Custom black bear mounts cost $795-$2,500+ for shoulder mounts, $1,500-$4,000 for full body, and $800-$1,800 for rugs. Grizzly bears run higher at $1,030-$4,500+. Pre-made bear mounts offer immediate availability and transparent pricing. Browse our bear taxidermy collection with ready-to-ship options.
You’ve tagged your first bear or you’re looking to add an impressive piece to your collection. Either way, you’re wondering what it’ll cost to get that massive animal properly mounted.
Bear taxidermy is one of the most expensive types of mount work, but it’s also one of the most dramatic. Here’s what you can expect to pay in 2026, broken down by mount type and species.
Black Bear Mount Pricing by Type
Shoulder Mounts: $795-$1,200
Shoulder mounts display the bear’s head, neck, and upper chest in various poses. This is the most affordable bear mount option.
Standard pricing:
- Basic closed-mouth pose: $795-$950
- Open-mouth aggressive stance: $900-$1,200
- Wall pedestal (includes more chest): $1,000-$1,400
What affects the price? Bear size matters most. A 200-pound bear costs less to mount than a 400-pounder due to form size and hide tanning costs. Open-mouth poses add $150-$375 because of the extra detail work on teeth, gums, and tongue.
Browse our selection of black bear shoulder mounts in various poses and sizes.
Half-Body Mounts: $950-$2,200
Half-body mounts (also called half-life-size) show the bear from head through front legs, appearing to emerge from the wall. These create dramatic three-dimensional displays.
Typical cost range:
- Basic straight pose: $950-$1,200
- Aggressive stance with claws extended: $1,200-$1,600
- Custom base with rocks/logs: $1,400-$2,200
Half-body mounts cost roughly 65% of what full-body mounts run, making them a middle-ground option for hunters who want more impact than a shoulder mount without the full-body price tag.
Full Body Mounts: $1,500-$4,000
Life-size floor mounts are the ultimate bear display. Pricing varies dramatically based on size, pose, and base complexity.
Size-based pricing:
- Small bears (150-250 lbs): $1,500-$2,000
- Average bears (250-350 lbs): $2,000-$2,800
- Large bears (350-500 lbs): $2,500-$4,000
Additional costs:
- Custom habitat base: $400-$1,000
- Attacking/aggressive pose: $200-$500 extra
- Walking on log or rocks: $300-$600
- Custom scene with foliage: $500-$1,200
The form alone costs $440-$800 depending on size, and hide tanning runs $200-$400. When you add labor, base materials, and finishing work, costs add up quickly.
Check out our full body bear mounts for immediate availability.
Bear Rugs: $800-$1,800
Bear rugs showcase the animal’s massive size and beautiful coat without taking up floor space. They’re priced per linear foot.
Pricing by size:
- Small bears (5-6 feet): $800-$1,000
- Medium bears (6-7 feet): $1,000-$1,400
- Large bears (7+ feet): $1,400-$1,800+
Most taxidermists charge $115-$165 per linear foot. A 6-foot bear rug at $150/foot runs $900 before factoring in skull preparation, felt backing, and decorative edging.
Rug options include:
- Head mounted (stuffed): Standard pricing
- Flat head on felt: $100-$150 less
- Double-felted backing: $100-$200 extra
- Decorative trim/edging: $75-$150
Browse bear rugs in various sizes and color phases.
Grizzly and Brown Bear Pricing
Grizzly and brown bears cost significantly more than black bears due to size, legal restrictions, and rarity.
Shoulder mounts: $1,030-$1,800 Half-body mounts: $2,000-$3,200 Full body mounts: $4,000-$7,000+
The average grizzly mount runs around $4,500 for full body work with a basic base. Add custom habitat elements and you’re easily pushing $6,000-$8,000.
Important legal note: Grizzly bears are federally protected in the lower 48 states. Only Alaskan grizzlies and pre-Endangered Species Act specimens can be sold. Always verify legal documentation before purchasing grizzly mounts.
Our grizzly bear collection includes all necessary permits and documentation.
Hidden Costs in Custom Bear Taxidermy
That initial quote from your taxidermist rarely tells the whole story. Here’s what often gets added:
Hide tanning: $200-$400 for commercial tannery work. Bears have thick hides that require specialized processing.
Skull cleaning: $85-$150 if you want the skull prepared separately as a European mount.
Form upgrades: Larger or specialty forms add $100-$300.
Rush fees: $200-$500 to move up the 12-18 month waiting list.
Damaged hide repairs: Field dressing mistakes or bullet damage can add $100-$400 in repair costs.
Delivery: Full body mounts are heavy and fragile. Custom crating and shipping can run $300-$800 depending on distance.
A $2,000 quote can easily become $2,800 by the time you pick up your mount.
Quality Markers: What Good Bear Mounts Look Like
Whether commissioning custom work or buying pre-made, demand quality for these prices:
Facial Expression Bears should look alert and lifelike, not cartoonish. The mouth position matters. Open-mouth poses should show natural aggression, not exaggerated snarling. Eyes must be properly positioned and clear.
Hide Quality Check for:
- Full, even hair coverage with no bald spots
- Proper color matching if multiple hide pieces were used
- Tight seams that are barely visible
- No cracking or drying around the nose and pads
Teeth and Claws All teeth should be present and properly positioned. Claws must be intact and securely attached. Missing or damaged claws significantly reduce value.
Form Fit The form should match the bear’s actual size and build. Too-small forms make large bears look scrawny. Too-large forms appear bloated and unnatural.
