How Long Does an Elk Taxidermy Mount Take?

By MountChief Editorial Team|Updated Mar 2026

The short answer: An elk shoulder mount typically takes 10-16 months at most shops. Some high-efficiency or lower-volume shops do it in 8-10 months. High-volume shops or those with tannery backlogs may run 14-18 months. Full-body elk is 14-24 months.

Elk takes longer than deer for specific reasons, and understanding why helps you set realistic expectations.

TL;DR

Elk shoulder mounts typically take 10-16 months at a mid-volume shop.
The tannery step for an elk cape runs 8-12 weeks, similar to deer but with larger, heavier hides.
Elk are seasonal in many states, which means intake clusters in September and October during rut hunts.
Out-of-state elk hunters are a significant portion of intake at shops near elk country.
Communicating the timeline clearly at intake prevents the most common elk customer disputes.

Why Elk Takes Longer Than Deer

Larger hide = longer tannery time. An elk cape is significantly larger than a whitetail cape. The hide is thicker, especially through the neck. Tannery processing of larger hides requires more time for chemicals to fully penetrate. Most tanneries that handle both deer and elk charge more for elk and take longer.

More prep work. Skinning an elk cape properly, turning the ears, splitting the lips, turning the nostrils, takes significantly more time than a deer cape. Elk have dense, thick mane hair around the neck that requires careful preparation to prevent slippage.

Larger forms and longer production. An elk shoulder mount uses a much larger form. Fitting the tanned cape to the form, working out wrinkles, positioning the ears and eyes, and finishing the nose and lips all take proportionally more time than deer work.

Lower volume at most shops. Many taxidermists see more deer than elk. If a shop specializes in deer but does a few elk per year, those elk may sit in staging for a while before getting specific attention.

Elk Timeline by Mount Type

| Mount Type | Typical Range |

|---|---|

| Shoulder mount | 10-16 months |

| Half-body mount | 12-18 months |

| Full-body mount | 14-24 months |

| European skull mount | 4-8 weeks |

| Antler-only display | 2-4 weeks |

What Affects the Timeline at Your Shop

Queue depth. An elk cape dropped off in September, before deer season, may move through faster because the shop's queue is lighter. An elk dropped off during November deer season rush goes into a queue that's also processing 150+ deer capes.

Tannery selection. Some tanneries specialize in large game and turn elk hides faster. Others are primarily deer-focused and elk is a secondary category. Ask your taxidermist which tannery they use for elk and what the typical turnaround is.

Geographic region. Shops in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and other high-elk-harvest states have more elk experience and often more efficient workflows for the species. A shop in the Southeast that sees one or two elk per year may not have an optimized process.

Shop volume. A shop doing 400 mounts per year is busier but often has better systems. A shop doing 80 mounts per year with one or two elk might actually give your elk more personal attention.

How to Get the Most Accurate Timeline Estimate

Ask your taxidermist directly:

"How many elk do you typically do per season?"
"Which tannery do you use for elk, and what's their current turnaround?"
"How many elk do you currently have in your queue ahead of mine?"

A taxidermist who answers these questions specifically is one who knows their workflow. A taxidermist who gives vague answers may not have a clear picture of their own queue.

Tracking Your Elk Mount

The tannery stage is where most of the timeline happens and where communication typically goes quiet. The hide ships out and you don't hear anything for 10-14 weeks.

If your taxidermist uses MountChief, you have a tracking link that shows the current stage in real time. When the hide ships to the tannery, the stage updates and you receive a notification. When it returns, same thing.

If your shop doesn't have tracking software, ask for the tannery shipment date at intake and calculate expected return yourself. Follow up if you haven't heard anything by the expected return date.

FAQ

My elk mount is at 14 months and I was quoted 10-12. What should I do?

Call or text the shop and ask for a specific status update: "What stage is my elk in right now? Is it back from the tannery?" A 2-4 month delay past estimate is common when tanneries run behind, it doesn't necessarily mean anything has gone wrong. What matters is whether the shop communicates proactively about delays. If they haven't reached out about the delay, ask for a revised estimate and request a notification when the work begins.

Does elk taxidermy require special permits or documentation?

Elk is regulated game requiring a valid state hunting license and elk tag. Some states have additional zone-specific permits. The documentation requirements are essentially the same as deer, license number, tag number, harvest location. There are no federal permit requirements for US-harvested elk. Make sure your taxidermist has your documentation at intake.

Is it worth shipping an elk cape to a specialist taxidermist in another state?

Possibly. Taxidermists who specialize in elk work, particularly in states like Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, often produce exceptional results and may have faster tannery relationships for large game. The shipping cost for a large elk cape isn't trivial, and you lose the convenience of local pickup. If quality is the priority and you've found a taxidermist with exceptional elk portfolio work, the shipping cost may be worth it.

Why does an elk mount take longer than a deer mount?

Elk capes are significantly larger and heavier than deer capes, which affects both tannery processing time and the labor required for the finished mount. Some tanneries charge more and take longer for elk than for deer. The form fitting and mounting process for a large elk cape also takes more time than a deer cape. Add typical queue time at a busy shop and 10-16 months passes quickly.

How do I communicate the timeline to an out-of-state elk hunter at intake?

Be specific. Give them a range, explain the tannery step, and tell them exactly how you will communicate at each milestone. Elk hunters who drove or flew in from out of state to hunt are emotionally invested in their trophy and anxious about leaving it with someone they just met. A customer portal link sent at intake lets them check status anytime without calling, which reduces anxiety significantly.

Can I do anything to speed up an elk shoulder mount?

Intake speed is within your control. Getting the cape to the tannery quickly after intake shortens the total timeline. Choosing a tannery with fast turnaround makes a difference. Rush service at the tannery is sometimes available for an additional fee. Expediting your own production queue requires tradeoffs with other jobs.

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Sources

National Taxidermists Association (NTA)
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Breakthrough Magazine

Get Started with MountChief

Elk customers invest a lot in their hunt and deserve clear, consistent communication about where their mount stands. MountChief's customer portal lets elk hunters check their mount status from anywhere, and tannery tracking means you always have an answer when they ask. Try MountChief to give your elk customers the experience they expect.