My husband passed away March 9, many of you probably know this. Melanoma / Cancer.....long 2 years of treatments reduced a wood cutting, taxidermist, hunting and trapping guy, to 5 weeks on hospice, and it was probably the worst thing I've ever gone through. He was a fantastic taxidermist, for probably 40 years or so. Never advertised, all word of mouth.
Long story short..........I need to sell some big bucks (heads) that are on the wall out in the shop, most of the small animals are gone, but there is also one lifesize deer that he shot himself. His son (lives next door to me) has his own deer heads, and there is just too many to keep. I really miss him, and I still keep thinking he's gonna walk into the house ......it's deer season, his favorite time of year.

I looked at the rules on the trap shed, and these are not trapping related.
I can't put them on Marketplace/Facebook as they have rules against posting that type thing.

Craigs List makes me nervous as I really don't want people I don't know coming to my house. Unless of course, they are trappers LOL
I have major knee issues these days, surgeries gone bad. So I hobble with a cane, or use an electric chair with a cool joystick and can do wheelies (no pun intended Mr Wheels) in our church parking lot!

so.......any advice on how or where I can try to sell these heads? they are nice big racks, different poses........really gorgeous ones he did to show different poses in his shop.


(bad hair day.......mine, not his........it was raining lol)

So sorry for your loss. From the picture there you could sell the piebald deer and wolverine. In the end unless the bucks are gigantic or really odd they won't be worth much of anything. I would give them away to any friends or family that want them.

I think you are reading too much into the Trap Shed rules. I’ve seen antlers and books about guns and other misc. outdoor related items for sale. I’m sure those mounts would be allowed. Of course, the final decision is Wheelers.

Only problem I see is if some one wants a mount shipped. LOL. Should probably be “local pick up only”.

There is also an auction company some place in Missouri that sells mostly taxidermy items. Don’t know the name.

Ms Cat
I totally feel for you.

I lost my wife of 25 years July 2nd cancer stage 4 in the liver when we learned in January we had/got 6 months from diagnosis to passing with 4 months of chemo it didn't do a thing and only 2 weeks in hospice. I am sure even if it takes years it goes so so fast. while at the same time just wearing you out for 2 years living that schedule every day.

I did more oil changes on the Chemo van in 6 months than I probably did in all of the last year on both our cars combined.
man we put on some miles 101 mile round trip to the chemo center often twice a week. then trying to get to see everyone while she still felt ok. Trips.

I hope either Paul makes an exception for trap shed , and you do well there

OR

with all the mounts you have it might be worth having an auction , restaurants and bars like to buy that stuff as well as hotels , lodges, and such they might bring a better price at auction even if you have to pay the auctioneer also might be easier on you moving them and let them handle the pickup or shipping.

it is worth looking into , look for an auction place that does outdoor and sporting goods auctions.

if he was well respected by other taxidermists in your area they might also be a resource

I have so many crafts mostly wool but also quilting stuff to get to going through.


I wish you well , cancer sucks , your spouse dying sucks , dealing with the accounts , deeds , and stuff sucks. just a hole lot of suck.


best wishes , Pete

Check with any sporting goods or outdoor companies in your area. A lot of them like to buy mounts to put on display in their store.

My taxidermist buys mounts for resale to taverns etc. Try your local taxidermists. Ebay allows the sale of mounts.

Especially Bass Pro/Cabelas type stores.

Yes sporting good stores, Cabela’s like said, Taxidermy.net you're dealing with other taxidermist’s there, local on line rummage sale if allowed, if you have a lot do an auction through a company that will advertise the sale properly but that’s risky maybe bid wise. Interior designer types that’s where a lot of bear rugs are sold to I’m sure they deal in deer heads also. Any place with a hunting thyme really or cabin vibe.

Sorry for your loss. In my area there are auction companies that have online auctions and most taxidermy they offer sells very good at good prices.

Turkey Time - that picture wasn't recent........that's when the front part of the shop looked normal..........the mounts are VERY large bucks........I may post a couple pics here if allowed just to show you guys;.

WissMiss.......Nancy! I wondered about that.........thank you ! yeah, local pickup only.......for sure. Or they can drive 500 miles to get to me LOL

Pete......kindred spirits here. I am so sorry for all you went through also. :-( I will check all those places you mentioned.......making a list of places to call. He was very well respected all over ........guys came from NYC to have him do their mounts. and further.

silkyplain and BigBob..........I will do that !

corky - I will add local taxidermists and Ebay to check out.

thank you all for responding.............pics are on my phone, I'll put a couple out just for your viewing pleasure later today

Pm sent

Lauri,
I can only imagine the pain. Never lost my wife, so I don't know. After parents, brother, and best friend I know there is a hollow place in my heart that is very empty. Worse when the times roll around that we all would be together doing what we do.


There are a few facebook groups that sell mounts. Its sad for the time and cost of doing mounts, most only sell at a fraction of the original cost. However the ones that are very desirable will have more value. Best wishes

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4130354006994682

You should have someone with some sense about size grade and price them so you don't end up giving them away, just because they need to be gone !

I'm pretty sure you know some one in the area that give you an idea of them, you won't get top dollar as most people won't pay that for another's trophy, however if the antlers are large enough they can be redone in a different pose, which happens more than most think it does !!

Would hate to see some one start taking advantage of you on something like this, wish I lived closer to you to help you handle this !!

Was at an auction today with different mounts decent deer heads went $200-300 the more points the higher they went a nice non typical went close to $500

Pete.....sent you a reply.

Randy .... Thanks - appreciate your thoughts. I can't open that link tho...........for some reason. But I'll try to find it.

Squash.......can you give me any more info on PM about who to contact at any of those places? I'm not that far from the
Tug Hill.

Gritty.........I wish you did too.........feel free to fly out LOL! I could introduce you to my friends, my 'brother from another mother'. Bring Suz !

newtoga.......wish I could get these to one there! lots of points on these. I'll see if I can put a few photos on here in a few min.

Here are some of them......are a few more.
Just to give you an idea.

few more... guy is a young man that works for me sometimes.

Cabela's or BassPro might be interested in those...

Swamp Wolf....Assume I'd need to call the corporate offices somewhere, I'll check that out too.
There is a Bass Pro not far from here.
thanks