How Much Does a Turkey Taxidermy Mount Cost?

Taxidermy is the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals for display. One popular animal to mount is the wild turkey. But how much does it cost to have a turkey mounted by a professional taxidermist? The prices can vary quite a bit depending on the size and pose of the mount, the taxidermist’s skill level and experience, and the quality of materials used. In this article, we’ll break down the typical price range for turkey taxidermy mounts.

Factors That Influence Turkey Mount Prices

Several key factors impact the cost of a turkey mount

• Size of the Mount – Generally, the bigger the turkey mount, the more it will cost. Full strut gobbler mounts are larger and take more time than a simple head and neck mount.

• Pose – Special poses like a full strut or feeding pose take more time and skill to create than a standard upright standing mount. The pose complexity adds to the cost.

• Taxidermist Skill – More experienced taxidermists who do higher quality work can charge more for their services. Their talent and artistry commands higher pricing.

• Materials – The quality of materials like the mannequin form, glass eyes, and feathers will affect the price. Top-shelf materials cost more.

• Habitat – Adding a customized habitat with plants and rocks takes time and artistic skill. It adds to the overall cost of the finished piece.

So prices vary based on these key factors. But what is the typical price range?

Typical Price Range for Turkey Mounts

Most turkey taxidermy mounts range from $600 on the low end to $1,500 on the high end. However, you may occasionally find deals below or above this range depending on the factors listed above.

Here are some typical prices:

• Basic Head/Neck Mount – $600-$800
• Half Body Mount – $800-$1,200
• Full Strut Mount – $1,200-$1,500
• Full Body Mount – $1,400-$2,000

So realistically, plan on budgeting $900-$1,200 for a quality turkey shoulder mount from an experienced taxidermist. Here are some more details on what to expect at different price points:

$600-$800 Turkey Mounts

At this lower price range, expect a basic head and neck mount. The taxidermist likely won’t spend as much time detailing the feathers and fleshing out the head. The mount may look a bit thin or undersized. Novices and less skilled taxidermists often charge around $600-$800.

$800-$1,200 Turkey Mounts

This is the sweet spot for most turkey shoulder mounts. At this price range, you can expect good attention to detail on the head feathers, quality glass eyes, and a lifelike pose. Journeyman taxidermists who have 5-10 years experience often fall in this pricing tier.

$1,200-$1,500 Turkey Mounts

For this premium price range, you’ll get exceptional detail and artistry. The feathers will be fanned and painted meticulously. The fleshing and snood will look incredibly realistic. These are show-quality mounts done by expert taxidermists.

$1,500+ Turkey Mounts

At the high end, you’ll pay $1,500+ for large full strut or full body mounts. These take many hours to create and get painted with extreme attention to detail. You’re paying for the taxidermist’s time and skill.

Saving Money on Your Turkey Mount

If your budget is tight, here are a few tips to save money on your turkey mount:

• Opt for a simple head/neck mount rather than a full shoulder mount.

• Provide your own mannequin form to save the taxidermist cost.

• Skip the habitat scene and just mount on a simple panel.

• Ask about any first-time customer discounts.

• Provide all your own materials you already have like cape, feathers, etc.

• Get quotes from 3-4 different taxidermists and go with the lowest price.

Is the Price Worth It for a Turkey Mount?

Investing $900-$1,200 may seem expensive for a turkey mount. But considering the time, artistic talent, and quality materials that go into a professional shoulder mount, it’s very reasonable. A good turkey mount will last a lifetime and capture that special memory forever.

For avid turkey hunters, the price is 100% worth it. That gobbler you worked so hard to bag deserves to be preserved and displayed in your home or office. When done right, a turkey mount showcases the taxidermist’s skill and the bird’s beauty for all to enjoy.

So don’t settle for a cheap mount that won’t hold up. Save your money and invest in a quality turkey mount that you’ll cherish forever! The memories of that special hunt are priceless.