Anyone know a quality whitetail taxidermist at an affordable rate?

Lol

Does this need to be discreet?

That's like asking if there are any "hot fat girls". I think you get what you pay for in taxidermy

"Cheap" and "quality" do not belong in the same sentence man. Either go cheap. Or go for quality. And that's not just for taxidermy.

I almost posted right after that the wording was poor. The real question is does anyone know a taxidermist that will do a shoulder mount for less than $400 that you would send a deer to

it wasn't too long ago at all you could get a damn good mount done for no more than 250 or 300. Now a bunch of guys are wanting 450 for one.

Got a friend up here that does shoulder mounts for $375 or $400. Quality work and I am very happy with his work. He’s located in elkmont so it would be a little drive from Birmingham.

That's because deer manikins went from $35 to $75 in 3 years. You can thank Uncle Sam for that, in particular Obamas EPA claimed the foam used in production of manikins was bad for the environment. So, the supply companies had to re-formulate, re-tool, etc and pass the cost of doing so down to you. Even the most mundane of things big brothers got their hand in.

That is a ways off but I don't mind a drive for quality work. I called a guy in Oneonta that looks like he does a decent job from his pics for $400.

Quality to one guy might be crap to another. Go look at different peoples work in person and you will find a few you like. Then pick the one within your price range.
No different than buying a car. The last 3 i had mounted were 575 each and i am very happy with them.

Thanks for the productive response

I paid $350 over 10 years ago, so $400 for quality probably not very likely any more.

Please do NOT rely on pictures. I once saw some pics and then the finished product. Wayyyyy different. Finished was complete Crap and from the pics I thought it was fine. Spend a few extra bucks. You won’t regret it and won’t even remember it after you pick it up

1ST Shoulder mount I got done was a 10 pt for $75.00 by JOEL STONE in Leeds....1977... Price him now !!!!!!

So anyone got any recommendations around central AL that have done good work for you?

Ron Bettendorf in Lamar county does exceptional work for $400. Less without a plaque.

Alan at Choccolocco Taxidermy in Lincoln/Talladega area is who I use. He is a top notch guy who turns out fantastic work. He may not be done overnight and it may not be "cheap" but it will be a true work of art.... AND he'll give each and every mount the same quality time and attention whether it's a little basket rack scrub buck or a 180in Buckmaster centerfold.