I am on a quest to find the best deer taxidermist in Texas, even better if they are in the general Houston area, but not a requirement.
I would like one that is specifically talented on whitetail deer. I utilize other taxidermists that specialize in birds, fish and other big game. So this person could be the worst bobcat or duck taxidermist on planet earth, but all I care about are their whitetail skills.
Ranking of importance:
1. Quality work
2. Realistic work
3. Attention to detail
4. Consistent final products
5. Good reputation
Way down at the very bottom of the list are price and turnaround time. I learned my lesson long ago on choosing a taxidermist based on low pricing and quick turnaround times.
In return for premium pricing and lengthy waits, my expectation is a mount that would be suitable to be published in a book/magazine or used in competition. I am willing to travel 4-6 hours from Houston (if necessary) and pay a premium price reflective of a premium product. I think that is a fair business transaction. I am not a wealthy man in any shape, form or fashion, but I do see the value of paying a higher price for higher quality work. I am fully expecting to spend $750-$1200 for a shoulder mount only (no bases or habitat work).
I have been blessed to be able to travel around the country and see mounts from many different taxidermists but just have not found that one that knocks it out of the park (per my opinion of course), and with as many deer hunters as we have in Texas, surely I am overlooking that taxidermist that really brings these deer back to life. No over the top muscles or tendons showing or eccentric poses.
One thing that I have found are that photos of taxidermy rarely reflect how good the work actually is in person, unless the photos are done semi-professionally with proper lighting, backgrounds and angles. Because of that, social media and website searches often end up with a mediocre representation of otherwise great work. Additionally, most taxidermists are taxidermists, not social media gurus, photographers or web designers. Because of this, it is tough to "shop" online. But, I need to get a list of places to visit and see the work in person. I've done the necessary thread searches on here and gotten a short list of candidates but haven't found what I am looking for yet.
For reference, I have already used Palermo's (in Bryan) and Conroe Taxi, along with an array of other shops, but am still on the search.
This taxidermist does not have to be a member here or a good friend of so and so. Doesn't matter what college they went to or what political party they affiliate with. I just am simply looking for the best whitetail artist/taxidermist there is.
Pictures are welcome and I appreciate yalls insight.
I would like one that is specifically talented on whitetail deer. I utilize other taxidermists that specialize in birds, fish and other big game. So this person could be the worst bobcat or duck taxidermist on planet earth, but all I care about are their whitetail skills.
Ranking of importance:
1. Quality work
2. Realistic work
3. Attention to detail
4. Consistent final products
5. Good reputation
Way down at the very bottom of the list are price and turnaround time. I learned my lesson long ago on choosing a taxidermist based on low pricing and quick turnaround times.
In return for premium pricing and lengthy waits, my expectation is a mount that would be suitable to be published in a book/magazine or used in competition. I am willing to travel 4-6 hours from Houston (if necessary) and pay a premium price reflective of a premium product. I think that is a fair business transaction. I am not a wealthy man in any shape, form or fashion, but I do see the value of paying a higher price for higher quality work. I am fully expecting to spend $750-$1200 for a shoulder mount only (no bases or habitat work).
I have been blessed to be able to travel around the country and see mounts from many different taxidermists but just have not found that one that knocks it out of the park (per my opinion of course), and with as many deer hunters as we have in Texas, surely I am overlooking that taxidermist that really brings these deer back to life. No over the top muscles or tendons showing or eccentric poses.
One thing that I have found are that photos of taxidermy rarely reflect how good the work actually is in person, unless the photos are done semi-professionally with proper lighting, backgrounds and angles. Because of that, social media and website searches often end up with a mediocre representation of otherwise great work. Additionally, most taxidermists are taxidermists, not social media gurus, photographers or web designers. Because of this, it is tough to "shop" online. But, I need to get a list of places to visit and see the work in person. I've done the necessary thread searches on here and gotten a short list of candidates but haven't found what I am looking for yet.
For reference, I have already used Palermo's (in Bryan) and Conroe Taxi, along with an array of other shops, but am still on the search.
This taxidermist does not have to be a member here or a good friend of so and so. Doesn't matter what college they went to or what political party they affiliate with. I just am simply looking for the best whitetail artist/taxidermist there is.
Pictures are welcome and I appreciate yalls insight.
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