How Much Does a Turkey Taxidermy Mount Cost?

Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition for many outdoorsmen. After successfully bagging a turkey, some hunters choose to honor their prize by having it preserved via taxidermy. This allows them to proudly display their trophy turkey for years to come. But taxidermy work doesn’t come cheap. So how much does it really cost to have your turkey turned into a decorative mount?

The price of a turkey taxidermy mount can vary quite a bit based on several factors. These include:

Size and Pose

• A standard shoulder mount for a turkey costs $1095-$1395 on average, This includes a basic pedestal or driftwood base

• For a standing or strutting pose rather than the standard shoulder mount, expect to pay $100-$400 more. These more dynamic poses require additional labor and materials.

• Smaller birds like chukar partridge or quail generally range from $425-$600 for a shoulder mount.

• Larger birds like swans or geese are $600-$1500 or more, Their extra size equates to higher prices

Other Components

• Adding a specialized habitat background rather than a plain base adds $200-$500 typically. This includes plants, rocks, etc that match the bird’s natural environment.

• Mounting additional turkey parts like a full tail fan, wings, beard, or spurs ranges from $150-$650 extra. The more parts you want mounted, the higher the price.

• Open beak mounting rather than a closed mouth costs around $200 more.

• For a floor mount rather than wall mount, add $100-$300.

Taxidermist Skill and Experience

• Skill level and experience play a big role. Master taxidermists who do world-class work charge higher premiums.

• Likewise, award-winning shops or those with good reputations can command top-dollar. Expect to pay 30% or more compared to average taxidermists.

• On the other hand, beginner taxidermists often offer much lower rates to build their portfolio, sometimes 30% less. But you risk lower quality work.

Where You Live

Regional pricing differences exist too:

• In general, you can expect to pay $100-$300 more for turkey mounts on the U.S. coasts due to higher costs of living and higher shop overhead/expenses.

• Turkey mounts cost least in the Midwest, rural South, and Rocky Mountain states where hunting culture dominates and competition among taxidermists may be higher.

• In Alaska and Canada, add $200 or more for remote locations.

Taxidermy Method

• Traditional shoulder mounts using the bird’s actual preserved skin costs less than alternative methods.

• Replica mounts using reproduction materials rather than real feathers cost more – often upwards of $500 extra. But replicas can look very realistic.

• For a total wall decor turkey mount using just tail fans, wings, and other parts, prices start around $225. No shoulder mount is created.

Extra Shipping Fees

• There may be extra shipping/handling fees to get your turkey mount back home after the work is done. This is especially true for remote locations.

• Hand delivery typically adds $50-$150+ depending on distance. Crated shipping via parcel service often starts around $200-$300.

Time of Year

• Prices are often highest in fall right before hunting season when shops are busiest. They may offer discounts in summer during slow periods.

Custom Options

• Unique mounting styles, exotic wood bases, carved habitat accents, etc can all drive up the price significantly. The sky’s the limit for truly custom work.