Hi Guys.
Long ago I killed what at least at the time was the largest or second largest Aoudad taken at Caprock Canyons State park on a public draw hunt. I used a taxidermist in Albany for a half body mount who was someone I would stop off and visit with from time to time and considered a friend. Unknown to me at the time it was mounted, the taxidermist fell and broke his leg while filling a feeder, and lost his Ranch job. My aoudad was mounted by his son and was his first. It had been mounted on a big horned sheep form with a pug nose and the hide later slipped terribly. I did accept and pay for it because I could tell the man's family was having a hard time finantially due to the injury. Unfortunately it is so bad, I am unable to display it in my home.

Recently Mulie_Mike was so kind to skin and pack out an Aoudad cape for me that was not used by one of his clients. And a big thank you to Mulie_Mike! As well, he was patient with me as I went through a very expensive and long health issue with my dog. That behind me now, I need to get it out of his freezer.

Before I figure out how to get it from there to a taxidermist I need to determine where I am going to get this thing remounted with my horns. And consider this is a remount due to a poor taxidermy job. I can't afford to do this a third time, so it is especially important to me that I find someone with a good reputation known for doing good work with Aoudads.

Because I would have to pick this up from West Texas, it could be anyone located anywhere in a radius between the trans pecos and DFW. This will have to be a shoulder mount for this second round.

Recommendations?

I just got through cutting into my current mount tonight. Because it had been mounted on a big horn sheep form the hide was too long for the head and had been pulled up way up over the base of the horns. I was afraid the kid had shaved off the base of my horns to make things fit. But fortunately it's all there! Also it looks like the glue did not stick if there is any. Only bad is a lot of puddy. It chips fairly easily with a knife, so may not be as difficult for a taxidermist to work with as I first thought.



And the head.



And the pic from the day it was killed. Yep it was a long time ago. Pre digital.

Try Justin Mathews he is my taxi that we use for the majority of our aoudad mounts. Nice guy and does good work IMO.

He is on the way back home for you and can ship it to your pretty reasonable if needed.
tell him I said hello!
325-277-5018

Don't mean to laugh at your misfortune but that mount cracks me up, I seen it and just busted up. Sorry, but if it helps Terri at Alpine did a good job on my brothers Audad.

Depends on who does work at Alpine, more than one taxidermy dude doing their work that is a fact!

rhodes brothers in kerrville has done some awesome aoudad work.
was in there two days ago on my way home... they are good.

Give Todd Hammer at Hammer's Taxidermy in Abilene a call 325-668-3347 He has done a bunch of Audad and did my wife's this past year. He has done several for me and I'm sure he could handle this no problems.Tell him Steve Sent you

+2 ON RHODES BROTHERS

There is a great place down here in Houston...they do every animal in the world..they are crazy good. Its called B&B taxadermy. google it.

You are absolutely right about that, thats why I said Terri at Alpine. Now that I think about it not sure its worth the risk there.

x3 on Rhodes Brothers in Kerrville. Gary and his brother are awesome to deal with.

Rhodes Brothers did a great job on my son's whitetail shoulder mount. Have also had them do European mounts and have had many deer processed there over the last ten years. A big Aoudad is on my list and when I get one, will take it to Rhodes.

Taxadermist Pat Smith - Giddings 979-542-6245. I highly recomend him and I also have a hide that I will sell you cheap.

Hippo Taxidermy in Alpine. I have seen his work and very impressed, he aint cheap, but I guess quality isn't cheap

X2 they do some real awesome mounts. I have seen 3 life size aoudads that Mike has done and there terrific.

I have my 35" aoudad at Pat Smiths right now. Looking forward to getting him back.

wilderness artistry taxidermy in teague. does awesome work and will take the time to talk to you about it and see exactly how you want it.

Damuth taxidermy in brady. I've picked ip multiple mounts from them, and they are super nice. They do an awesome job on the aoudads as well.

Woodbury Taxidermist your gonna pay a little more but u get what u pay for

My head hurts. So many to look at.

Thanks guys

In my opinion, Jet Smith in Kerrville is the best Aoudad taxidermist in the state, he does more of these than anyone I know.

Jet's website

Makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one. That stinks man!

1 word about the original work..."Ouch"....Hope your ole trophy gets the appearance that it deserves. Lots of good guys out there.

LOL sorry but the picture cracks me up too.

I would recommend my neighbor across the street here in Midland, TX. The guy does world class work. Does a lot of work for Ripleys and Bass Pro. The guy can work wonders on just about anything, and is a super guy to deal with. Ive seen mounts he has done of 8 legged buffalo, two headed peacocks, 14ft gators, and just about anything else you could imagine. Hes working on lurch, the watusi, right now. Anyways, stand up christian guy that is as good as they come. You can pm me if you would like his info.