How Long Can a Taxidermist Hold a Specimen Before Mounting?

By MountChief Editorial Team|Updated Mar 2026

A properly frozen deer cape can be held indefinitely from a physical standpoint. As long as the specimen stays consistently frozen at the right temperature, there's no hard deadline by which it must be mounted.

In practical terms, most taxidermists complete jobs within 6-18 months of intake. Some high-volume shops during busy seasons may hold specimens for 18-24 months during peak backlog periods. Improper freezer storage by the taxidermist can damage capes during extended holds, which is why understanding your taxidermist's storage setup matters.

TL;DR

There is no universal minimum holding period for in-progress specimens; it depends on your state's law.
For abandoned or unclaimed finished mounts, most states require holding for 60 days to one year after proper notice.
Your intake agreement should specify your holding and pickup policy to reinforce your legal position.
In-progress specimens must be held until work is complete unless the customer cancels.
Document all attempts to contact customers about unclaimed mounts to support any later legal action.

Why Some Specimens Wait Longer Than Others

Taxidermy is a queue-based trade. Jobs are typically processed in the order they were received, adjusted for the taxidermist's species specialties and production workflows.

If you brought in a deer cape in November along with 80 other hunters, your cape goes into the queue at a specific position. The taxidermist ships capes to the tannery in batches, which adds timeline. Tannery turnaround for large mammals runs 4-12 weeks. Then the job waits again for the taxidermist's production bench time.

The total time adds up even in efficient shops:

Wait for tannery batch shipment: 2-8 weeks
Tannery processing time: 4-12 weeks
Wait for production bench availability: 2-8 weeks
Active production time: 1-3 weeks
Drying and finishing: 2-4 weeks

Adding those up gets you to 11-35 weeks, or roughly 3-9 months, even without exceptional delays. Shops with larger backlogs or slower tannery turnarounds push toward the 12-18 month range.

Is It Normal to Wait a Year?

Yes. Waiting 12-18 months for a shoulder mount is entirely normal at professional taxidermy shops, especially for jobs taken in during peak deer season. Any taxidermist who quotes you a 4-6 month turnaround on a deer shoulder mount brought in during November of a busy season is either very lightly booked or setting an expectation they may struggle to meet.

The wait isn't a sign that something is wrong. It's a sign that the taxidermist has more work than they can turn around immediately. Many hunters see a long wait as a quality signal: busy taxidermists are busy for a reason.

Checking Your Mount's Status

Rather than wondering where your specimen is for 12 months, shops that use the taxidermy customer portal give you a link at intake that shows your job's current status at any time. When the cape ships to the tannery, you see it. When it comes back, you see it. When production starts, you see it.

That visibility removes the anxiety from the waiting period. You don't need to call to find out what's happening. The how to manage customer expectations in taxidermy guide covers how professional shops communicate throughout long timelines.

Can My Cape Be Damaged During Long Storage?

Yes, if the taxidermist's storage isn't adequate. Capes stored in residential-grade freezers with frequent door openings are more susceptible to temperature fluctuation and freezer burn over time. Ask your taxidermist about their storage setup if you're concerned about a long hold.

Professional taxidermists typically use commercial chest freezers or walk-in coolers dedicated to specimen storage. Consistent temperatures and minimal door openings keep specimens in optimal condition through extended queues.

What If the Taxidermist Is Taking Too Long?

If your mount is significantly past the quoted turnaround with no communication, you have a right to ask for a status update. Contact the shop professionally and ask for an estimated completion date.

If the taxidermist has been unresponsive for an unreasonable period and you want your specimen back, you can request its return. The taxidermist is not required to hold your specimen indefinitely against your wishes. If you've paid a deposit, there may be a question of what portion is refundable depending on how much work has been done.

Most situations that feel like they're going sideways are actually just communication failures. A quick call or text to ask for a status update usually resolves it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a taxidermist to hold my deer for a year before starting?

Yes, especially for jobs taken in during peak deer season at a busy shop. A full-season backlog plus tannery turnaround time means 12-18 months from intake to completion is entirely standard. If you received a realistic turnaround estimate at intake and your mount is within that window, there's nothing unusual about it. Shops with customer portals let you check the status anytime so the wait feels less uncertain.

How do I ask my taxidermist when they will start my mount?

A simple, professional message or call works well: "Hi, I brought in a deer cape in November and wanted to check in on where it is in your production queue." Most taxidermists are happy to give you a status update. If your shop uses a tracking portal, you may already have the answer available without needing to call.

Can I request my specimen back if the taxidermist is taking too long?

Yes. If you've decided you no longer want the mount or you want to move it to a different shop, you can request your specimen back. Contact the taxidermist directly. Depending on how much work has been done, your deposit may be partially or fully non-refundable per your intake agreement. Get any agreement in writing before the transfer. If the taxidermist refuses to return your property and has not completed the work, that's a situation worth escalating to your state wildlife agency or a small claims court if necessary.

How long must I hold a finished mount before declaring it abandoned?

Most states require a minimum holding period after formal written notice to the customer before you can legally consider a mount abandoned. This period typically ranges from 60 days to one year depending on state law. Check your specific state's abandoned property statutes for the applicable holding period.

Can I charge storage fees on mounts that have not been picked up?

Yes, if your intake agreement includes a storage fee provision. Charging storage fees after a reasonable pickup deadline has passed is standard professional practice and provides financial compensation for the space the mount occupies. Without a storage fee provision in your intake paperwork, your options for recovering storage costs are more limited.

What documentation should I keep when trying to reach a customer about an unclaimed mount?

Keep records of every attempt to contact the customer: date, method, and outcome. If you send written notices, send them by certified mail and keep the receipt. This documentation is essential if you later need to pursue your legal options or if the customer resurfaces and disputes what actions you took.

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Sources

National Taxidermists Association (NTA)
State abandoned property statutes
Small Business Administration (SBA)

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