Why taxidermize?

[rogermorse]

I taxidermize only 3 of my animals until now and they were not even gold or diamond trophies. I did because during inspection (so basically the moment I shot them) they were in nice positions (like running or jumping etc) I thought to taxidermize them to then display in a lodge (that I didn't have before today)...I tried but all I can do is place them on a plaque and pute the head / horns in different "poses". I thought I would display the whole animal (at least for the running fox I have among the trophies).

Other than stats (you can display the stats for that kill including date etc), I find the lodge then pretty useless (from a "decorative" point of view). I saw you can buy special "displays" where the position of the animals is predefined (Matmat's multi trophy mounts) but other than that, there is no way?

Also of my current 10 saved harvests, I cannot re-see the positions of the animal when I shot it so I guess it's really just about the stats (and in part color of the fur).

P.S. I just placed a FOX on the stand and yes at least there you can put the position you want (unrelated to the position the animal got shot in) so at least for the smaller animals it is a bit more clear.

[dbond1]

It's completely optional. But I like it. Having the lodged stuffed full of magnificent game is pretty cool. A gallery of best moments out in the field.

I think in your postscript you are saying you found how to do full displays? Because yes, it can be done, maybe you just need to familiarize more.

[rogermorse]

Originally posted by dbond1:

I think in your postscript you are saying you found how to do full displays? Because yes, it can be done, maybe you just need to familiarize more.

Yes I found a display for the fox. So you can display also whole big animals (like bisons) I guess. My complaint was actually that you could not reproduce exactly the moment you shoot the animal...that would add some more "value" to the trophy somehow and also connecting it to your memory (if you still remember) of when you got the kill. I mean I was very proud to have got a fox or so with the bow while running, but the trophy in the end is just the trophy of a fox if you know what I mean.

[dbond1]

Yes, you have limited ability to make full body displays. And you're right, you cannot replicate the moment the animal was struck by your round/arrow. But still, the number of stances is pretty good.

But of course not everyone will be keen, and taxidermy is very expensive in game terms. Stick to your best examples. Diamonds or golds maybe, or ones that have special significance in some way. Maybe a particularly involved stalk or other story attached. A striking coat perhaps.

[James]

It would indeed be nice to have the option to attach some more info to your trophies. Like a photo and a text (that you could opt in to provide at the time of the harvest). Still, having lodges to mount trophies in is quite fun once you start messing with it.

I do not care so much for the exact stance of the animal when you down it. I mean, when would that be? First shot, second or perhaps third shot? Depending on what vitals/non vitals you hit? Could be hard to implement? The variations provided are quite good in my book.

You can place all animals as full body, but you need to find the spot for it. You can even combine animals on one stand, like a couple of lions attacking a water buffalo (thanks for the nice screenshot Geronimo). Pretty cool.

[DarkFalz]

Originally posted by James:

It would indeed be nice to have the option to attach some more info to your trophies. Like a photo and a text (that you could opt in to provide at the time of the harvest). Still, having lodges to mount trophies in is quite fun once you start messing with it.

This I can very much agree with. The current information displayed is very limited and I'd love to see exactly where the animal was killed, what weapon was used and any other notes you might want to add.

[LotteR]

I guess 'pride' is the biggest reason to taxidermize. They are trophies, a testiment to your luck and/or skill. Plus, a lot of the animals are pretty to look at. In a lodge, you don't have to go hunt them to see them.

[rogermorse]

Originally posted by Lotte:

I guess 'pride' is the biggest reason to taxidermize. They are trophies, a testiment to your luck and/or skill. Plus, a lot of the animals are pretty to look at. In a lodge, you don't have to go hunt them to see them.

Yes of course that is clear (the title of my thread was a bit exaggerated, let's say I expected more from spending all that money in taxidermy). I also sadly noticed that the bigger lodges (the paid DLC compared to the Layton Lake lodge) are much less detailed and very "bland" in the design...big halls with just the stands for the animals, while the Layton lodge is actually a nice building in itself already.

[misfitsailor]

One thing the devs could have done was to have picture frames in the lodges that you could display photos taken in-game. Of course that would work best with the TheHunter Classic style of harvest photos, which we don't have.

[LotteR]

Originally posted by rogermorse:

...let's say I expected more from spending all that money in taxidermy).

Taxidermizing is too expensive in my humble opinion. Purchasing a second dog is ridiculously expensive. Some weapons also, and they aren't even necessary. And when you want to unlock the hunting structures on the map as well. "Doc" speaks true when he says there is no shortage of ways to spend money (in this game). He says it when you pick up the first shed.

[Geronimo]

Originally posted by Lotte:

I guess 'pride' is the biggest reason to taxidermize. They are trophies, a testiment to your luck and/or skill. Plus, a lot of the animals are pretty to look at. In a lodge, you don't have to go hunt them to see them.

While proudly showing off your trophies is one reason for stuffing, some hunters do it to honor the animal, providing it's avatar with a place of sanctity in your sanctuary.

Particular animals might hold more importance because of the circumstances of the event, moreso than just our own pride.