Picking up my first mount soon. Is this a tipping situation?

I wouldn't think so. You're already paying X amount per inch. I don't tip my construction guy for putting in a new window or shingling my roof.

Seems to me its a service shop, like a mechanic. No tip unless way above and beyond.

Daniel

quote Atb: "Picking up my first mount soon. Is this a tipping situation? "

Worked in food service through HS, so I've always been a generous "Tipper." Never would consider it in taxidermy? And I've had my fair share in the past.

i would think the best tip you could give your taxidermist is to let as many people as possible know about his business, the quality of workmanship and how happy you are with your mount.... and that you would use his services again.
that's what i've done for my taxidermist for 20+ years and he's really great.

Great advice everyone, once again this group keeps me straight. I didn't want to be that guy!

Great points Mocha and Mr. Barley. I usually feel like I'm spending great plenty every time I bring something home. The alternative is spending a good chunk of money and having something that looks like crap, that's the worst feeling. I have a duck mount of some sea ducks that cost just as much as the trip itself but when I see it everyday I just think of how awesome it is. Like Mocha said, if you feel like a tip is necessary, drop his name every chance you get.

what's an extra $10 bucks, he or she would appreciate it, and it shouldn't break the bank, is how i view tipping,

Not so sure I would actually tip but if it was a really great job and I was paying cash I might say "we are good, you did a great job" as he went to give me my change of $10 or $20 back.

These sorts of small pats on the back are remembered.

I agree 10-20 bucks isn't a big deal, but that would be a pretty small percentage on a trophy. I suppose if its an above and beyond kind of job I might do something.

I tip tradespeople. I tip nearly everyone. There's a motel in Green Bay where I stay and one of the cleaning ladies said, "When we see you're staying here, we fight over who gets to clean your room." They're always so kind to me, which is what kindness often begets.

Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved.

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity.

quote : "...Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry.... "

Yikes, pretty harsh words for someone expressing they make a habit of tipping people in a tip-based role. Perhaps have the courage to register rather than post anonymously when making such strong statements.

quote : "

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity. "

Back under your bridge, troll! A mighty big billy goat is my bestie and he's always ready to rumble.

quote : "

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity. "

Wow, that was uncalled for!

quote Atb: "

quote : "...Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry.... "

Yikes, pretty harsh words for someone expressing they make a habit of tipping people in a tip-based role. Perhaps have the courage to register rather than post anonymously when making such strong statements. "

I believe the shot was at the "their lives wold be vastly improved" part, and I agree that that sentiment is self righteous and degrading.

quote Frenchy19: "

quote Atb: "

quote : "...Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry.... "

Yikes, pretty harsh words for someone expressing they make a habit of tipping people in a tip-based role. Perhaps have the courage to register rather than post anonymously when making such strong statements. "

I believe the shot was at the "their lives wold be vastly improved" part, and I agree that that sentiment is self righteous and degrading. "

I remember needing a root canal and not having sufficient income to afford it. An uptick in income would have "vastly improved" my life.

MT is generous. That deserves praise.

Hey I miss the boat more often than I care to admit. But I do try and be generous. My thinking is if everyone gave just a little then a maid (bedroom engineer;-) would most certainly have a better income and thus an improved life. That's just reality. Let's do the math.......30 rooms x $3 = an extra $90 per day. That's an improved standard of living. But even if just 1/2 the rooms kicked in $3 that's still $45 extra per day.

Just a thought. I never used to do it until an artist pal of mine scattered a few bills and I figured it seems like the right thing to do. Sure, why not?

quote mastertangler: "Hey I miss the boat more often than I care to admit. But I do try and be generous. My thinking is if everyone gave just a little then a maid (bedroom engineer;-) would most certainly have a better income and thus an improved life. That's just reality. Let's do the math.......30 rooms x $3 = an extra $90 per day. That's an improved standard of living. But even if just 1/2 the rooms kicked in $3 that's still $45 extra per day.

Just a thought. I never used to do it until an artist pal of mine scattered a few bills and I figured it seems like the right thing to do. Sure, why not?

"

Yep. My anecdote is an example of money not buying happiness, but it sure can alleviate some misery.

