E. Star Waterfowl Taxidermy
Process, Turnaround & Pricing
Current realistic turnaround time is 12–14 months. Turnaround does not vary meaningfully by season.
From drop-off to pickup
How it works
- 01
Drop-off & deposit
Your bird is dropped off by appointment. We collect your information and a deposit at drop-off — $200 for all waterfowl other than geese, which require a 50% deposit.
- 02
You won't hear from us for a while — that's normal
About 2 weeks before your project starts, we'll reach out to confirm posing and answer any questions.
- 03
Mounting
Once posing is confirmed, mounting begins.
- 04
Drying
After mounting, the piece dries for about 10–12 days.
- 05
Pickup
When your bird is finished, we'll reach out to schedule pickup. The remaining balance is due at pickup.
Payment
Cash, check, or Venmo accepted.
2025/2026 Price List
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Ducks (Puddle and Diving) | $600 |
| Sea Ducks | $700 |
| Eiders / Mergansers | $750 |
| Small / Medium Geese | $850 |
| Large Canada Geese | $1,200 |
| Habitat — driftwood, water scenes, etc. (see below) | $25+ |
Pricing includes any pose mounted on a ghost hanger or a gloss-finished plaque. High-quality driftwood is available if desired — tumbled for splinters, treated for bugs, and cut with a flat back to fit nicely against the wall. Additional habitat services are available per request; artificial water and rock habitats will be quoted. All habitat work is priced based on time and material cost.
Thank you for choosing E. STAR Taxidermy for your bird work!
Deposits & pickup
A $200 deposit is required for all waterfowl other than geese, which are a 50% deposit requirement. Birds must be picked up within 30 days of completion. You will be contacted prior to starting on your piece, and we will maintain contact until completion. The remaining balance on all pieces must be paid at pickup.
Unclaimed pieces policy
Failure to pick up your finished piece within 30 days of the completion notice will result in storage fees. Failure to pick up within 1 year of completion means the piece is considered abandoned. Abandoned pieces are subject to being physically destroyed and stripped down to reclaim materials.