If you have ever looked into having an animal mounted, you know that prices vary widely. A simple bird mount might cost a few hundred dollars, while a full-body bear can run into the thousands. The price of your mount depends on several factors, and knowing what goes into the cost helps you plan your budget and set realistic expectations.

Species & Size Matter Most

The type of animal you want mounted is the biggest factor in pricing. Larger animals require more materials, more time, and more skill. A whitetail deer shoulder mount is one of the most common requests, and prices typically fall in a predictable range. But an elk or moose mount costs significantly more because of the sheer size of the form, the amount of hide to work with, and the weight that the finished mount will carry.

Birds are generally less expensive than mammals of similar size, but that does not mean they are cheap. Waterfowl and upland birds require specialized skills because feathers are delicate and must be positioned correctly. A poorly done bird mount is immediately obvious.

Fish mounts have their own pricing structure. Skin mounts, which preserve the actual fish, are priced by the inch. Replica mounts, which are fiberglass or resin reproductions painted to match the original fish, can cost more upfront but last longer and hold their colors better.

The Type of Mount Changes the Price

How you want your animal displayed affects the price of your mount as much as the species itself.

Shoulder Mounts

Shoulder mounts are the most popular choice for deer, elk, and similar game. They display the head, neck, and a portion of the shoulders. This style is less expensive than a full-body mount because less of the animal is preserved and the form is smaller.

Full-Body Mounts

Full-body mounts preserve the entire animal in a standing, walking, or action pose. These require more materials, more labor, and more space to store and display. The price reflects that additional work. A full-body coyote costs more than a shoulder mount of a deer, even though the coyote is smaller.

Pedestal Mounts

Pedestal mounts include the head, neck, shoulders, and part of the chest, mounted on a decorative base rather than hung on a wall. They offer a middle ground between shoulder and full-body mounts in both appearance and price.

European Mounts

European skull mounts are the most affordable option for antlered game. The skull is cleaned and bleached, and the antlers remain attached. There is no hide, no form, and no glass eyes. The simplicity keeps costs down, making this a popular choice for hunters who harvest multiple deer each season.

Quality of Materials

The materials that go into a mount affect the price. Forms come in different grades, with more anatomically accurate forms costing more than basic ones. Glass eyes range from simple to highly realistic, with premium eyes adding to the total cost. Habitat bases, driftwood, artificial rocks, and other accessories all add up.

When you work with a taxidermist like Tori's Taxidermy, you can discuss material options and decide where to invest. Some hunters want the highest quality components across the board. Others prefer to save money on the form and spend more on a detailed habitat base. Knowing your options lets you control the price of your mount without sacrificing the things that matter most to you.

Labor & Turnaround Time

Taxidermy is labor-intensive. Skinning, fleshing, tanning, mounting, and finishing a single animal can take dozens of hours spread over weeks or months. The taxidermist's time is a major component of the price.

Turnaround time varies by shop and workload. A busy studio with a long backlog may quote a year or more for completion. Some taxidermists offer rush services for an additional fee, but most recommend patience. Rushing the process can compromise quality.

Labor rates also vary by region and by the taxidermist's experience and reputation. A highly skilled taxidermist with competition awards and a strong portfolio will often charge more than someone just starting out. You are paying for expertise, consistency, and attention to detail.

Geographic Location

Where you live affects what you pay. Taxidermy prices tend to be higher in areas with higher costs of living. A studio in a major metropolitan area will likely charge more than one in a rural town, even for the same quality of work.

Shipping adds another cost if you are sending a specimen to a taxidermist in another state. Hides and capes need to be frozen and shipped in insulated containers, which is not cheap. If you are working with a local studio, you avoid those shipping expenses.

Condition of the Specimen

The condition of the animal when it arrives at the taxidermist affects the final price. A well-cared-for cape with no damage is straightforward to work with. A cape with bullet holes, knife cuts, hair slippage, or freezer burn requires repairs that add time and cost.

Field care matters. Hunters who take the time to cool their harvest quickly, cape it properly, and store it correctly save money in the long run. Taxidermists sometimes have to order replacement capes when the original is too damaged to use, and that expense gets passed on to the customer.

Additional Services & Customization

Standard mounts come at standard prices, but customization costs extra. If you want a specific pose that requires altering a commercial form, that takes additional labor. Habitat bases with rocks, grass, water features, or artificial snow add to the total. Plaques, engraving, and display cases are all options that increase the price of your mount.

Discuss your vision with your taxidermist before work begins. Studios like Tori's Taxidermy can walk you through the options and help you understand what each choice adds to the cost. That way, there are no surprises when the final bill arrives.

Getting Value for Your Money

Price matters, but so does quality. The cheapest quote is not always the best deal. A poorly done mount will disappoint you every time you look at it, and fixing bad taxidermy often costs more than doing it right the first time.

Ask to see examples of past work. Look at the details around the eyes, nose, and ears. Check how the hide fits the form. A quality mount looks alive. A cheap mount looks stuffed.

Taxidermy is an investment in preserving a memory. Knowing what influences the price of your mount helps you make informed decisions and ensures you end up with something you are proud to display.