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

I always leave $5 for each night I stay sticking out of the Bible; if they don't care for scripture, at least I know they appreciate the tip. My mother did that for a job and you wouldn't believe how nasty and intentionally mean some folks are when staying under someone else's roof.

quote : "

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity. "

OK, I worked in the "Service" industry while in HS and a few months after and my mother was a hotel maid. I don't see ANYTHING derogatory? People get their hackles up and get "Offended" for the most ridiculous things!

quote ozarkpaddler: "

quote : "

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity. "

OK, I worked in the "Service" industry while in HS and a few months after and my mother was a hotel maid. I don't see ANYTHING derogatory? People get their hackles up and get "Offended" for the most ridiculous things! "

Kind of like you being offended and having your hackles up that anyone would be offended by MT's take;-)

quote Frenchy19: "

quote ozarkpaddler: "

quote : "

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity. "

OK, I worked in the "Service" industry while in HS and a few months after and my mother was a hotel maid. I don't see ANYTHING derogatory? People get their hackles up and get "Offended" for the most ridiculous things! "

Kind of like you being offended and having your hackles up that anyone would be offended by MT's take;-) "

Well, I wasn't "Offended," just making an observation!

quote Frenchy19: "

quote ozarkpaddler: "

quote : "

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity. "

OK, I worked in the "Service" industry while in HS and a few months after and my mother was a hotel maid. I don't see ANYTHING derogatory? People get their hackles up and get "Offended" for the most ridiculous things! "

Kind of like you being offended and having your hackles up that anyone would be offended by MT's take;-) "

Ironically, MT's take is about giving and I praise him for the action.

post some photos of your taxidermied mounts so we can all see the great job!

quote Mocha: "post some photos of your taxidermied mounts so we can all see the great job!
"

Indeed! (Thanks Mocha)

Hear, hear!

This is one of my mounts. At the time it was the78th biggest whitetail ever taken with a bow in Illinois. ( according to Boone and Crocket) 311 nationally.
I paid 400$ for the mount. I did not tip the guy. He even arranged for a writer to come in and take pictures and tell my story in North American whitetail, and Illinois game and fish magazine.
He arranged for me to take it to the Illinois deer classic. 2nd place. Missed 1st place by 3/8inch. (Who said size doesn't matter).
He even arranged for me to take it to the new Gander mountain and hang it there.
the plaque stated my name as Hunter and his name as taxadermist ..
So Chris Stabell from Le Clair Iowa here is you due... Great job. Would recommend you to any and all....my bad. Sorry dude.

Nowadays I don't mount animals anymore. Whoa that statement just doesn't sound right......;)
I now prefer European mounts.
Just wrap antlers in aluminium foil and bury in the garden and let the bugs do their thing.alittle powered bleach and Sun light .whitens up nice

quote : "

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity. "

Coward...I doubt it is "guest" . I really wish the moderators would search out when people do this and ban them, at least a temp ban like a year. Other boards I belong to do this. Seems to be occurring more often. If you are too scared or ashamed to post it under your username then don't post.

T

Wow Yogi you seem to be one pretty awesome hunter. That is a beautiful animal with some fine headgear. This is going to sound sort of weird coming from a guy whose prerequisite for hiring onto a new job shop was 10 days off at deer season but I'm not so sure I could shoot a trophy buck anymore. Does to stock the freezer or a little buck, all day long.

Not one iota of criticism of those who do, heck I applaud being able to fool one of the hardest animals to take in North America...and I admire the mounts....just not so sure I could squeeze one off on a big buck anymore is all.

so, this morning i stopped at our local bakery, the "Backerai" and got a small amount of baked goods to take to morning sister coffee.... i asked for 2 krispies (sometimes known as elephant ears) and some other stuff... so the young lady asks if i'd like my krispies in a separate bag rather then in the box where they might get smashed up. I was very impressed with her thoughtfulness and so i gave her a nice tip and said thanks for being considerate of the krispies! this sort of above and beyond is what great customer service is all about.
i will have to ask my taxidermist how often he has been tipped.

quote timatkn: "

quote : "

quote mastertangler: "Yup I ALWAYS leave money on the pillow for the maids at any hotel. Very low paying job and if everyone spotted them a few bucks their lives would be vastly improved. "

What an insensitive, completely degrading, and blindly subjective view of hotel "maids"! If'n I knew you were coming I'd short-sheet your bed. Get a grip oh holy one and quit with the derogatory self righteous view of people in the service industry. They don't need your unfounded pity. "

Coward...I doubt it is "guest" . I really wish the moderators would search out when people do this and ban them, at least a temp ban like a year. Other boards I belong to do this. Seems to be occurring more often. If you are too scared or ashamed to post it under your username then don't post.


