So I caught a new PB Tiger Muskellunge last June and my intent was to pick it up in person at the booth during the local Muskie Expo here in March.  That event has been cancelled.  So I have 2 other options: either drive there and pick it up in person or have it shipped.  Shipping is another 75 bucks (which I'm fine with) but I'm worried about it getting damaged.  I feel more comfortable about driving there but its about 4.5 hours one way, located north of Conover, WI which isn't far from the WI-Mich UP border.  I'd be looking at about a 10 hour day after stops for fuel, lunch, etc.  Has anyone ever had a large replica shipped?  And did it show up as you expected?  I'm sure the shipper who I am paying would have insurance on it so if it was damaged, it would be replaced.  But in this scenario, I'd have to ship it back and wait again which I'm not real excited about.

Use Fed Ex

I had my PB pike replica shipped from Lax Taxidermy. It was screwed to a board with a lag bolt in a large cardboard coffin filled with large foam peanuts. It came through shipping flawlessly. I had to support it at both ends to unscrew the lag bolt from underneath to release it. 

Thanks Dwight, that is the place that's doing mine.  If I have it shipped, I feel better about it arriving in one piece now.

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

Thanks Dwight, that is the place that's doing mine.  If I have it shipped, I feel better about it arriving in one piece now.

I don't think you need to worry about Lax. I was really impressed with how careful they were with the shipping process. They do beautiful work. Post up a picture when you get it unboxed. 

My replica was made in Florida and shipped to my home near Chicago. The taxidermist built a nice wood frame to support the mount which is mounted on a piece of driftwood and then on a base. I wish I still had the box and frame he shipped it in as I’m getting ready to move and I’d like it protected during the move.

I have had 3 replicas shipped from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and one from California to Pennsylvania.  All arrived in great shape.  Those replica makers know how to package those works of art.  I don’t think I would worry.