Full body "soft" mounts

[R.M.C.]

I just learned that there is such a thing as soft taxidermy work. Just wondering if anyone has experience with it, I'm thinking about mounting a bobcat like that. Does anyone know if its more expensive than a normal mount or any pros and cons to it? Thanks in advance, I appreciate it.

 

[Hunt anything]

I’ve never even heard of this, as a taxidermy addicted hunter I would love to see examples of this as well.

 

[Rubi_300]

From the couple taxidermist I have seen online, for a bobcat soft mount it is running around $350.00. It defiantly seems cheaper to go with a soft mount compared to a rigid full body mount. I do not have any recommendations as to who to go to for one. I have never had one done but am hoping to find a candidate soon lol. Keep us update on who you go with and how it turns out!

 

[112Savage]

I first heard of soft mounts on the meateater podcast. The guest was John? Hayes from Hayes taxidermy.

Custom Taxidermy Mounts | Hayes Taxidermy Studio

Hayes Taxidermy Studio is located in Libby, Montana and offers custom mounts from rugs to full wildlife displays. With over 20 years of experience, each mount designed by our team is a work of art. For those who don't hunt we also offer retail trophy mounts. All work is guaranteed.

www.hayestaxidermy.com

 

[Anbessa Gedai]

My understanding is "soft" taxidermy uses the tanned animal skin, but "stuffs" it with loose material so the body is soft and adjustable / floppy like some kind of a plush toy.
My own preference is a mount that is anatomically correct (or as close to anatomically correct as the skills of the taxidermist can provide). I have always felt a deep respect for the animals that I've hunted and having them mounted in a natural pose is I guess an extension of that.
Also, it seems to me a 'soft" mount invites handling, petting, touching, stroking, squeezing, whatever . . . otherwise why would you make a mount "soft"? And all of that "handling" does the appearance and longevity of the mount no good whatsoever. Just one hunter's opinion . .

 

[mikecatt13]

My understanding is "soft" taxidermy uses the tanned animal skin, but "stuffs" it with loose material so the body is soft and adjustable / floppy like some kind of a plush toy.
My own preference is a mount that is anatomically correct (or as close to anatomically correct as the skills of the taxidermist can provide). I have always felt a deep respect for the animals that I've hunted and having them mounted in a natural pose is I guess an extension of that.
Also, it seems to me a 'soft" mount invites handling, petting, touching, stroking, squeezing, whatever . . . otherwise why would you make a mount "soft"? And all of that "handling" does the appearance and longevity of the mount no good whatsoever. Just one hunter's opinion . .

Be interesting to see examples of the "soft" versions though to see how they look in comparison, though i tend to guess that your assessments are likely accurate

 

[R.M.C.]

I saw some YouTube videos on it and it looks pretty cool. I'm in the process of finding someone who can do it in my area, doesn't seem like it would be as hard as a traditional full mount. I definitely wouldn't want kids cuddling with it or anything but am interested in being able to move it a bit. Even thinking I could hang it up like it was ready to be skinned. Might save some wall space by just being able to throw it wherever. Thanks for everyone's responses, I appreciate it!

 

[R.M.C.]

My understanding is "soft" taxidermy uses the tanned animal skin, but "stuffs" it with loose material so the body is soft and adjustable / floppy like some kind of a plush toy.
My own preference is a mount that is anatomically correct (or as close to anatomically correct as the skills of the taxidermist can provide). I have always felt a deep respect for the animals that I've hunted and having them mounted in a natural pose is I guess an extension of that.
Also, it seems to me a 'soft" mount invites handling, petting, touching, stroking, squeezing, whatever . . . otherwise why would you make a mount "soft"? And all of that "handling" does the appearance and longevity of the mount no good whatsoever. Just one hunter's opinion . .

I'm right there with you on respecting the animal and everything, I'm thinking it would look cool laying across the back of the couch or something. And I think it's partly because I have every wall in the house full of taxidermy so I'm looking for something different and unique. Definitely no "petting" and stuff lol

 

[R.M.C.]

I first heard of soft mounts on the meateater podcast. The guest was John? Hayes from Hayes taxidermy.

Custom Taxidermy Mounts | Hayes Taxidermy Studio

Hayes Taxidermy Studio is located in Libby, Montana and offers custom mounts from rugs to full wildlife displays. With over 20 years of experience, each mount designed by our team is a work of art. For those who don't hunt we also offer retail trophy mounts. All work is guaranteed.

www.hayestaxidermy.com

Thanks, I'll check that out!!