Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question you don't see listed? Email Paul your question by clicking here. How much does it cost?This is usually the first question customers ask. Each and every taxidermy project is different. Many factors can affect the final price of the mount (condition of the specimen, repairs to the hide and antlers, molting feathers, custom poses, and additional habitat or plaque costs). A basic price can be determined by calculating the cost of the materials for a specimen as well as the time needed to complete the project. Here is a typical pricing example for a whitetail deer shoulder mount.
How long will the project take?The length of time for each project varies. Factors that can influence turn around times can be turn around time of tannery, and drying time of the mount. We want you to be able to enjoy you trophy as quickly as possible, therefore, we keep our workload limited to ensure each mount is completed in a reasonable amount of time. Our turnaround time is approximately six months for most mounts. How must the cape be prepared before taking it to a taxidermist?This is an important question. Good hide preparation can make or break a mount. As soon as an animal is taken it will begin to decompose. Bacteria present in the animal begin breaking it down quickly, so it is best to act fast. The faster you get your specimen to a taxidermist, the better the finished product will be. Don’t assume your meat processor or outfitter understands how to properly prepare your specimen for taxidermy. I prefer to cape trophies before they go to a processor. This will ensure your trophy does not sit on a processor’s floor as it continues to decompose. Many mounts have been ruined by poor field care. Here are a few field care tips that can help you avoid problems later.
What are the best methods for mounting?Good taxidermy starts with good materials. We use only the best materials available to recreate your trophies. From that point, previously recorded measurements are the key. It is rare to buy a commercial manikin that will fit your trophy properly. We alter our manikins to fit your trophy, so it will look as real as possible. Tanning of a hide is also extremely important. There are faster, less expensive ways to preserve a skin, but these mounts do not have the longevity or elasticity of a tanned skin. When mounting a trophy we rely heavily on reference materials. These can be live animal studies, photographs, castings, models, and videos of live specimens. By applying knowledge gained from reference we can produce more accurate mounts that will be as real as possible and beautiful for years to come. Are there any options available for my mount?Options can include a decorative plaque, realistic habitat, an end or coffee table diorama, or a modern, artistic pedestal base. The only limit to how your trophy can be presented, is your imagination. If you are looking for a truly special mount I have many different resources for ideas on how to customize your mount. Many options can be added to previously mounted specimens to add beauty and value to older mounts. How do you clean and care for a mount once it has been completed?
Use a feather duster to gently remove dirt and dust. Keep fingers away from mounts. Fingerprints can leave an oily residue for dust to stick to. Occasionally mounts can be lightly wiped down with Windex on a lightly damp towel.
Use a feather duster to remove dust. For bears, mink, squirrels, and similar furbearers, they should be vacuumed with a hose attachment and groomed with a brush. Many of these animals should be groomed backwards to allow the hair to lay naturally and not matted down. Gently wipe in the direction of the fur with a product called Mount Protect. It has a pleasant scent that repels moths and bugs. It also adds shine to the fur. Groom when the mount is dry. A taxidermist can also professionally clean older mounts. Can you mount this owl I found on the side of the road?No. I can’t legally mount any protected animals without proper permits. Songbirds, owls and other birds of prey are protected species. Songbirds and birds of prey can be mounted with a special permit obtained from the federal government. Some learning institutions are granted permits for educating others about wildlife. Permits for home use are difficult to obtain. Can you mount my cat?Yes. Pets can be mounted. It can be very expensive to mount pets because there are no commercial products available. Therefore, every part of the mount will have to be made custom. Custom parts can take many hours to make. Each mount will need to be researched before a price can be determined. |
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