fresh pelt to work with...oh jeezz, that means I have more hunting to do...DARN!

Damn I hate to hear that.  PM me your address and I will send you a Sympathy Card!

[400out]

Damn the ad luck anyways!

[Blacktail Sniper]

Thanks for all the expressions of sympathy...it helps, knowing that others understand my pain!