How long does a shoulder mount take on a deer head?

Be patient. I know your excited to see your deer. But its a good thing its taking this long. It means he's busy, which means he's good. The last thing hou want is a rushed taxidermy job. He may have been 6-10 months out from starting yours when you took it to him.

This isn't a normal business. If you raise hell with him, plan on being disappointed. Its ok to call and check, but stay friendly and agreeable. My exact words would be " please understand, I'm not trying to rush you, you are the taxidermist, not me. I'm jist really excited. Do you have a rough guess? I'm just really looking forward to it.". No matter what his answer is you say " ok, sounds great! Thanks for taking time to answer my questions. I will be looking forward to hearing from you.". And don't call again for another year.

I had a duck done and got it back in 3 weeks. It looked terrible and lasted about 2 years before it started falling apart. I took a pheasant to the biggest name in town. It took 18 months and it looks fantastic. I've had it 5 years now and it looks like the day I brought it home.

Taxidermy is an art. If you rush art, you get crappy art. So be patient, you will have your whole life to enjoy it.

Deer Shoulder Mounts

Slim has said it well. If the taxidermist has a good reputation, he will be busy..and a 12 month to 18 months is normal waiting time. But if the taxidermist is " fly by night" operator, he may have taken your money and ran.You should check him out....and see what is going on.

My last one took three months, very close to what the taxidermist estimated. You should call him and see what is going on. Over about 6 months seems ridiculous to me.

I've heard the same factor about mounts drying out over the hearth, but we positioned my fathers elk head above ours and up to now have observed no ill effects. I suppose it takes years and years for it to end up a obstacle and because you best use your fire seldom, i might not fear about it. They seem exceptional above the mantle. Congratulations, incidentally.

could take up to a year, he/she could have had a taxidermy competition and other things they had to tend to, either way go back to the place if its local to check up on it

Ya that's way to long i'd go throw a ***** fit and get **** done. :)