Taxidermy

Does anyone have experience buying & selling taxidermy?

I knew that exotic taxidermy brought pretty good prices, but I didn't realize that an average deer mount was selling for around $175 on Craigslist.

I never understood it.   Unless you were decorating a lodge or cabin why would you want someone else's kill.  It's a trophy.   It's like buying someone's high school wrestling trophy and displaying it.

They are listed for big bucks (no pun intended).

I have an old work acquaintance that sold her business and delivery route to do taxidermy full time because she made more money (And her business did very well).   

Must be a big thing but I don't get it and have no clue on the resale of them.....

I never understood it.   Unless you were decorating a lodge or cabin why would you want someone else's kill.  It's a trophy.   It's like buying someone's high school wrestling trophy and displaying it.

I agree, but I can also see how something exotic could appeal to collectors.

Some people just aren't into hunting, but still want the trophy.

I found the other half for you.

I was at a self-storage auction earlier this year that had a room full of deer heads.  The door went up and half the group went "ooooooooohhhhhhh.....!!!"     There were about 8-10 mid-sized deer heads showing.  We all thought it was a out-of-business taxidermy shop. 

I was acquainted with the guy who bought the unit (for $1475) so I stopped by the unit after the auction - I was curious how much those heads would go for.  He said $175-$225 each (which is EXACTLY the number mentioned on this thread).  There were a total of 11 deer heads, two foxes, a turkey, three largemouth bass, and a RACCOON!!??  But there was no taxidermy equipment of any kinds.  Strange.  We surmised this had to be a restaurant/store that went out, or a real passionate outdoorsman who lost his stuff.   

Along with other items in the locker (ladder, small air compressor, and misc. tools, etc) - he estimated about $3500 in sellable merchandise.  Maybe a little more, but it would take some time to flip it all.

Went to an estate sale and taxidermy items were flying out the door.  Everyone was saying how cheap they were priced.....

White deer (whole):  $1500
White coyote: $550
Large porcupine: $300
Vampire deer (small): $500
Cheeta: $3000
Moose head: $750
Hyena (sp?): $600
Grizzly: $3500
Deer head mounts: $275-$375
Water fowl, rabbits, small game: $75-$200