Quality opinion of bobcat mounts?

[curtism1234]

I have a bobcat in my freezer that I am looking to get mounted. Of course prices range from a $400 crosseyed cat to $1200 which looks scary real. My cat is of average size (18-19 pounds) I can not really justify going at the top end of that.

From my local / in state choices (which has to be in state since I have it registered and not tagged), I believe I've found a guy that does pretty good work at a fair $600 price tag.

I was wondering if you might have a minute to click on the link and provide your opinion. Keep in mind I know this is not competition quality.

A regrettable or non-regrettable choice?

http://www.imagetaxidermystudio.com/Bobcat_album.html

Thank you

 

[Red Leg]

Your pick - but bad taxidermy is really easy to find and never goes away. The difference in cost between really good and really awful looks pretty small when amortized over the rest of your life. Cats are particularly difficult, and a quality presentation is worth every penny - there is nothing wrong with your taxidermist winning best in show with your animal. I would, however, suggest not doing the whole snarling thing. They are beautiful, shy animals that make a lovely mount when done correctly.

 

[Bullthrower338]

+1 with Red Leg, cats are probably hands down the most taxidermist molested animal of all. I can count on one hand how many I trust with cats! Spend the money and don't risk being pissed off everytime you look at your mount.
Good luck,
Cody

 

[curtism1234]

I would, however, suggest not doing the whole snarling thing. They are beautiful, shy animals that make a lovely mount when done correctly.

Right

Leaning towards a flat rock base in stalking pose as that's what it was doing when coming into the call. Just from looking at the taxidermist's portfolio, it seems he does a slightly better job on something like that as opposed to the cat laying down. Something about it's head position seems just a tick off when laying down.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

+1 with Red Leg, cats are probably hands down the most taxidermist molested animal of all. I can count on one hand how many I trust with cats! Spend the money and don't risk being pissed off everytime you look at your mount.
Good luck,
Cody

Researching taxidermist for my first trip, the cat faces were, to me, the best way to judge his/her work. I saw far more mediocre and terrible cats than I did great ones

 

[Bullthrower338]

A truly good Taxidermist knows his limitations, one that I use a lot in NM, admits he is not the best with cats and has his son, which is very good with cats do all of the face and eye sets. I really was impressed with his humility.

 

[Ridgewalker]

There are two natural positions I have seen bobcats when I've called them in...stalking (as you favor) and sitting looking at where the call is coming from.
You need to look at some the taxidermist has done to determine whether or not you like his detailing.
I also like them as a flat wall hanging on felt backing with the mouth closed. You easily see all the beautiful markings.
JMO and I'm probably full of it.

Oh yes..I can't believe you didn't skin and eat him! They are delicious! Fine grained. A bit like veal.

 

[harden]

All depends on what you will be happy with and settle for.
But Remember your going to look at that cat for the rest of your life.
40 years or more...spend a little more now be happier later.
1,000 over 40 years of enjoyment = 6 Cents a day... less than the cost of a bottle return.
few client cats no compeiton piece, just my commercial work

 

[Bullthrower338]

Superb Dennis!

 

[ArmyGrunt]

I love the branch coming off the wall, but all of your work dazzles me! You have a gift, sir.

 

[BRICKBURN]

@curtism1234
At least the guy you are looking at has done some/bunch of bobcats. That Cougar scared me.

You have received some good advice.

good luck.

 

[gizmo]

Excellent job Denis! Cats are hard period, I do several Bobcats a season and they are the most difficult by far.

 

[wesheltonj]

Your pick - but bad taxidermy is really easy to find and never goes away. The difference in cost between really good and really awful looks pretty small when amortized over the rest of your life. Cats are particularly difficult, and a quality presentation is worth every penny - there is nothing wrong with your taxidermist winning best in show with your animal. I would, however, suggest not doing the whole snarling thing. They are beautiful, shy animals that make a lovely mount when done correctly.

I have a bobcat that I shot when I was a kid, with the snarl shoulder mount. It's not the best, but when I was in High School it was all I could afford. If I shot one today, I would certainly want a better display. And after seeing Dennis photos above, I would spend the extra money.

 

[curtism1234]

Dennis, that is certainly top notch work.

After careful consideration (and not telling the boss) I have taken everyone's advice and am going to go with a better quality mount. While I think my original plan would have been a good mount for the price, I am going to double the budget and hopefully end up with something like this.

Thanks all

 

[billc]

Here is one I like not sure what wes and kanati charges but great mount and habitat work.

 

[Sand Rat]

I went down the half price road my first time and ended up with a mount that would scare a maggot off of a gut wagon. A few years later enstead of double the price I went with triple the price and have a great mount on a huge cat. You're making the right choice, I couldn't stand to look at the first one and gave it away.