Getting a mallard duck mounted can be an expensive endeavor, but for duck hunters, it’s often worth preserving that trophy bird. In this article, we’ll look at the various factors that go into the cost of getting a mallard mounted by a taxidermist. We’ll cover the basics of mallard mounting, the different styles and poses available, what extra features increase the price, and the standard range you can expect to pay. With this information, you’ll know what to budget for if you’re planning on immortalizing your trophy duck.
What is Mallard Mounting?
Mallard mounting is the process of preserving the body of a mallard duck through taxidermy and mounting it in a lifelike pose on a base or habitat diorama. This allows duck hunters to display their trophy birds for years to come. The mallard is one of the most popular game birds for waterfowl hunting, prized for its beautiful plumage. A mounted mallard is the ultimate trophy for avid duck hunters.
The taxidermy process involves skinning the duck and tanning its feathers to preserve them. The taxidermist then creates a body form made of foam and builds up the duck’s head and neck over the form to achieve a realistic look. Glass eyes are added and the original duck feet are used. The duck is then positioned in the desired pose using wires and mounting materials. Artificial replicas of plants, rocks, grass or water can be added to create a realistic habitat scene if desired.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of getting a mallard mounted. These include:
Size and Sex of the Duck
Larger male (drake) mallards will cost more to mount than smaller females (hens) simply because they require more materials, time and work. The size difference is not huge, but it does impact the price.
Taxidermy Style
There are three main style options:
- Standard mount – upright flying or swimming pose
- Shoulder mount – duck mounted as if perched on a branch or your shoulder
- Full body mount – fully detailed body and habitat scene
The more complex full body mounts with detailed habitat scenes take much more time and work and therefore cost more. Shoulder mounts are simpler and lower cost. Most standard flying or swimming mounts are mid-range.
Pose Choice
Within each style, the complexity of the pose can affect the difficulty and pricing. More dynamic, active poses like preening, head turning or taking flight require more effort to achieve a natural look compared to a basic swimming or flying pose.
Habitat Add-Ons
Many mounted ducks include some habitat features like a section of grass, corn stalks, reeds, water or a rock. Full detailed waterfowl scenes with several plants, rocks, painted backgrounds or water effects add more labor and cost. Simpler mounts without any habitat or add-ons are cheaper.
Additional Special Effects
Some specialty effects like smoke, mater decoys or extra drake feathers can add to the price. Even small details like adding frost to the feathers and feet for a wintery effect takes more time and effort.
Average Cost Range
The average cost to have a mallard duck mounted by a professional taxidermist typically ranges between $250-$350 for a standard flying or swimming pose without habitat. Here are some examples:
- Basic hen mallard standard mount: $250-$300
- Drake mallard standard mount: $275-$325
- Mallard shoulder mount: $325-$400
- Mallard full body flying mount with water/grass: $400-$600+
Larger full body mounts with extra details and special effects can run over $1,000. But you can also pay under $200 for a basic hen mallard with a less experienced taxidermist. The quality of work and expertise of the taxidermist will be reflected in the price.
What Affects Taxidermist Prices?
The main factors that determine an individual taxidermist’s pricing include:
Labor Time and Overhead Costs
It takes an experienced taxidermist 20-40 hours or more to compete a quality mallard mount. Their hourly shop rate must cover their labor time plus studio rent, materials, insurance and other overhead expenses. More complex mounts take longer, commanding higher prices.
Taxidermy Skill and Reputation
Top taxidermists with high demand can charge more for their expertise. Look at reviews and examples of their duck mounts to assess quality of work. They often have waiting lists and higher prices due to their reputation and skill level.
Materials and Duck Condition
The costs of materials like forms, eyes and mounting supplies affects pricing. Ducks that require extra work due to damage or poor feather condition may cost more too.
Shipping/Transportation Costs
For taxidermists you have to ship your duck to, the shipping and insurance costs may be added to the total price. Local taxidermists won’t have this expense.
Rush Orders/Expedited Service
Most taxidermists charge rush fees if you need a tight turnaround time before the next hunting season or a special event. Typical turnaround is around 10-12 months.
Saving Money on Mallard Mounts
Here are some tips to get the best deal on your mallard mounting costs:
- Provide good duck care in the field to preserve feather condition.
- Choose a simpler pose without habitat for lower prices.
- See if your state/province’s game agency has a list of approved taxidermists and look for smaller operations.
- Avoid rush orders and pick a taxidermist with a reasonable turnaround time.
- Provide your own driftwood, rock or other natural habitat items.
- Ask about discounts for multiple duck mounts.
- Book work in the off-season when taxidermists may offer discounts.
- Consider do-it-yourself duck mounting kits for very basic mounts.
Factors That Increase Duck Mounting Costs
Some things that can increase the price of your mallard mount include:
- Complex flying pose, like flaring, head turning or feet up landing.
- Full body mount with a detailed habitat diorama.
- Specialized carved rock or wood base.
- Airbrushed painted background scenes.
- Extra accessories like decoys, smoked wings, corn stalks.
- Rush order fees for quick turnaround.
- Shipping costs if using an out-of-state taxidermist.
- Supplementary foundation/driftwood materials.
- Poor feather/body damage requiring extra work.
So if budget is a concern, opt for a simple pose without lots of habitat extras. But for an impressive centerpiece duck mount display, extras like backgrounds and decoys can be worth the investment.
Do-It-Yourself Options
To save significant money, some avid waterfowlers learn taxidermy skills to mount their own ducks. This requires investing in taxidermy tools and materials, and mastering difficult techniques like skinning, fleshing, tanning, and form mounting. It takes considerable practice to be able to produce quality, long-lasting mounts.
There are also duck mounting kits available aimed at beginners. These provide pre-formed bodies, stands, and instructions to mount the duck’s treated skin over the form. Results with these kits are mixed, and are really only suitable for a basic duck on a stick or small plaque meant for hanging on the wall. But they can offer a low budget mounting option under $50-100 for decent results.
Choosing the Right Taxidermist
To find a qualified taxidermist to beautifully preserve your trophy mallard for years to come, follow these tips:
- Search online reviews, looking for ratings over 4 stars.
- Check examples of their waterfowl mounts for quality.
- Look for specialists in ducks and waterfowl.
- Ask to see examples of different duck posing and habitats.
- Ask trusted fishing/hunting stores for recommendations.
- Consider turnaround time and costs.
- Look for clean, professional workshops.
- Seek referrals from other hunters.
- Ensure they’re a licensed taxidermist if required by law.
Taking the time find the right taxidermist will pay off with a mallard mount you’ll proudly display for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Getting a mallard duck mounted makes for an impressive trophy piece that commemorates a memorable hunt. While not cheap, a professionally mounted mallard can become a stunning heirloom to pass down. Typical costs fall between $250-$350 for a standard flying or swimming pose without extras. The bill increases for larger full body mounts with detailed habitat additions, special effects and premium bases. But the end result will preserve your trophy duck for generations of hunters to come. With proper care and maintenance, a quality mallard mount will provide a lifetime of fond memories of that special hunt.
