Is this the same bear?

[DieJager]

An acquaintance received an average trophy from the taxidermist instead of his nearly Boone and Crocket Dall sheep...

Thanks this is really helpful. I'll bookmark it.

Regarding the dall sheep, maybe I'm a bit slow, but you mean he didn't get his own trophy? If so that is just criminal.

 

[Hunt anything]

I always try to make a note of some imperfections or unique characteristics of horns I turn into a taxidermist. I write them down and compare when the trophies arrive. Not sure what to do about a skin other than remember where and how many bullet holes are in it as others have suggested.

 

[Altitude sickness]

None of my bear rugs are or were ( I gave most away) smaller than the original animal. The head dimensions are correct. I would not pay for it otherwise. Yes during the tanning process they shrink. But they should be hydrated and brought back to original size.

 

[Foxi]

Thanks this is really helpful. I'll bookmark it.

Regarding the dall sheep, maybe I'm a bit slow, but you mean he didn't get his own trophy? If so that is just criminal.

yes,but what can you do when your trophy is lost ?
And what if it's allegedly a mistake?
Filing a lawsuit in Alaska from Europe is a waste of money.

@altidude s.
My bears have shrunk a little.
Always different taxidermists.

 

[Hunt anything]

@Foxi , agree about the law suit but you can get on every forum available and put the taxidermist on them that they are unreliable at best and a crook at worst.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Here is an example of duplicating the actual animal. This deer is 30” wide but only 170” ish. The trophy is the cape.

My favorite thing is his scarred up Roman nose. I was adamant that it was duplicated. The nose on the form had to be built up a lot to look like the original. So the huge neck and nose were duplicated.

Don’t accept the excuse given. That they all shrink.

 

[Foxi]

@Foxi , agree about the law suit but you can get on every forum available and put the taxidermist on them that they are unreliable at best and a crook at worst.

When the Dall sheep trophy was given back, there was no internet at that times.
Today, it's much easier to build up pressure (and, admittedly, to spread slander).
But with the Alaska bear, it's still ongoing; it happened this year.
Since I'm not directly affected, I don't want to say anything about the company in Alaska.
But it's in work.

 

[UKHunter]

Looks like the same bear. Different lighting - indoor white lights versus outdoor playing a few tricks on the eyes, but the same bear I think. Just badly mounted.

 

[Safari Dave]

I think it's the same bear, but poor taxidermy.

(The taxidermist used a skull form that was too small)





A good taxidermist will either make it look exactly right (I give mine several pictures (and he asked for them)).

Some good taxidermist will even make them appear larger (truth be told, I don't mind that approach either...)

I like skulls, so I have good rug, but also the actual skull, if I need to point out a problem.

 

[Safari Dave]

I once had a deer mounted, that did not turn out as I expected.


Because taxidermy is an art, and art is subject to interpretation, I took the mount to an experienced friend. When I took it inside his place, the first thing he said was "I don't think I would have paid for that!"

I called talked to a very reputable, but very expensive taxidermist, he suggested two options:


1. Have the trophy examined by 2-3 licensed taxidermists, and get them to write a brief statement on why the trophy is substandard and get ready to go to "small-claims" court.

2. Explain to the taxidermist who did the sub-par work that you have had their work looked at by other taxidermist who agreed that the work was not up to standards. Offer to pay for the materials used by the taxidermist who did the sub-par work, but nothing more.


I took option 2 and he reluctantly gave me back half of what I paid.



I have since taken better deer, so the mount now resides in my "man-cave".

When I have buddies over, I sometimes clap my hands when I'm near it hoping it will start singing!