@Mauser3000 - you pose a good question and one only You can decide. I’ve gone on 3 Mountain lion guided hunts (2 Idaho, 1 British Columbia) and Never killed a Mountain Lion but on my 2nd hunt (Idaho) my friend killed a great Tom - Big head and 155lb body. He did a Life Size mount and taxidermy quality was excellent - we carefully researched which taxidermist to use because “Cats” seem to require special skills otherwise they can look Unnatural & “stiff” (he used Kanati in PA - after visiting them and seeing some of their Cat mounts). What I plan to do - if I ever get one - is Life Size mount IF it is a true Trophy Cat = Tom, large skull & body over 140lbs.. For a smaller Cat —- Rug mount, no sense taking up room in my home with an “average” Cat. My recommendation, for what it’s worth, research your Taxidermist carefully and view photos and actual examples of their work before selecting a taxidermist….if possible do NOT let cost drive your decision. Also, regarding your hunt & Guide selection - have discussions in advance with your Guide about what type of Cat you’ll be satisfied with. Many Guides will tree and expect you to shoot the first “Legal” cat. I made it clear to my Guide I was ONLY interested in a Trophy quality Tom and passed up the chance for a smaller/120 lb. Male and also didn’t even run “smaller tracks” —- went home empty handed but I had Zero interest in a Small cat. Good Luck, hope you get a good chase — that’s where the excitement is.
I’ve booked a hound hunt in Utah. I’m willing to ship the hide wherever to be mounted.
He does do nice work! I’m with you, I like natural poses. The snarling look doesn’t look as realistic on bears or lions.
I was very careful in my wording, especially with this crowd haha
That’s a nice looking pose you don’t see often.
@Mauser3000 - I’m sure some AH members can recommend some top taxidermists that do great work on Cats. When I researched areas for large Toms - Utah, Idaho, and BC were taking the largest record book skulls…but it all depends on what Cat ends up in your Tree. I try to use a Taxidermist that I’m familiar with, have actually seen his work, and have some type of business history with him (drove 300 miles to visit one before I trusted them to get my African work done). I also had some bad experiences using Taxidermists “Guide recommended” and local to area I hunted - sometimes these taxidermists don’t give you their Best effort, knowing they’ll never see you again, also the Guide may be getting a favor in return sending his clients to these taxidermists (free or discounted work for himself etc..). Do careful research - you’ll need to obtain a CITES Permit regardless (taxidermist/guide may handle that for you) for any Cat before you can send it out of State so it’s likely a Year or longer before that mount ever gets into your Trophy Room…..worth waiting for the right Taxidermist. If you get one - post some pictures !!