Base Quality For full body mounts, the base matters. Quality bases feature:
- Sturdy construction that supports 200-500 pounds
- Natural-looking rocks, logs, or terrain
- Proper mounting hardware
- Finished edges and backing
Mount Poses: Choosing What Works
Different poses suit different spaces and budgets:
Standing Upright (Full Body) Most dramatic pose, requires 8-10 feet of ceiling height. Shows the bear’s full size. Expect to pay top dollar for this iconic position.
Walking/Prowling (Full Body) More natural-looking, requires less vertical space. Good for rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings.
Aggressive/Attacking (Half or Full Body) Open mouth, claws extended, leaning forward. Adds $200-$500 but creates incredible visual impact.
Straight Shoulder Mount Classic head-and-shoulders pose. Most affordable option, fits any wall space.
Semi-Sneak Shoulder Mount Head turned to one side, alert but not aggressive. Popular choice that works in smaller spaces.
Color Phases: Black Bears Come in Many Shades
Black bears aren’t always black. Color phase affects both hunting trophy value and taxidermy appeal:
Black phase: Classic dark brown to jet black. Most common and most affordable.
Cinnamon phase: Rich brown coloring. Slightly more sought-after, can add $100-$200 to value.
Chocolate phase: Deep chocolate brown. Beautiful coats that photograph well.
Blonde phase: Light tan to golden. Rare and highly prized. Can add $300-$500 to purchase price.
Color phase doesn’t affect custom taxidermy costs, but pre-made mounts in rare colors command premiums.
Custom vs. Pre-Made: The Cost Comparison
Custom work advantages:
- Your specific bear preserved
- Exact pose and base design you want
- Complete control over details
Custom work disadvantages:
- 12-18 month wait times
- Multiple hidden fees
- Total cost unknown until completion
- Risk of poor field care ruining the hide
Pre-made mount advantages:
- Immediate availability
- See exact product before buying
- Transparent pricing with no surprises
- Professional quality guaranteed
Pre-made mount disadvantages:
- Can’t customize pose or features
- Won’t be your specific bear
For most hunters, buying a second or third bear mount for display purposes, pre-made offers better value. For that once-in-a-lifetime trophy, custom work makes more sense.
Bear Rug vs. Mount: Which to Choose?
If you’re torn between a rug and a mount, consider:
Choose a rug if:
- You want to showcase the bear’s coat and size
- Floor or wall space is limited
- You prefer a more traditional hunting trophy look
- Budget is tighter (rugs cost 40-60% less than full mounts)
Choose a mount if:
- You want dramatic three-dimensional display
- You have space for a corner piece
- You want to show the bear’s face and expression
- Money isn’t the primary concern
Many hunters with multiple bears do both: their first or best bear as a mount, others as rugs.
Wait Times: How Long Custom Work Takes
Bear taxidermy isn’t quick:
Shoulder mounts: 8-12 months Half-body mounts: 10-14 months Full body mounts: 12-18 months Rugs: 6-10 months
Peak season (fall through winter) creates the longest delays. Bears tagged in September might not return until the following hunting season or later.
Pre-made mounts ship within days, eliminating the painful waiting period.
Finding Fair Prices: What’s Reasonable?
Use these benchmarks to evaluate quotes:
Too cheap (likely poor quality):
- Shoulder mount under $500
- Half-body under $800
- Full body under $1,200
- Rug under $600
Fair pricing (good quality expected):
- Shoulder mount: $795-$1,200
- Half-body: $950-$2,200
- Full body: $1,500-$4,000
- Rug: $800-$1,800
Premium pricing (award-winning work):
- Shoulder mount: $1,200-$1,800
- Half-body: $2,200-$3,500
- Full body: $4,000-$8,000
- Rug: $1,800-$2,500
Geographic location affects pricing. Alaska, California, and major metro areas charge 20-30% more than rural areas. Shopping online eliminates regional price variations.
European Skull Mounts: The Budget Alternative
Not ready to spend $1,500-$4,000? Bear skull mounts offer an impressive display at a fraction of the cost.
Pricing:
- Basic beetle-cleaned skull: $85-$150
- European mount on plaque: $150-$300
- Custom base with habitat: $250-$450
Bear skulls are massive and impressive. A full-grown black bear skull measures 12-14 inches long, making a dramatic wall display without the expense of a full mount.
See our bear skull collection for budget-friendly options.
State Shipping Restrictions
Important: Bears cannot be shipped to California, Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia due to state regulations.
Always verify your state allows bear taxidermy before purchasing. Most states permit finished mounts, but a handful have strict prohibitions.
Making Your Decision
Bear taxidermy represents a significant investment, but a quality mount lasts 50+ years with minimal care. Consider:
- Mount type based on space and budget
- Species (black bear vs. grizzly/brown)
- Pose that fits your room
- Custom vs. pre-made depending on timeline and flexibility
- Total costs including hidden fees
For immediate availability, transparent pricing, and professional quality, browse our current bear inventory. Every mount includes detailed photos, measurements, and necessary documentation.
Ready to Find Your Bear Mount?
Explore our selection of black bear, grizzly bear, and brown bear taxidermy in shoulder mounts, half-body mounts, full body mounts, and rugs.
Questions about sizing, shipping restrictions, or specific mounts? Contact our team for expert guidance.
All bear mounts include proper documentation and ship with insurance. State restrictions apply to certain locations.