T"

Good point, although I am not sure I agree with the ban for a year take. I do wish the mods would ban people here who continually make derogatory comments about others, act as though their word is God's and cannot seem to post anything without finding it necessary to put others' down.

Well monsuir Frenchy it is a "forum" is it not? Where there is a free and frank exchange of perspectives and information? When have we free people of these here United States been afraid to voice our convictions? That can include telling folks why you believe they are wrong. The problems start when it is done in a hateful manner.

I used to dislike doing business with folks from the east coast, New Yorkers particularly I found rude and abrasive. But then I began to understand that despite the bluntness they were only giving their honest perspective. That opened up the ability to have a dialogue and thus a way forward. Now I admire their adherence to speaking their mind and their tendancy to step on my toes has been greatly diminished.

I do not make the mistake of perceiving someone with strong convictions as being rude. Rather, if I disagree I will try and use reasonable persuasion. But the last thing I would do would be to try and silence someone because I didn't like their perspective. That's called tolerance, I'm a fan of it.

MY. I only shoot big bucks anymore....i do hunt for a month at the camper. Shoot a few does to give to older guys who can't hunt but still like venison....
Not into killing like in the day just enjoy it...
Frankly I like the funny stories surrounding deer hunting...
Not so much the kill anymore.

quote mastertangler: "Well monsuir Frenchy it is a "forum" is it not? Where there is a free and frank exchange of perspectives and information? When have we free people of these here United States been afraid to voice our convictions? That can include telling folks why you believe they are wrong. The problems start when it is done in a hateful manner.


I used to dislike doing business with folks from the east coast, New Yorkers particularly I found rude and abrasive. But then I began to understand that despite the bluntness they were only giving their honest perspective. That opened up the ability to have a dialogue and thus a way forward. Now I admire their adherence to speaking their mind and their tendancy to step on my toes has been greatly diminished.


I do not make the mistake of perceiving someone with strong convictions as being rude. Rather, if I disagree I will try and use reasonable persuasion. But the last thing I would do would be to try and silence someone because I didn't like their perspective. That's called tolerance, I'm a fan of it. "

Whatever it takes for you to feel good about yourself.

Frenchy, stop already. I like you and I like your posts. Unfortunately the feelings aren't mutual but what can I do? Walk on egg shells? Be fearful of expressing myself? No thanks.

The difference between us is I would never say "whatever it takes to feel good about yourself" which is obviously meant to demean.

But if someone takes a position suggesting that truth (non-fiction) is what's false and fiction is what's true then I'm not letting it stand.......I'm going to push back. Last I checked non fiction does not have 20 or 30 pages of footnotes detailing sources.

Your perspective, if I remember correctly, is what's the big deal (or words to that effect) we are talking "authors". My perspective is that truth and words matter and in fact words are the most powerful force on the planet. The maxim "the pen is mightier than the sword" has been proven true many times. So it's no big deal to you but a huge deal to me. The solution is once again tolerance.

I suppose we should get back to talking about taxidermy and tipping. Since when did tipping get so prevelant anyways? When did we reach the point where we pay $5 for a cup of coffee (Cinnamon Dulce latte, extra hot, extra shot, no whip > hmmmm) and feel obligated to cough up an extra 20% as a "tip"? Don't forget, everyone is watching ;-)

quote yogi59weedr: "MY. I only shoot big bucks anymore....i do hunt for a month at the camper. Shoot a few does to give to older guys who can't hunt but still like venison....
Not into killing like in the day just enjoy it...
Frankly I like the funny stories surrounding deer hunting...
Not so much the kill anymore.
"

Um, I'm an old guy, I like venison ;-)

Tipping became ubiquitous when employers stopped paying a living wage. When I was an undergrad, I worked 20 hours a week. That paid for my car, apartment, and food. I also graduated with zero debt. Try doing that on minimum wage today.

When I returned to school for my Masters in forties, I worked three jobs and still had to borrow money. Different world.

quote missmolly: "Tipping became ubiquitous when employers stopped paying a living wage. When I was an undergrad, I worked 20 hours a week. That paid for my car, apartment, and food. I also graduated with zero debt. Try doing that on minimum wage today.


