FAQs
What birds do you avoid mounting?
I try not take in early geese or swans unless they are shot in the later seasons (no earlier than November for geese and January for swans) due to large quantities of pin feathers. If you think you are on the border, feel free to thaw the bird in a refrigerator and bring to the shop for me to inspect.
I maintain the ability to refuse mounting any bird that is either too shot up, too poor quality, or too young to produce a respectable mount. I have a business image and standard to uphold that I will not risk due to low quality birds.
Can my duck be mounted in a flying pose with broken wings?
The short answer is yes.
The long answer, depends on how badly and where the bones/feathers were broken. If the feathers are heavily shot up, they will look the same when finished….
If the break is in the humerus (shoulder to elbow) that is what I consider the green area. Easily repaired and most flying poses are fine, however you will likely see a few small feathers with damage so be realistic on the final product. I will communicate after skinning/washing to inform you of quality and best pose options to hide the most damage.
If the break is in the radius/ulna (elbow to wrist) I consider the yellow area. Repairs can be made but you will definitely notice feather damage and wings will need to stay tucked in to hide said damage.
If the break is in the metacarpals (wrist/fingers) that is what I consider the red area. I will recommend avoid a flying pose and recommend a standing/swimming pose.
What is your current turn around time for birds?
Turn around time is subject to the amount of birds in the freezer when yours is dropped off. Currently my turn around time is under 12 months.
Forms of payment I accept ?
I accept Cash, Check, Venmo, and Online Payment.
How to tell if your bird is good enough to mount?
Maturity differs visually between the different species, however there a common areas to look for to ensure your bird has reached mature plumage.
Looking at the feather bases against the skin for pin feathers in areas of the chest, scapular feathers, tail, side pockets where common pin feathers will be present can help you identify if your bird is suitable for a mount. Most geese and puddle ducks, especially wood ducks, teal and mallards, are likely to be lower quality if shot during early season.
If you are unsure of the birds quality, allow the bird to thaw in the fridge overnight prior to bringing to the shop. I will be happy to show you what to look for as well as determine if your bird is suitable.
What are pin feathers?
Pin feathers are feathers that are in the molting process and have not finished fully growing. These feathers will look like they have a small section of plastic straw at the base of the feather. These feathers will not only fall out but will need to be removed in the mounting process potentially leaving large bald spots. Depending on the severity/number of pin feathers this can greatly impact the quality of your mount. It is my strong recommendation that birds with a high quantity of pin feathers be withheld and to wait for the harvest of a more mature bird.
Is it expensive to ship a frozen bird to your shop?
I utilize PirateShip which is typically 50%-75% cheaper than the rates you will get in store at UPS. I can utilize my account to (with your address, box dimensions, and weight) provide a pre-paid shipping label that you can print out and take with you to the UPS store. The shipping price can be paid via venmo or online payment. Typically rates are from $30-75$ for 2nd day to next day air.