How Much Does Taxidermy Cost?

Last Updated on July 24, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Taxidermy involves preserving and mounting an animal’s skin onto a lifelike form in order to realistically display or recreate that animal, often for hunting trophies, sentimental memorials, conservation education, or research collections.

This complex process requires substantial specialized artistry, painstaking attention to detail, and carefully curated materials.

Carefully breaking down pricing by the different preparation methods and animal categories provides helpful perspective into how taxidermy can be a substantial yet frequently worthwhile investment when done properly.

How Much Does Taxidermy Cost?

While taxidermy costs naturally fluctuate based on a wide spectrum of influential factors, customers can expect to spend $500 on up to $2,000 or more for smaller animals, $3,000 to $5,000+ for large game mammals and full body mounts, and even higher premiums of more than $10,000 for exotic animals, unique creatures, or elaborate custom habitat displays.

Beyond the pricing variations by animal type, the specific method of mounting and preparation also causes logical cost differences:

• Basic Head Mounts – $500 to $2,000+
• Shoulder Mounts – $600 to $1,500
• Full Body Mounts – $2,000 to $6,000+
• Variety of Birds – $500 to $1,500+
• Habitat Scene Dioramas – $4,000 to $10,000+

As would be expected, the most simplistic shoulder or head mounts of medium animals tend to fall into the lower pricing tiers, whereas comprehensive full body mounts or expansive habitat depictions can run considerably higher due to the sheer level of additional effort, construction, and materials involved.

However, even at the lower end of the spectrum relative to the category, having taxidermy work professionally done still represents a serious investment that smartly reflects the time, artistry, and irreplaceable nature of these memorable animals.

All American Taxidermy provides a detailed price list for various animals. For example, they charge $1,950 for a shoulder mount of a black bear, $6,850 for a full body mount, and $2,500 for a life-size mount. For a whitetail deer, they offer shoulder mounts starting at $950, full body mounts at $3,800, and antler mounts at $275.

Lengacher’s Taxidermy in Indiana lists prices for several species. They charge $625 for a turkey shoulder mount, $1,600 for a black bear shoulder mount, and $1,295 for a greater kudu shoulder mount. Full body mounts for these animals range from $2,150 to $6,500.

Outback Taxidermy in Texas provides pricing for various animals as well. They charge $1,115 for a shoulder mount of a wild boar/hog, $3,450 for a half life-size mount, and $5,350 for a full life-size mount. For fish, they offer skin mounts starting at $27 per inch with a $600 minimum and reproductions starting at $29 per inch.

Introduction to Taxidermy Services

Taxidermy is the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting animal skins in lifelike poses for purposes of display, education, or research collections. The taxidermist first removes the skin from the carcass and tans, preserves, and prepares it.

The skin is then carefully mounted over a mannequin form and positioned. Glass eyes, artificial elements, and habitat displays are added for authenticity. The finished product appears as a lasting replica of the living animal.

From trophy game to favorite pets to extinct museum specimens, quality taxidermy requires exceptional skill and artistry. As such, costs reflect the intensive labor involved.

Factors That Impact Overall Taxidermy Cost

When evaluating taxidermy costs and developing accurate price estimates, several pivotal variables must be weighed to establish an appropriate range:

• The core type of animal – mammals, birds, fish, reptiles – each have widely different physical properties requiring specialized handling expertise, preserving chemicals, materials, textures, and mount construction methods. Larger animals naturally require more raw materials, time, and structural reinforcement.
• The specific preparation method – A full standing mount is far more complex, labor intensive, and involved than a shoulder or head mount of the same creature. The body positioning, armature construction, and habitat elements needed are additional considerations.
• Size and dimensions– Larger animals require much more raw material, heavier base and armature, and substantial man-hours across all phases of the process from skinning and tanning to sculpting and stuffing. An adult grizzly bear is far more sizable an undertaking than a juvenile black bear.
• Required degree of anatomical detail – Intricate facial expressions conveying mood, elaborate habitat dioramas, multi-specimen educational exhibits – all sensibly increase costs through the extra time necessary. Simple standing mounts are most economical.
• Innovative specialty taxidermy techniques – Approaches like freeze-dry taxidermy and other delicate preservation methods allow unique poses but are far more time-consuming and demanding.
• Type and quality of materials – Only museum-grade, archival-quality supplies properly preserve top-end investment pieces for decades. Budget materials degrade faster. The materials must match the value of the specimen.
• Geographic region – Pricing understandably varies based on average prevailing wage rates, cost of living, and the degree of taxidermy demand in that particular area. Major hunting regions often carry higher pricing.
• Taxidermist skill level and experience – Only seasoned, masterfully experienced professionals can be trusted with irreplaceable specimens deserving tribute. Their expertise commands higher pricing that reflects decades of dedication to their craft.