When I returned to school for my Masters in forties, I worked three jobs and still had to borrow money. Different world. "

Uh oh.....are we experiencing a slow slide into politics? Ahem.......I wonder if the cost of today's higher education might have something to do with the equation? Back "in the day" (before government decided to nationalize the student loan program thus alleviating free market principles) I strongly suspect college was exponentially less expensive.

I have a munchkin at Florida State. Fortunately it's her last year. Now she is talking med school which is crazy money. (Hey kid, don't forget dear old dad would like a European vacation someday when you start making triple digits.) I keep suggesting a job at Red Lobster.........those folks can knock down some jack!

quote mastertangler: "

quote missmolly: "Tipping became ubiquitous when employers stopped paying a living wage. When I was an undergrad, I worked 20 hours a week. That paid for my car, apartment, and food. I also graduated with zero debt. Try doing that on minimum wage today.



When I returned to school for my Masters in forties, I worked three jobs and still had to borrow money. Different world. "

Uh oh.....are we experiencing a slow slide into politics? Ahem.......I wonder if the cost of today's higher education might have something to do with the equation? Back "in the day" (before government decided to nationalize the student loan program thus alleviating free market principles) I strongly suspect college was exponentially less expensive.


I have a munchkin at Florida State. Fortunately it's her last year. Now she is talking med school which is crazy money. (Hey kid, don't forget dear old dad would like a European vacation someday when you start making triple digits.) I keep suggesting a job at Red Lobster.........those folks can knock down some jack! "

Don't equate tipping with employers paying a living wage, and try to compare that to the cost of college. I just checked when I did my first two years at the local junior college in 69-70 I paid seven dollars a credit hour, same credit hour today is $431.00 has nothing to do with the minimum wage or tipping.

quote mastertangler: "

quote Mocha: "post some photos of your taxidermied mounts so we can all see the great job!
"

Indeed! (Thanks Mocha) "

This post has skidded way off the rails but I'll make an effort to bring it back. These birds were shot in Maine on the ocean between X-mas and New Year's. I still thank Jeff Holmin at North Star Taxidermy in Nicollet, MN every time I see him. After following this post I just might be changing my thoughts and start tipping my taxidermist too.

Hey wow Dean that's a very nice piece of art. Good for you......Just yesterday my wife and I were talking about adding onto the house and have an "up north" type of room with cedar walls etc. Very nice! Now if I could get Yogi to kick in a few mounts and you a few birds I would be set.

The op had a good honest question. I believe anytime you tip your showing your appreciation for that service whether fluffing pillows or mounting your trophy buck. It's not needed in all situations. But being paid in itself is usually enough... but getting that extra thank you can really lift a person up. When hauling canoes and wasn't getting paid what was owed by who I was hauling for, it was the tips that would pick me up. It pretty much shows people are greatful for what you do for them. If that mount exceeds your expectations I would think a tip would be appropriate. And sometimes yes, it could mean the difference between a sandwich or a steak sometimes... I know I've been a recipient that enjoyed that.

quote DeanL: "

quote mastertangler: "

quote Mocha: "post some photos of your taxidermied mounts so we can all see the great job!
"

Indeed! (Thanks Mocha) "

This post has skidded way off the rails but I'll make an effort to bring it back. These birds were shot in Maine on the ocean between X-mas and New Year's. I still thank Jeff Holmin at North Star Taxidermy in Nicollet, MN every time I see him. After following this post I just might be changing my thoughts and start tipping my taxidermist too.
"

Wow.....would love that in my man cave! Thanks for righting the train also.......

quote DeanL: "

quote mastertangler: "

quote Mocha: "post some photos of your taxidermied mounts so we can all see the great job!
"

Indeed! (Thanks Mocha) "

This post has skidded way off the rails but I'll make an effort to bring it back. These birds were shot in Maine on the ocean between X-mas and New Year's. I still thank Jeff Holmin at North Star Taxidermy in Nicollet, MN every time I see him. After following this post I just might be changing my thoughts and start tipping my taxidermist too.
"

Those are REALLY nice! The taxidermist whom mounted all my ducks and geese did an excellent job. He also did some work on displays for the MO Conservation Department. I remember recommending him to a friend, however; my buddy wanted to save some money. I had to bite my tongue because unlike mine, his looked like "Dead" ducks in flight (LOL)! Ironic that yours look much more "Alive" than his (LOL)! Here's a few of mine that are a couple decades old now. I think I see a flying moose on that 'coon?