Book before the rush.
Whitetail intake lands in a six-to-eight week window, and a shop that had room in September is quoting next summer by December. Pick your studio while they still have the bench.
Minnesota
- Archery
- Sept. 19 – Dec. 31, 2026
- Firearms
- Nov. 7 – 22, 2026 (opener Saturday, Nov. 7)
Pennsylvania
- Archery
- Oct. 3 – Nov. 20, 2026
- Firearms
- Nov. 28 – Dec. 13, 2026 (opener the Saturday after Thanksgiving)
Common questions.
- How much does a deer shoulder mount cost?
- Most studios charge between $650 and $950 for a whitetail shoulder mount, varying with region, base work, and finish detail. Elk and bear run higher due to size.
- How long will my mount take?
- Typical turnaround is 4 to 12 months depending on the studio's backlog and the season. Studios listing 4–6 week turnarounds usually reserve them for birds and small game.
- How should I care for the animal before drop-off?
- Cool the animal quickly and avoid dragging the shoulder or cape you want mounted. For birds, tuck the head under a wing and freeze in a plastic bag as soon as possible. Call the studio — most will walk you through field care for your species.