Cost Breakdown by Most Common Animals

While so many species exist to potentially memorialize through taxidermy, these categories represent some of the more frequently requested:

Whitetail Deer:

• High-quality shoulder mount – $600 to $1,200 on average
• Full conventionally mounted buck – $2,000 to $3,500
• Decorative antler skull cap plaque – Around $200 to $400

You might also like our articles about the cost of a fishing license, hunting license, or alligator tags.

American Black Bear:

• Rug mount skin displaying the head – $1,500 to $3,000
• Full standing upright mount in habitat – $3,500 to $6,000+
• Decorative wall-mount claw display – $75 to $200

Assorted Birds:

• Smaller common gamebird species like dove or duck- $300 to $600
• Large majestic birds of prey like owls, hawks, or eagles – $1,000 to $3,000+
• Exotic tropical species – $500 to $1,500

Popular Sport Fish:

• Smaller freshwater fish like bass or panfish – $200 to $600
• Medium-sized fish such as walleye or redfish – $400 to $1,000
• Larger saltwater big game catches like marlin or sharks- $600 to $1,500+

Miscellaneous Exotic Animals:

• Smaller creatures often fall in the $500 to $2,000 range
• Larger hoof stock, big cats, etc. range from $2,500 to $10,000+
• One-of-a-kind specimens warrant premium bespoke pricing

Prices for bird taxidermy

Type of Bird	Average Price
Swan	$750 to $1,300
Geese	$400 to $650
Turkey Pose	$750 to $1,300
Chicken	$300 to $500
Ducks	$350 to $600
Pheasant	$300 to $500

Tanning hide costs

Type of Animal	Average Price
Beaver	$110 to $220
Bear	$120 to $340
Bobcat	$120 to $230
Bison	$25 to $35 per square foot
Coyote	$120 to $230
Caribou	$15 to $25 per square foot
Elk	$13 to $20 per square foot
Deer	$110 to $340
Moose	$15 to $20 per square foot
Mink	$120 to $240
Wolf	$5 to $10 per inch
Weasel	$120 to $240
Raccoon	$120 to $240

Price list for shoulder mounts

Type of Animal	Average Price
Deer	$110 to $340
Caribou	$15 to $25 per square foot
Bobcat	$120 to $230
Raccoon	$120 to $240
Bison	$25 to $35 per square foot
Mink	$120 to $240
Weasel	$120 to $240
Moose	$15 to $20 per square foot
Coyote	$120 to $230
Bear	$120 to $340
Wolf	$5 to $10 per inch
Beaver	$110 to $220
Elk	$13 to $20 per square foot

Lifesize mount pricing

Type of Animal	Price Average
Domestic Cat	$850 to $1,700
Wolf	$1,400 to $2,800
Black Bear	$1,600 to $3,800
Raccoon	$750 to $1,200
Bobcat	$750 to $1,100
Fox	$750 to $1,200
Domestic Dog	$850 to $1,700
Fawn	$800 to $2,200
Grizzly Bear	$3,000 to $6,500
Mink	$300 to $550
Fisher	$750 to $1,200
Skunk	$750 to $1,200
Coyote	$900 to $1,400
Wild Boar or Hog	$1,600 to $3,400
Deer	$1,600 to $2,700
Lion	$1,600 to $3,400
Sheep	$1,600 to $2,850
Squirrel	$350 to $550
Antelope	$1,600 to $2,700
Rabbit	$300 to $550
Goat	$1,600 to $2,700
Weasel	$300 to $500

How much does an antler mount cost?

