How Much Does a Full Body Turkey Mount Cost?

A full body turkey mount is a popular way for hunters to preserve and display a trophy bird. But like most taxidermy it doesn’t come cheap. A full body turkey mount can cost $500 or much more, depending on several factors.

What is a Full Body Turkey Mount?

A full body turkey mount involves preserving the entire turkey with as life-like a pose as possible. This is different from other common turkey taxidermy like just the tail fan beard feet or a shoulder mount.

With a full body mount, the taxidermist will skin the turkey, preserve the skin, and then stretch it over a mannequin form made of foam or other materials. It takes great skill to recreate the most realistic turkey poses.

Common full body turkey mount poses include

• Strutting
• Gobbling
• Standing alert
• Flying
• On a perch

More elaborate scenes with multiple turkeys or predators can cost thousands. But most hunters opt for a single full body turkey on a simple base in a majestic strutting or gobbling pose.

What Impacts the Cost?

Several factors go into the price of a full body turkey mount:

• Taxidermist Skill and Experience – A world-class taxidermist with decades of experience and award-winning work can charge more than an amateur just starting out. You get what you pay for in terms of quality.

• Pose Complexity – A standard pose like standing costs less than an elaborate scene with multiple turkeys or the bird in full strut or flight. Those require more specialized forms and skill.

• Taxidermy Prices in Your Region – There can be big variations between different states and areas. Prices also often scale with cost of living. Mounts cost more in New York City than small town Iowa for example.

• Materials – The quality of materials like forms, glass eyes, feathers, etc impacts cost. Top-shelf materials are pricier.

• Habitat – Most full body mounts come with some kind of habitat scene like rocks, stumps or brush. More elaborate environments raise the price.

Average Cost Range

Most full body turkey mounts range from:

• $500 – $800 – For a standard single pose in a simple habitat. Would be on the lower end for an amateur taxidermist in a rural area. Higher end for an experienced taxidermist in a major city.

• $800 – $1200 – For more complex or elaborate poses like flying, gobbling or in a scene. Includes high-quality materials and skilled taxidermist.

• $1200+ – For show-quality mounts with champion taxidermists using premium materials. Also multiple turkey scenes or with predator mounts.

However prices can go below or above those ranges based on all the factors covered. It pays to shop around and check prices in your area.

Additional Costs

On top of the base price for the full body mount, extras like:

• Shipping
• Tax
• Habitat upgrades
• Open beak
• Pedestal stands

Can all add $100-$500+ more. Be sure to ask what is included in the quote and if there are any additional fees.

Tips for Saving Money

Here are some tips to lower the cost of your full body turkey mount:

• Find a quality taxidermist who is just starting out and charges less as they build their portfolio.
• Go for a simple standing or posed mount vs animated flying or fighting poses.
• Use your own turkey tail fan and beard vs buying replacements.
• Skip the habitat scene or go very simple like a single stump.
• Provide your own pedestal stand instead of buying from the taxidermist.
• Ask about any first-time customer discounts.
• Inquire about off-season discounts – spring and summer are peak turkey taxidermy season.

While it’s possible to DIY a full body mount, unless you are highly skilled at taxidermy, you are almost always better off hiring a professional and getting it done right.

Is it Worth the Investment?

Only you can decide if a full body turkey mount is worth the price. For avid turkey hunters who want to commemorate a special trophy tom, it makes for an incredible keepsake. Although prices have risen with inflation, a full body mount still represents a reasonable cost per year of enjoyment.

A $1000 mount appreciated over a lifetime is a small price to pay for a beautiful trophy that preserves memories of the hunt. As with any taxidermy work, pick a talented taxidermist ready to bring your turkey to life. The right mount will become a family heirloom.

So while full body turkey mounts are certainly an investment, they allow you to proudly display your trophy gobbler for years to come. For dedicated turkey hunters, the cost is money well spent.