Zim
Very Active Member
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- 2,291
I started using a new taxidermist recently and it seems he was inexperienced in how to handle a larger sized elk. I took a 330" NM bull to him and he did not know to order an extended antler form to accommodate the bigger rack. Instead his solution was to tilt the rack forward on the skull until the rack missed the wall. The result was the brow tines being nearly parallel to the muzzle, completely unnatural look. Needless to say I was not happy at all.
I tried to live with it for 6 months, but could not any longer, so I called him and told him I needed it fixed. After mulling the options, it seems the only possibility is for him to rehydrate, open up the head, remove and remount the rack at the proper ~30 degree angle, and do a pedestal mount. He agreed to do this and I told him I would even pitch some money in to cover some costs (even though I knew none of this was my fault).
I am wondering if you guys think this pedestal mount sounds like a good salvage option, and if there are any possible problems I should discuss with him about this conversion. I don't really have room for a pedestal mount, but I want my elk with my cape, not someone else's.
I know the back would be flat and not curved. I don't care. I am concerned how he would balance the thing, and how they do that. Do they glue a sleeve into the chest to accept a rod from the wooden base? Any suggestions on wood pedestals? I shot him via archery above timberline so I'm thinking rocks?
I tried to live with it for 6 months, but could not any longer, so I called him and told him I needed it fixed. After mulling the options, it seems the only possibility is for him to rehydrate, open up the head, remove and remount the rack at the proper ~30 degree angle, and do a pedestal mount. He agreed to do this and I told him I would even pitch some money in to cover some costs (even though I knew none of this was my fault).
I am wondering if you guys think this pedestal mount sounds like a good salvage option, and if there are any possible problems I should discuss with him about this conversion. I don't really have room for a pedestal mount, but I want my elk with my cape, not someone else's.
I know the back would be flat and not curved. I don't care. I am concerned how he would balance the thing, and how they do that. Do they glue a sleeve into the chest to accept a rod from the wooden base? Any suggestions on wood pedestals? I shot him via archery above timberline so I'm thinking rocks?