The iconic Victorian trophy

Sambar Deer Taxidermy Victoria

A Sambar can represent years of hunting and a hunt you'll remember for the rest of your life. Have it mounted by a hunter and taxidermist who understands what went into earning it. Shoulder mounts, caping and trophy preparation from Bannockburn, around 20 minutes from Geelong.

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Deer shoulder mounts in the workshop by The Taxidermist near Geelong Victoria

Why it matters

A Trophy That Deserves the Right Mount

Sambar are big, dark-coated and notoriously hard to hunt. A good one can represent years of skill, patience and luck. The finished mount should carry that weight — in the pose, in the expression, in the detail of the hide and the eyes. You may only get one Sambar like this. The finished mount should do it justice.

Sambar Shoulder Mounts

The classic head, neck and upper shoulder/chest mount for the trophy room. We'll talk through pose and style when you drop it off.

Caping & Preparation

We can cape your Sambar and prepare the trophy for you. Or we'll walk you through how to look after the cape before you start.

Transporting Your Trophy

Bringing it from Melbourne or regional Victoria? We'll advise on how to transport a frozen or fresh trophy safely.

Protect the cape

The Cape Decides the Result

The single biggest factor in how a Sambar mount turns out is the condition of the cape you bring in. Once it's down, cool the animal quickly, keep dirt and hair out of the cut, and freeze it once it's prepped.

  • • Don't let the cape sit warm — get it cool fast.
  • • Keep the cut clean and free of dirt and grass.
  • • Not sure where to cut? Contact The Taxidermist before you start caping.
  • • We can cape it for you — $250 per head.
Call Now Trophy Preparation Guide
Close-up of a lifelike glass eye and ear detailing on a mounted deer
  • Sambar Deer Mount$1,500
  • Caping$250 / head
  • Red Deer Mount$1,500

Sambar pricing

Straightforward Sambar Pricing

Sambar shoulder mounts are $1,500. Prices may vary for custom poses, bases, condition of specimen and special requirements — contact us to confirm your job.

View Taxidermy Prices

Deer trophy work

Deer Work From the Workshop

Sambar mounts are done to the same standard as the deer work below — careful anatomy, natural expression and a finish that holds up.

Red deer stag with large symmetrical antlers mounted by The Taxidermist
Red Deer Stag
Award-winning red deer shoulder mount with first place and merit ribbons First Place
Award-Winning Deer
Fallow deer buck shoulder mount by The Taxidermist
Fallow Deer
Award-winning deer mount with competition ribbons on a grey wall Award-Winning
Competition Deer

Bannockburn, Victoria

Used by Hunters Across Victoria

Based in Bannockburn, around 20 minutes from Geelong, with customers travelling from Melbourne and throughout regional Victoria. Visits by appointment.

44 Lowndes Road, Bannockburn VIC 3331

Get Directions Call 0425 847 530
Sambar FAQ

Sambar Taxidermy Questions

How much does Sambar deer taxidermy cost?

A Sambar deer shoulder mount is currently $1,500. This is for a standard shoulder mount. Custom poses, bases, cape condition or other special requirements can affect the final price.

What should I do with my Sambar immediately after the hunt?

Cool the animal quickly and keep the cape as clean as possible. Avoid leaving the trophy warm and keep dirt, grass and contamination away from the cut edges. If you're not sure where to cut, call before starting.

How soon should I freeze a Sambar cape?

Freeze the cape as soon as practical once it has been properly prepared. Heat can damage a Sambar cape quickly, so get it cool straight away and don't leave it sitting in a warm vehicle or shed.

Can you cape my Sambar for me?

Yes. Sambar caping is available for $250 per head. Professional caping can reduce the risk of cutting the cape too short or damaging important skin around the shoulders, brisket, neck and face.

Can I choose the pose for my Sambar shoulder mount?

Yes. You can discuss head direction, turn, expression and presentation before the mount is started. If you've seen a Sambar mount you like, bring reference photos when you drop the trophy off.

How long does a Sambar shoulder mount take?

Turnaround depends on the current workshop queue and the condition of the trophy. Taxidermy involves preparation, tanning, mounting, drying and detailed finishing, so an estimated completion time will be discussed when the job is booked in.

Can I bring my Sambar from Melbourne or regional Victoria?

Yes. The Taxidermist accepts Sambar trophies from Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria. The workshop is at 44 Lowndes Road, Bannockburn VIC 3331 and visits are by appointment.

Can I send photos of my Sambar before bringing it in?

Yes, and it's a good idea if you're unsure what to do next. Send a few trophy photos with your enquiry and include your name and mobile number so the workshop can advise you on preparation, caping and the best way to proceed.

Send Photos of Your Sambar Trophy Preparation Guide