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deer appraisal-insurance purpose

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stingray

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Hi guys, haven't posted since the classic. Was told yesterday by our ins. co. that we needed an official appraisal on our buck hanging on the wall. At the Classic found only one person who claimed to be an appraiser, fee was $200. Ouch! Figured I'd do without until yesterday. They cover double the fee of the taxidermy unless you can prove it is worth more, so here we are. Anyone know where I can do this cheaper? What actually qualifies a person to do this? What certification is there? Any info would be greatly appreciated. stingray
 
I would think if you could find records of sales of similar racks (inches) that it would establish market value. Try tracking E-bay and record the sales for a period of time. I am sure their must be other more reliable sources I just don't know what they are. $200 bucks to appraise a trophy whitetail sounds completely crazy.

On the other side of this issue if it was destroyed in a fire no money could really replace it. I would think it would be like loosing all of your family heirlooms, photos, antiques.
 
The above reply was from me. I did not log my son off before I replied.
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Can you tell me who you visited with? I can make some suggestions if you call me. Understand tho that it is not unreasonable to expect a fee for a service rendered. There is some time involved in writing a professional appraisal.

I will hep in any way I can. 515-689-4491
 
What I have done on 2 of my deer racks is forget the insurance and appraisal no amount of money will bring back that deer head. Take the deer to a good taxidermist and have a replica made of the rack and store somewhere other than your home. If the original rack would get ruined you would have the replica and then have a memorable hunt to get a cape and it would almost be like the real thing.
After I tried to insure mine this route is a lot cheaper.
 
Rattle them in,

What does it cost to have a replica made? I always thought that this was a rich man's topic but you stated that it was cheaper than insuring the heads. Just curious.

Bowman
 
I may have spoke out of turn. I do not know what it costs.
I have a bowhunting partner that moved from NY after high school to wrestle in Iowa and he got married this summer. His mom who is a chef in NY and in a caribou camp in Alaska during caribou season measured and made molds of my 2 deer and was going to have her boss make them when she gets back to caribou camp. He makes replicas of caribou for his lodge of special ones shot in his camp.
So she took molds of my deer and her boys back and when we go bow/shotgun hunting in NY this fall we are going to pick them up.
So what it cost me is a bow shotgun or muzzleloader hunt when he draws a tag in Iowa.
So I have not seen them but at least I will have something that resembles my rack. With an insurance policy you will only get money and never be able to reconstruct a shoulder mount.
 
Thank you for the responses. I never thought about getting a replica made, may be a cheaper route than insurance. Actually the individual that was suggested as the only appraiser present at the Classic was owner Larry Huffman. He said if I sent him pictures and my score sheet he would appraise it at home 'cuz things were busy at the Classic. stingray
 
That would have been the person I would have suggested.

He is a busy but VERY qualified and respected appraiser. His time is valuable but would be surprised if he asked you $200 to do the appraisal.
 
Stingray, As to cost for a replica...Some replica makers will make you one or two copies for nothing if it's big enough for them. They in turn keep the mold and have the rights to sell copies of it. Making a good guality mold is quite labor intensive, probably 50 hrs. on yours. The materials are also quite expensive. If you want, email me and I can steer you in the direction of some people that are close to you that could do it. My email is deerexpert@alltel.net By the way, what does it score?
 
shovelbuck, it scored 187 6/8. First experience like this for me. Been alot of fun, learned alot, could learn alot more I'm sure. Thanks, stingray.
 
I can only tell you after losing my three trophies in a fire that destroyed our home in March of 2002 that I sure do wish I had had copies made of the racks. All three mounts were in the 160 B/C range. Lost my Buffalo head and turkey mounts to. Of course all my hunting photos for 40+ years are gone also.
 
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