Deer Taxidermy • Bannockburn, Victoria
Deer Taxidermy for Victorian Hunters
Deer taxidermy by a hunter who understands what it takes to earn the trophy in the first place. Shoulder mounts for Sambar, Red, Fallow, Chital, Rusa and Hog Deer — real detail in the eyes, ears, hide and finishing.
First PlaceSpecies we mount
The deer mount
Shoulder Mounts, Done Right
A shoulder mount preserves the head, neck and upper shoulder/chest area as a wall-mounted trophy. We focus on natural anatomy, expression, eyes, ears, hide and finishing. Deer taxidermy by a hunter who understands what it takes to earn the trophy in the first place.
You may only get one Sambar like this. The finished mount should do it justice. We'll talk pose and style when you drop your trophy off, and we'll advise on caping, freezing and transport before that if you've just got one.
Trophy preparation guide
Sambar
Sambar Deer Taxidermy
Sambar are the iconic Victorian trophy. Big, dark-coated and hard-won, they deserve a mount that captures the real weight and character of the animal.
If you've been lucky enough to tag a good Sambar, look after the cape from the moment it hits the ground. We'll walk you through it — or do the caping for you.
View Sambar TaxidermyOur deer work
Completed Deer Mounts
First Place
Award-Winning
Deer pricing
Deer Mount Prices
- Red Deer & Sambar$1,500
- Rusa Deer$1,200
- Chital Deer & Fallow Deer$1,100
- Hog Deer$1,000
- Caping$250 / head
Prices may vary for custom poses, bases, condition of specimen and special requirements. Contact us to confirm your job.
Before you cut
Look After Your Cape
The finished mount can only be as good as the cape you bring in. Cool the animal quickly, keep the cape clean, and freeze it once it's prepped. If you're unsure where to cut, stop and call first — a wrong cut can't be undone.
Deer Taxidermy Questions
What should I do with my deer immediately after the hunt?
Cool the deer quickly and keep the cape clean. Heat and contamination can damage a cape fast. If you're unsure where to cut or how much skin to leave for a shoulder mount, stop and call The Taxidermist before cutting further.
How soon should I freeze a deer for taxidermy?
Freeze the cape as soon as practical once it has been properly prepared. Keep it cool in the meantime, avoid leaving it in a hot vehicle and seal it well before freezing. If you're unsure about preparation, call 0425 847 530.
Can you cape my deer for me?
Yes. Professional deer caping is available for $250 per head. Having the deer caped professionally can help avoid cuts, missing skin or damage around the brisket, shoulders, neck and face.
How much does deer taxidermy cost in Victoria?
Deer shoulder mounts currently range from $1,000 to $1,500. Hog Deer are $1,000, Chital and Fallow Deer $1,100, Rusa Deer $1,200, and Red Deer and Sambar $1,500. Custom poses, bases and specimen condition may affect the final price.
How much does a Sambar deer shoulder mount cost?
A Sambar deer shoulder mount is currently $1,500. Sambar are one of our main Victorian deer species and pose, cape condition and any custom presentation requirements can be discussed before work begins.
Can I choose the pose of my deer mount?
Yes. We'll discuss head direction, turn, expression and overall presentation when your trophy is booked in. If you have reference photos or a particular pose in mind, bring them with you.
How long does a deer shoulder mount take?
Turnaround depends on the species, complexity and current workshop queue. You'll be given an estimated timeframe when your trophy is booked in. Quality taxidermy involves preparation, tanning, mounting, drying and detailed finishing.
Do you take deer trophies from Melbourne and regional Victoria?
Yes. The Taxidermist works with hunters from Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria. The workshop is at 44 Lowndes Road, Bannockburn VIC 3331, and visits are by appointment.
Got a deer worth keeping?
Send photos of your deer and tell us what you've taken. We'll help you work out the next step.