How Much Does It Cost to Mount a Pheasant?

So how much does it cost to mount a pheasant? Most taxidermists put a standard pheasant mount at about $575 to $750. Where your bird lands in that range often comes down to the pose you pick, the base or habitat you want under it, and where in the country you live. Prices change over time too, so the best number is always the one you get from your own taxidermist.

Pheasant season is open across much of the country, and every year a few hunters walk out of the field with a rooster they know they want on the wall. If that's you, here's what goes into the price, what you can do to get the best mount out of your bird, and what to ask when you drop it off.

The Short Answer on Pheasant Mount Cost

For a single rooster in a standard pose, plan on somewhere around $575 to $750. Some taxidermists include a basic base in that price and some charge for it separately, so it's worth asking up front what the number covers.

From there, the price goes up as the mount gets more involved. A good upland bird mount costs what it does because it takes real skill and real hours to get a rooster looking alive again, especially that long tail and the color in the head. The spread you see between taxidermists is mostly about region and what kind of mount you're asking for.

What Drives the Price of a Pheasant Mount

A few things move the number more than anything else.

The pose. A standing or perched bird is the starting point. A full wing-spread flying pose is a different job, and it can add hundreds to the price. If you've got a rooster that flushed big and you want to remember it that way, it's worth it. Just know going in that it's a step up.

Bases and habitat. A simple base is one thing. Driftwood, custom habitat, or a full scene with grass and cover is another. The more your taxidermist builds around the bird, the more the mount costs.

How it hangs. Wall-hanging and ceiling-hanging mounts often cost more than a bird that sits on a shelf or table, since they take different work to build and hang right.

More than one bird. Groupings and multiple birds in one scene add up, both because there's more than one bird to mount and because the scene itself gets bigger.

Where you live. Prices vary by region. A pheasant mount in one part of the country can run a little different than the same mount a few states over. That's just how it goes.

How a Pheasant Compares to Other Birds

If you hunt more than one kind of bird, it helps to have a feel for the whole picture. Quail and similar small upland birds often run a bit lower than a pheasant. Grouse, chukar, and partridge tend to land in the same general range as a rooster.

On the waterfowl side, a duck mount commonly runs $300 to $600. We broke that down in our post on how much it costs to mount a duck or goose if you want the full rundown.

Deposits and Turnaround

Deposits are common at drop off, sometimes running up to 50% of the total cost. It's also a good time to ask what the final price will look like with the pose and base you picked.

Good bird mounts take time, and most take months, not weeks. We covered what to expect in our post on how long it takes to get a duck or goose mounted.

Condition Matters More Than Most Hunters Think

Here's the part that doesn't show up on a price list. The money you spend on a mount only goes as far as the bird you bring in. A taxidermist can do a lot, but they're working with what you hand them.

Pin feathers are a big one. Early-season birds often still have them, and pin feathers are hard to mount. They can fall out and leave gaps in the finished bird. If you've got a choice between a couple of roosters, ask your taxidermist which one is the better candidate.

The tail is the other big one. On a pheasant, that long tail is a centerpiece of the whole mount. A broken or damaged tail feather is a real problem, and it's easy to do. Stuffing a rooster in a game vest or tossing it in the back of the truck is all it takes.

Good field care is simple. Handle the bird as little as possible. Keep the feathers smooth and dry. And don't field dress a bird you want mounted. Leave the bird alone and let your taxidermist take it from there.

Keeping Your Bird Mount-Ready

This is why we started Tagged and Bagged. Our preservation kits don't replace your taxidermist. They keep your bird mount-ready for them. Our Upland Bird Preservation Kit is $26.99, and it works for pheasant, quail, grouse, chukar, woodcock, partridge, and more.

The towelettes keep the head and feet from drying out and getting freezer burned. The tube is built specifically to protect long, fragile tail feathers from bending and breakage, which matters a lot on a rooster. Our preservation kits let you safely store birds for 3+ years in the freezer before mounting, when consistently kept at 0°F (-18°C) or below. That buys you time if you can't get to your taxidermist right away.

For how to actually use it, check out our step-by-step post on how to preserve a pheasant for mounting. You can grab a kit online or find a store that carries our kits.

Pheasant Mount FAQ

How much is a pheasant mount?

Most taxidermists put a standard pheasant mount at about $575 to $750. Flying poses, custom habitat, and groupings can push it higher. Ask your taxidermist for their current price, since it varies by region and changes over time.

Does the price of a pheasant mount include a base?

Sometimes. Some taxidermists include a basic base in their price and some charge for it separately. Driftwood, custom habitat, and full scenes usually cost extra either way.

Why does a flying pheasant cost more?

A full wing-spread flying pose is a bigger job than a standing bird, and it can add hundreds to the price. It's a great way to show off a rooster, it just takes more work to get right.

Can I get an early-season pheasant mounted?

You can, but early-season birds often have pin feathers. Those are hard to mount and can fall out and leave gaps, so talk to your taxidermist about the bird before you commit.

Should I field dress a pheasant I want mounted?

No. Handle it as little as possible, keep the feathers smooth and dry, and protect that tail.

Good luck out there this season. If you knock down a rooster worth keeping, take care of it from the moment you pick it up. Your taxidermist will thank you for it.