How to find taxidermists near you
The most direct way to find a taxidermist in your area is to search online for "taxidermist near me" or "[your city] taxidermist." Google Maps, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau all list local taxidermists with their addresses, phone numbers, and customer reviews. Many taxidermists also maintain websites showing their work and pricing.
State wildlife agencies sometimes maintain lists of licensed taxidermists, particularly in states where hunting is common. You can contact your state's fish and wildlife department directly — they often have a directory or can point you toward reputable practitioners in your region. Local hunting or fishing clubs may also have recommendations based on their members' experience.
Word of mouth remains reliable: ask at local hunting supply stores, sporting goods shops, or veterinary clinics. People who have used a taxidermist recently can tell you about turnaround time, communication, and whether the finished work matched what they expected.
Key Takeaways
- Online searches, state wildlife agency directories, and local hunting shops are the fastest ways to find taxidermists in your area.
- Customer reviews on Google Maps and Yelp show you what past clients experienced with turnaround time and quality.
- Taxidermists typically charge by the size and type of animal, with prices varying widely based on complexity and your location.
- Before committing, ask about their timeline, whether they handle the animal's preparation or outsource it, and what happens if you are unhappy with the result.
- Many taxidermists require a deposit upfront and have a waiting list, so contact them early if you have a specific important date.
What to ask when you contact a taxidermist
When you call or email, have the animal's species, size, and condition ready to describe. A taxidermist needs to know whether the animal is fresh, frozen, or already partially prepared — this affects what they can do and how much it will cost. If you are unsure about the animal's condition, describe it as accurately as you can: "freshly killed," "frozen for two weeks," or "already skinned."
Ask about their turnaround time. Many taxidermists have a waiting list that can stretch from weeks to months, depending on their workload and your location. Some offer rush service for an additional fee. Confirm whether they will contact you with updates or if you need to check in yourself.
Ask whether they handle the entire process in-house or send parts of the work to other specialists. Some taxidermists prepare the hide themselves but outsource eye-setting or base construction. Others handle everything. Neither approach is inherently better, but it affects timeline and communication — you may deal with one person or several.
Pricing and what it covers
Taxidermists charge based on the animal's size, species, and the type of mount you want. A small fish mount costs far less than a full-body deer or bear. The same species can vary in price depending on the taxidermist's experience, location, and whether the animal is common or rare in your region.
Always ask what the quoted price includes. Does it cover the base or stand? Are eyes and other materials included, or are they extra? Some taxidermists charge a separate fee for custom bases or unusual requests. Ask whether the price is a flat fee or an estimate — if it is an estimate, ask what circumstances might change the final cost.
Most taxidermists require a deposit before they begin work, typically 25 to 50 percent of the quoted price. The remainder is due when you pick up the finished mount. Confirm their payment methods and whether they accept payment plans if the total is large.
Preparing the animal for drop-off
If the animal is fresh, keep it cool and get it to the taxidermist as soon as possible — ideally within a day or two. Do not wash it or attempt to clean it yourself. Place it in a clean plastic bag or box and transport it in a cooler with ice if the weather is warm. The taxidermist will handle all cleaning and preparation.
If you are freezing the animal to bring it in later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn, which damages the hide. Label it with the date frozen and the animal's species. When you are ready to drop it off, transport it in a cooler to keep it frozen until you arrive.
Bring any paperwork you have: hunting licenses, tags, or permits if the animal was legally hunted. Some states require proof of legal harvest before a taxidermist will work on the animal. Ask the taxidermist what documentation they need before you visit.
Understanding the timeline and communication
A typical taxidermy project takes anywhere from two months to a year, depending on the animal, the mount type, and the taxidermist's schedule. Small mounts like fish or birds may be faster; large mammals like deer or elk typically take longer. Ask for a specific completion date in writing, not just "sometime in the fall."
Clarify how you will hear updates. Some taxidermists contact you at key milestones — when they start, when the mount is nearly done, and when it is ready for pickup. Others only contact you if there is a problem or when the work is finished. Ask which applies to your project so you know what to expect.
If the taxidermist is significantly behind schedule, ask why. Legitimate delays happen — a specialist they rely on may be backed up, or the animal's hide may have damage that requires extra work. A good taxidermist will explain the delay and give you a new timeline.
What to do if you are unhappy with the result
Before you pick up your mount, examine it carefully in good light. Look at the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth — these are the details that make or break a mount's appearance. Check that seams are tight, that fur or feathers lie naturally, and that the overall proportions look correct for the animal.
If something is wrong, point it out before you pay the balance. A reputable taxidermist will discuss whether the issue can be fixed and what that will cost. Some problems are fixable; others are inherent to the animal's condition or the mount type you chose. Get any promised corrections in writing.
If you discover a problem after you have paid and taken the mount home, contact the taxidermist when ready with photos. Many will make minor adjustments at no charge if the issue is their error. Major rework or disputes over quality are harder to resolve after the fact, so addressing concerns before final payment is always better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hunting license or permit to have an animal mounted?
You need proof that the animal was legally harvested, but you do not need an active hunting license to have it mounted. The taxidermist may ask to see your hunting tag or license from the season you took the animal. Some states require the taxidermist to keep records of what they mount. Check your state's wildlife regulations or ask the taxidermist what they need.
Can a taxidermist work on an animal that has been dead for a long time?
It depends on how the animal was stored. If it was frozen properly and has not thawed, a taxidermist can usually work with it. If it has been sitting unfrozen for weeks or months, the hide may be too damaged. Bring the animal in and let the taxidermist assess it — they can tell you whether the hide is salvageable.
What if I move before my mount is finished?
Tell the taxidermist about your move as soon as you know it is happening. You can arrange to pick up the mount before you leave, have it shipped to your new address, or authorize the taxidermist to hold it until you can retrieve it. Shipping a finished mount is possible but expensive and risky, so discuss options early.
How do I care for a taxidermied mount once I have it?
Keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades fur and feathers. Avoid humid basements or damp areas, as moisture can damage the hide and promote mold. Dust it gently with a soft brush or cloth. Most taxidermists include care instructions with the finished mount — ask for them if they do not offer them.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after dropping off the animal?
Most taxidermists do not offer refunds once work has begun, since they have already invested time and materials. Some will refund your deposit if you cancel before they start, but this varies by shop. Ask about their cancellation policy before you sign any agreement or leave a deposit.