I have only ever used Modern Taxidermy in Joshua Texas. The mount was great but it took almost 16 months to get it back and little over $700. Is this typical? I have friends who have gotten them back in as few as 3 months. Any recommendations on Ft Worth? I saw that Gods creation got some good reviews.

$700 seems a little higher than the typical going rate, and I expect to wait for a good taxidermist. 16 months is a little excessive, but 3 months is pretty quick. 8-12 months doesn't bother me.

who do you use?

He hasn't logged on in awhile, but Nate is worth the drive. He did my blackbuck and have seen some of his whitetail. Great guy too.

http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/users/34865/NateC

I have used Alpine in Rendon for years also.

Ram Country did two for me. I was pleased with pricing, turn time and quality.

www.trophycasetaxidermy.com $505 6 month turn around 940-765-0218

If you are getting your mount back in just a couple of months, I would worry that they where not tanned very well. I will never use anybody that tans their own hides. I'm very picky about this. A good quality commercial tannery is going to take several months at the very minimum for a taxidermist to get them there and back again. For something that I want to see on my wall for the rest of my life, nothing else is acceptable.

A really good taxidermist is going to take longer to get your mount back to you then a beginner, or somebody that burns bridges and nobody goes to twice. You might get lucky going to a new guy, but you are taking a huge chance going to somebody that has been around awhile and isn't back logged.

Could not have said it better

Go with an established professional with a proven track record of quality and accuracy, get out and visit the shop, most professional taxidermist have the capability of tanning their own capes and furs but simply choose not to because of time issues, regardless, if a guy tans in house or sends away make sure its (leatherized).
DC

My guy runs $750 and his work reflects the price. Always around 12 months wait last year was just over 10.

Palermo Taxidermy in Bryan Tx

I use Dave Dooley for any mounts I get done. Great work.

There seems to be little or no competition for tanneries. You'd think someone would start a new one. Seems like they'd have plenty of business.

From what I've been told, the regulations dealing with the chemicals are very restrictive. While those who do it themselves will tell you that they get the same chemicals, I have trouble believing it because of what's required to dispose of them at the commercial tanneries. Kind of like saying you can get the same medicine at Walmart that you can get at the hospital.

Tanneries and taxidermist have the same access to the same chemicals. Eddie you could wake up tomorrow and say your a tannery! Flesh your animal, salt your animal, rehydrate your animal, mix a pickle bath of water salt and acid of choice, put animal in pickle for minimum four days, pull animal and shave, return to bath if need be, neutralize w baking sofa and water and then use tan of choice. There are a ton out there....also I won't name names bc some people look down on taxis that tan in house but some of the better taxis on here that people praise do in house tanning. Not a thing wrong with it. In house tanning is able to control where the capes are at. Send to big tannery and run risk of it being lost or pushed back. Just my two cents.

Been using Alpine Taxidermy in Fort Worth for several years now. Does great work at a decent price. His turn around has been between 6-9 months.

16 months=He doesn't have his act together.

I've used a few taxidermists, most loaded up with stuff from all over the world and lots of orders, but they get it out at least around the 12 month mark.

12 months is about tops. My blackbuck has been at the taxidermist 14 months and have a hard time getting a response from him. Will be interesting because he is a THF member.

On another note, I went to Samford for a semester and a quarter. Got tired of getting parking tickets cause I didn't feel like walking up from freshman parking to the dorm (with all the alcohol, sneaking it... and girls, into the dorm).