How Much Does It Cost to Get a Turkey Mounted?

Getting a turkey mounted can add a beautiful and meaningful display to your home or office As an avid hunter, you probably want to commemorate that big tom you bagged last fall. Knowing how much to budget for a high-quality turkey taxidermy mount is key Prices vary depending on the size and quality of the mount, as well as extra customization options. This guide will walk you through average costs and pricing factors to consider.

Average Cost of a Turkey Mount

Most turkey shoulder mounts range from $600 to $1500 Here’s a breakdown of standard pricing tiers

• Economy (Fair Grade): $600 – $800
• Mid-Range (Good Grade): $800 – $1200
• Premium (Excellent Grade): $1200 – $1500

For comparison a full strut or flying turkey mount often costs $1500 – $2500 due to the additional work involved.

Keep in mind you generally get what you pay for in taxidermy. Higher prices reflect more detailed craftsmanship and lifelike results.

What Impacts the Cost of Turkey Taxidermy?

Several variables affect the total price of a trophy turkey mount.

Size of the Bird

Larger birds require more intensive labor and materials to mount. A 20-pound tom will cost more than mounting a 10-pound juvenile hen.

Pose

The standard shoulder mount pose is the least expensive. More complex poses like a full strut or flying mount require additional effort and expertise.

Mount Size

You can mount just the fan, beard, and spurs, a breast mount, or a full shoulder mount. Larger mounts have higher material costs.

Habitat Creation

Many mounts include realistic habitat dioramas with additional fees starting around $100.

Customization

Unique bases, driftwood accents, engraved plaques, and other custom upgrades add cost.

Cost Factors to Weigh

When budgeting, keep these elements in mind:

• Taxidermist Skill Level: Higher prices often reflect an experienced taxidermist who can flawlessly recreate your trophy’s symmetry, feather detail, and coloring.

• Shipping: Expect to pay shipping both ways if you must mail your bird to a distant taxidermist.

• Tipping: Tipping 10-15% is customary for quality work.

• Tanning: You may need to pay $100+ to tan the turkey’s skin before mounting.

• Freezing: Proper freezer storage for 6-12 months may be required before mounting, which has electricity costs.

Saving Money on Your Turkey Mount

If price is a concern, here are some tips to save:

• Find a quality taxidermist charging on the lower end of standard pricing.

• Skip the habitat scene and just do a shoulder mount against a plain backdrop.

• Consider a smaller breast mount rather than a full shoulder mount.

• Mount just the fan, beard, and spurs as a budget display.

• Provide your own customized base like a piece of aged barnwood.

• Take advantage of occasional deals, sales, or package discounts.

Ensuring a Quality Mount

To protect your investment, be sure to:

• Handle the raw turkey properly after harvest by freezing within 24-48 hours.

• Thoroughly vet your taxidermist through reviews, references, and by examining samples of their work.

• Communicate exactly what you want during the order process.

• Upon completion, carefully inspect the mount for any flaws before final payment.

While turkey taxidermy involves a significant upfront cost, a well-crafted, lifelike mount preserves your trophy for a lifetime and makes a stunning conversational piece you’ll treasure for years to come. Carefully selecting a talented taxidermist and understanding what goes into pricing will help you get a mount that captures the pride of your hunt within your budget.

Prices (US Dollar)