Duck mounts can vary widely in value depending on several factors. In this article, we’ll take a look at what affects the price of duck mounts and provide some general ranges for how much common duck species are worth when professionally mounted.
What affects the value of a duck mount?
Some key factors that impact the value of a duck mount include:
- Species – More desirable, rare, or colorful species are typically more valuable.
- Size – Larger ducks (like mallards) are generally worth more than smaller ducks (like teal).
- Pose – Unique or animated poses can increase value compared to standard flying or sitting poses.
- Mount quality – Professionally mounted ducks are worth more than amateur taxidermy jobs.
- Age – Older vintage mounts have added collectible value.
- Provenance – Mounts from renowned taxidermists or belonging to famous hunters may be worth more.
- Rarity – Rare species and mutation color variants have higher values.
- Condition – Mounts in pristine condition are worth more than those with damage or wear.
Mallard Duck Mounts
Mallards are one of the most popular ducks to hunt and have mounted. As a large duck species, high-quality mallard mounts typically range from $200 to $500 or more.
Factors impacting mallard mount value:
- Size – Large, adult male mallards are more valuable than smaller females and juveniles.
- Coloration – Bright plumage and iridescent colors increase value.
- Pose – Unique flying or swimming poses may add value over basic sitting poses.
- Taxidermy skill – Top-tier taxidermists can charge $500+ for high-quality mallard mounts.
Standard price ranges for mallard mounts:
Mallard Mount Type | Price Range |
---|---|
Adult male | $300 – $500 |
Adult female | $200 – $400 |
Juvenile | $100 – $300 |
Basic sitting pose | $200 – $300 |
Unique flying/swimming pose | $300 – $500+ |
Wood Duck Mounts
Wood ducks are highly prized for their vibrant, multi-colored plumage. Quality wood duck mounts can cost $350 to $600+ based on factors like:
- Plumage condition – Bright, unfaded colors increase value.
- Pose – Unique in-flight poses highlight colors and are more valuable.
- Sex – Vibrant drakes (males) are worth more than drab hens (females).
- Mount craftsmanship – Top taxidermists command higher prices.
Typical price ranges:
Wood Duck Mount | Price Range |
---|---|
Drake in basic pose | $350 – $500 |
Drake in flying pose | $400 – $600 |
Hen in basic pose | $300 – $450 |
Teal Duck Mounts
Teal are small ducks and less valuable than larger species. Blue-winged and green-winged teal generally range from $100 to $300 depending on:
- Species – Green-winged worth slightly more than blue-winged.
- Sex – Drakes worth more than hens.
- Pose – Flying poses more interesting than sitting poses.
- Condition – Excellent plumage condition and lack of wear/fading.
Typical price ranges:
Teal Duck Mount | Price Range |
---|---|
Blue-winged teal drake | $150 – $250 |
Green-winged teal drake | $175 – $275 |
Hen of either species | $100 – $200 |
Pintail Duck Mounts
Pintails are known for their elegant long necks and pointed tail feathers. Typical pintail mounts cost:
- Drake: $250 – $450+
- Hen: $175 – $350
Factors impacting value:
- Condition of long tail feathers.
- Vibrance of plumage.
- Pose – in-flight poses highlight the pintail’s distinctive silhouette.
Wigeon Duck Mounts
Wigeon are medium-sized ducks. Mounted wigeon generally range from $175 to $300 depending on:
- Species – Eurasian wigeon (rare) worth more than American wigeon.
- Sex – Drakes more colorful than hens.
- Condition – Excellent feather condition and lack of fading.
- Pose – Flying poses more dynamic than sitting poses.
Typical price ranges:
Wigeon Duck Mount | Price Range |
---|---|
American wigeon drake | $200 – $300 |
Eurasian wigeon drake | $250 – $400 |
Hen of either species | $175 – $275 |
Canvasback Duck Mounts
With their distinctive profile and coloring, canvasbacks are a popular diving duck to mount. Typical prices are:
- Drake: $250 – $500
- Hen: $200 – $400
Factors impacting value:
- Condition – Bright white canvas and red head coloration increase value.
