How Long Does a Taxidermy Take
The duration of a taxidermy process can vary depending on various factors.
These include the efficiency and size of the taxidermy shop, the number of animals being mounted, and the timing of when a hunter brings their animal to the taxidermist.
The tanning process itself can take 3-6 months, while the actual taxidermy work can be relatively quick, with a deer head, for example, taking about 2.5 hours.
On average, it may take 6-8 months to get a shoulder mount back from a taxidermist; however, this time frame can extend to 9 months to a year depending on workload.
Proper care and maintenance are crucial, as taxidermy pieces can last around 20 years with proper care but may deteriorate due to factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, light exposure, bugs, and human touch.
Signs of deterioration include shedding hair/fur, sagging, fading, fragility, and loss of detail.
To extend their lifespan, taxidermy should be stored in optimal conditions with controlled temperature and humidity levels, away from direct sunlight, and out of the reach of pets and children.
Regular dusting with feather dusters or hairdryers, using dust shield spray, and deeper cleaning with clean or slightly damp cotton balls are essential for care.
Ultimately, treating taxidermy as original artwork and providing immediate care after harvesting will ensure its longevity.
Did You Know?
Trivia 1: Did you know that the time it takes for taxidermy to be complete varies greatly depending on the size and complexity of the animal? While small animals like birds or rodents may take a few weeks, larger animals such as deer or wolves could take several months to complete.
Trivia 2: The art of taxidermy has been practiced for centuries, and the ancient Egyptians were among the earliest known civilization to preserve animals through this method. Their advanced techniques allowed them to mummify not only humans but also animals, including cats, dogs, and even crocodiles.
Trivia 3: One interesting fact about taxidermy is that the eyes used in the process are often made from glass or acrylic. These artificial eyes are carefully selected to match the size and color of the animal’s actual eyes, adding a lifelike quality to the preserved specimen.
Trivia 4: In some cases, taxidermists may use a technique called freeze-drying to preserve animals. This process involves placing the animal in sub-zero temperatures while gradually reducing the surrounding pressure, causing the moisture within the animal to evaporate without passing through a liquid phase. Freeze-dried taxidermy helps retain the animal’s natural appearance and texture.
Trivia 5: Contrary to popular belief, taxidermy is not limited to animals. In fact, it is also possible to preserve and mount plants, commonly known as botanical taxidermy or plant pressing. This method involves carefully drying and flattening various plant specimens to create beautiful, long-lasting displays of botanical diversity.
Factors Affecting Taxidermy Turnaround Time
The turnaround time for taxidermy can vary significantly depending on several factors. One of the main factors is the size and efficiency of the taxidermy shop. A larger and more well-equipped shop with experienced taxidermists can typically handle a higher volume of work and complete projects more quickly. On the other hand, smaller shops with limited staff may have longer waiting periods.
Another factor that affects turnaround time is the number of animals being mounted. If a taxidermist has a large number of animals to work on, it naturally takes longer to complete each project. This is especially true during peak hunting seasons when many hunters bring in their harvest for mounting.
Tanning Process And Skin Preparation Time
One crucial step in the taxidermy process is the tanning of the animal skins. After the animal has been harvested and the hide is prepared, it is sent to a tannery for the tanning process. This step can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on the workload and efficiency of the tannery.
Once the prepared skins are returned from the tannery, the actual taxidermy work can begin. Surprisingly, the completion time for the taxidermy work itself is relatively quick. For example, mounting a deer head typically takes about 2.5 hours for an experienced taxidermist. However, it is important to note that the overall turnaround time is prolonged by the waiting period for the tanning process.
- Tanning is a crucial step in taxidermy, lasting three to six months at a tannery.
- The taxidermy work itself is relatively quick, with mounting a deer head taking about 2.5 hours.
- The waiting period for the tanning process contributes to the overall turnaround time.
Impact Of Timing On Wait Time At The Taxidermist
When a hunter brings their animal to a taxidermist, the timing can significantly affect the wait time. Generally, taxidermists operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, if a hunter brings their animal early in the hunting season, they can expect a shorter wait time. However, if a hunter brings their animal late in the season when many other hunters have already submitted their trophies, the wait time could be considerably longer.
In addition, the workload of the taxidermist plays a crucial role in determining the wait time. If a taxidermist has a high volume of projects, it naturally leads to longer waiting periods. Conversely, during slower periods with fewer projects, the turnaround time may be shorter. It’s important for hunters to consider these factors and plan accordingly to minimize their wait time at the taxidermist.
Average Time For Shoulder Mount Return
According to a social media poll conducted among taxidermy enthusiasts, the average time it takes to get a shoulder mount back from a taxidermist is between six to eight months. However, it is important to note that wait times can vary depending on the taxidermist and the region.
Some respondents to the poll reported wait times as long as nine months to a year. This variation can be attributed to the factors mentioned earlier, such as the size and efficiency of the taxidermy shop, the number of animals being mounted, the timing of when the animal was brought in, and the workload of the taxidermist.
In conclusion, the turnaround time for taxidermy can vary significantly based on various factors such as the size and efficiency of the taxidermy shop, the number of animals being mounted, the time required for the tanning process, and the timing when the animal is brought to the taxidermist. An average wait time for shoulder mounts can range between six to eight months but can be longer depending on the workload and other circumstances.
Proper care and maintenance are crucial for extending the lifespan of taxidermy, while factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, light exposure, bugs, and human touch can reduce their lifespan. It is important to treat taxidermy as original artwork and follow proper storage and cleaning techniques to ensure their longevity.
- Proper care and maintenance are crucial
- Factors that can reduce the lifespan of taxidermy include: extreme temperatures, humidity, light exposure, bugs, and human touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do taxidermists take so long?
Taxidermists often spend a substantial amount of time on each project due to various factors. Firstly, the limited human resources in most taxidermy studios contribute to longer processing times. With only one to five taxidermists working in small studios, a significant amount of work falls on their shoulders, making it challenging to complete projects quickly.
Additionally, the passion for hunting and fishing, which often leads individuals to pursue a career in taxidermy, can also contribute to extended processing times. As taxidermists often begin their journey out of love for these activities, they strive to ensure the finished products reflect the beauty and essence of the animals they recreate. This dedication and attention to detail may result in a more meticulous and time-consuming process to achieve lifelike results.
How long does a taxidermy last?
The lifespan of taxidermy greatly depends on how well it is taken care of. Without proper maintenance, taxidermy typically lasts around 20 years. However, with careful preservation, it can endure for over 50 years, maintaining its original quality. Factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, exposure to light, bugs, and human touch can significantly decrease its lifespan. By keeping these factors in check and employing appropriate conservation techniques, taxidermy can be preserved and enjoyed for many decades to come.
How long does it take to taxidermy a small animal?
The taxidermy process for a small animal typically takes several months, ranging from 6 to 15 months. This extended time frame is necessary to ensure that all the intricacies and details of the animal are accurately replicated. Taxidermy, being a representative interpretation of your pet in a single frozen moment, demands careful attention to every aspect, resulting in a thorough and meticulous preservation process.
How long does it take a taxidermist to do a deer mount?
The duration for a taxidermist to complete a deer mount can vary, but typically it takes around eight to 12 months for a meticulously crafted and visually stunning outcome. Although getting your deer back within six months is ideal, as long as the quality isn’t compromised, it is considered acceptable. However, there are exceptional cases where it may take longer, as exemplified by my personal experience with my prized 209-inch-gross Canadian giant, which required two years to be returned from the taxidermist.