I am a pretty easy going guy but I am about at the end of my rope. I use a local taxidermist for all of my work for about the last 10+ years. He has done several deer and ducks/geese for me and also some skull mounts of deer heads as well as 90% of my deer processing(he has a deer processing business as well and does a good job)–I will kill 4-6 deer every year.
About 5 yrs ago he messed up a snow goose(said it spoiled) but not really a big deal. He also lost or can not find a hooded merganzer that I wanted mounted as well but again not that big of a deal since I kill both of those each year.
About 2 1/2 years ago I caught my largest striper, 32 lbs, and he asked me to wait until he got some of his deer out of his freezer so he would have room so I called and took it to him about 6 months later before he got busy with deer.
Well it has been over 2 1/2 years and still have not got my fish back, I have called and also picked up two processed deer this season from him and he grins and keeps telling me he is going to get my fish done soon.
I also have a couple other friends that have inquired when he was going to get MY fish done
I send him a lot of customers both taxidermy and deer processing as well.
I saw him last time (October) when I picked up a deer from processing and he apologized but still no deer.
Also on top of this he has another duck, been there 3+ yrs and a black coyote (5-6 yrs) as well. Not too worried about the coyote, when I took it to him I told him when ever and really not that big of a deal about it anyway. More I think about it less I really want the coyote
I have a couple of concerns, first how long is too long to keep a fish or any other animal frozen before it can not be mounted. All were properly treated before I took them to him, in fact I ask him just how to wrap them up before I even put them in my freezer
I have made up my mind if he does not have my fish by end of this year I am going to just go to him and ask for my fish and duck(if he still has it) and take
The longest I have waited was 15 months for a buck and it took him that long because he had an accident and cut the end of one of his fingers off. I would definitely ask for my game back and find someone else to patronize. Anyone that seems as unprofessional as your guy doesn’t deserve anyone’s business.
I had a similar experience years ago with a local fellow…like 25 years ago. I had caught a nice 35# spotail at the boneyard on Bulls Island, and hauled it back to the boat after loading it down 1 leg of my waders. I wanted this bad boy on the wall. The taxidermist advertised regularly in local outdoor publications, and he had what appeared to be a good business. After chasing him down over a year I discovered that he was using my mount in exhibits to get more business! Back in those days it was $5.00 an inch on saltwater fish, so he already had $150.00 in deposit, and the fish mount to advertise…he was in no hurry to get me that fish.
Saw this thread on The Hull Truth, and was wondering how this was going to work out. Glad you are getting your stuff back. That is way too long to wait on a mount.