- Pose – Head-up poses showcase the canvasback’s profile.
- Size – Larger birds command higher prices.
Redhead Duck Mounts
Redheads are medium-sized diving ducks. Drake mounts are worth more than hens. Typical price range:
- Drake: $200 – $400
- Hen: $150 – $300
Ruddy Duck Mounts
Small and compact diving ducks. Males have striking blue bills and white cheeks. Price ranges:
- Drake: $150 – $300
- Hen: $100 – $250
Bufflehead Duck Mounts
These tiny diving ducks have colorful markings. Males and females both have white bodies. Price ranges:
- Drake: $100 – $250
- Hen: $75 – $200
Scaup Duck Mounts
Scaup come in greater and lesser species. Greater scaup drakes have green heads while lesser have purple heads. Typical prices:
Scaup Duck Mount | Price Range |
---|---|
Greater scaup drake | $175 – $350 |
Lesser scaup drake | $150 – $300 |
Hen of either species | $125 – $275 |
Goldeneye Duck Mounts
Goldeneyes include common and Barrow’s species. They have signature golden-yellow eyes. Typical price ranges:
- Common goldeneye drake: $200 – $400
- Barrow’s goldeneye drake: $250 – $450
- Hen of either species: $150 – $300
Long-Tailed Duck Mounts
Also known as oldsquaw, long-tailed ducks are medium-sized diving ducks. Drakes have longer tails and are more colorful. Typical prices:
- Drake: $250 – $450
- Hen: $175 – $325
Harlequin Duck Mounts
Harlequins are highly sought after for their vivid blue, white, and chestnut coloring. Typical range:
- Drake: $300 – $600+
- Hen: $200 – $400
Scoter Duck Mounts
There are three species of scoter – black, white-winged, and surf. Black scoter drakes are the most colorful. Typical prices:
Scoter Duck Mount | Price Range |
---|---|
Black scoter drake | $250 – $500 |
White-winged scoter drake | $200 – $400 |
Surf scoter drake | $225 – $425 |
Hen of any species | $175 – $350 |
Eider Duck Mounts
Eiders include common, king, and spectacled species. Kings are the most colorful. Typical prices:
- King eider drake: $300 – $600
- Common eider drake: $250 – $500
- Spectacled eider drake: $400 – $700
- Hen of any species: $200 – $400
Merganser Duck Mounts
Mergansers come in hooded, common, and red-breasted species. Red-breasted drakes are the most vibrant. Typical prices:
Merganser Duck Mount | Price Range |
---|---|
Hooded merganser drake | $250 – $450 |
Red-breasted merganser drake | $275 – $475 |
Common merganser drake | $225 – $400 |
Hen of any species | $175 – $350 |
Rare/Prized Duck Mounts
Some other duck species that can command higher prices when professionally mounted include:
- Mandarin duck – $400 – $700+ for a drake
- Wood duck – $300 – $500
- Cinnamon teal – $200 – $400 for a drake
- Black duck – $250 – $450 for a drake
- Fulvous whistling duck – $300 – $600
Factors Impacting Duck Mount Prices
To summarize the main factors influencing duck mount values:
- Species – Rare and more colorful species are more valuable.
- Sex – Drakes typically worth more than hens.
- Size – Larger ducks command higher prices.
- Pose – Unique in-flight or swimming poses are more desirable.
- Plumage condition – Bright, unfaded colors increase value.
- Mount quality – Professional grade taxidermy has higher value.
Conclusion
Duck mounts can range from $100 for small hen ducks like teal up to $700+ for rare drake breeds in prime condition. The most desirable mounts are from large, brightly colored drake ducks mounted in animated flying poses. Professional quality taxidermy and excellent feather condition also impact value. While duck mounts can be an investment, their prices ultimately reflect their uniqueness, quality, and aesthetic appeal as hunting trophies and decorative art.