Type of Animal	Average Price
Antelope	$120 to $240
Mountain Goat	$120 to $240
Bison	$300 to $500
Sheep	$220 to $370
Elk	$200 to $400
Deer	$200 to $400

As you can see, while costs fluctuate based on the variables listed previously, larger mammals, elaborate full body pose mounts, exotic species, and elaborate custom displays logically demand the upper pricing tier in the taxidermy spectrum. However, even more moderately sized animals and simpler preparation styles still represent a serious investment in memorializing that special creature so should be budgeted for accordingly.

Additional Cost Considerations

Beyond the core preparation and mounting of the animal itself, many supplementary services and display elements are commonly added by clients that incrementally enhance the presentation but naturally also add expenses:

• Specialized shipping preparation and professional handling fees often total $100 to $500 or more to ensure safe, climate-controlled transit of the finished piece.
• Commissioning decorative custom display bases or cases to elegantly showcase the mount can run anywhere from $200 for a simple engraved wooden base up to $2,000+ for an ornately fabricated habitat-themed enclosure.
• Artistic habitat additions like photorealistic dimensional rocks, preserved foliage, branches, growth, and other environmental elements to complement the display typically cost around $50 to $500+ depending on materials and specificity to the animal’s native ecosystem and preferences.
• Restoration or structural repair of damaged sections on vintage or fragile antique taxidermy mounts averages $100 to $500 per hour for a professional’s delicate efforts. Significant restoration work on treasured family heirlooms may be well worth the dedicated investment.

Thoroughly discussing all special considerations, upgrades, delivery, and preservation needs with your trusted taxidermist optimizes accurate all-in budgeting and mutual understanding. Never hesitate to inquire about particular costs or options.

Choosing a Quality Taxidermy Professional

Selecting a skilled and reliable taxidermist is key:

• Review qualifications, certifications, training and experience. Members of associations like the NTA adhere to high ethical and practice standards.
• Evaluate examples in their portfolio closely for quality of work and style. This insight is invaluable.
• Check online reviews and testimonials. Reputable taxidermists have demonstrated satisfied clients willing to provide references.
• Clearly communicate all wishes and specifications relating to the mount before agreeing to project costs.

Do your due diligence to gain confidence in your taxidermy investment.

Budget-Conscious Considerations

Some options for more affordable taxidermy include:

• Compare itemized quotes from several reputable taxidermists to find the most competitive overall pricing.
• Opt for smaller or simpler mount types – a shoulder vs. full mount cuts costs considerably.
• Ask about potential seasonal discounts during less busy months.
• Smaller mammals and gamebirds are generally the most budget-friendly category to display.
• DIY taxidermy kits can save substantially for hobbyists willing to learn techniques.

Final Words

In closing, exceptional taxidermy work justifiably commands fair compensation representing the specialized skills and artistic mastery demanded to properly preserve and recreate an animal so uniquely full of life.

While costs to memorialize a special creature through quality mounting often range, devoted hunters, conservation collectors, and nature enthusiasts recognize and willingly budget for taxidermy’s substantial yet worthwhile investment costs.

Having a beautiful mount created provides a lasting family heirloom for cherished memories that lives on for generations. With proper care and handling, a quality mount will endure for a lifetime.

Answers to Common Questions

Does taxidermy need maintenance?

Yes, proper care maintains quality and longevity. Keep mounts undamaged, clean from dust buildup, and free of pests like insects. Control light exposure and humidity. Handle with cotton gloves.

Filling small cracks and touch up paint as needed preserves displays. Most quality mounts last decades or longer with proper preventative maintenance.

How long does taxidermy last?

An expertly mounted and well-cared for taxidermy creation can potentially last 50 years or more with proper maintenance and gentle handling. Avoid direct sun exposure, extreme swings in temperature or humidity, dust buildup, pests, or physical bumps to maximize longevity.

With care, taxidermy allows enjoying your special hunted or collected animals indefinitely.

How profitable is taxidermy?

The taxidermy trade can certainly be profitable for those with artistic skill, patience, manual dexterity, and small business aptitude. However, managing the seasonality of work and regional competition takes experience and reputation.

Passion for the craft is essential. Expect to invest in quality training, tools, studio space, licensing, and marketing to build a sustainable business. Patience and dedication to excellence are required for taxidermy success.