How to Choose a Taxidermist

There are so many things to consider when choosing the taxidermist for your trophy animal. It can seem overwhelming. Below is a list of some of the things to consider and questions to ask when searching for a taxidermist. Hopefully this list will help make it easier find the perfect taxidermist to fit your needs. 

• Location
  • Are you willing to ship your trophy?
    • Animals like birds, fish, and small game can easily be shipped to any taxidermist in the US. If you live in a SpeeDee area shipping is very reasonable.
    • The final product for birds and fish can be easily shipped back using standard  shipping methods.
    • Large game animals can usually be shipped also (please verify any CWD laws, etc), but they will usually be larger and heavier so they will be more expensive.
    • Finished large game mounts can be shipped via specialized taxidermy haulers, ensuring there is no damage in transit. The costs may fluctuate some, but will usually be cheaper than crating the mounts to be delivered.
  • If you would prefer a local taxidermist
    • Check on google with a “taxidermist near me” search
    • Consider how far you are willing to travel to a taxidermist. The farther you are willing to travel the more options you have
•  Experience
  • What do they specialize in?
    
    • There are significant differences in the skills needed to complete different types of taxidermy. There are many taxidermists who can do very nice work  in multiple fields. But just because someone can mount a great looking deer doesn’t mean they can paint a fish. Always verify. 
  •  Do they have photos of their work available? If not, request some.
    • Always compare mount pictures to pictures of live animals. 
  • Do they have a showroom you can come view?
  • Have they entered in competitions? Have they won any awards?
•  Professionalism
  • Do they have reviews listed on Google?
    • What is their average rating?
    • How many people have left reviews?
  • Does the taxidermist have a website?
    • Does it look professional?
    • Is it kept up to date?
    • Do they have contact information listed?
  • Do they have the required licenses?
  • Are they a member of their state taxidermy association?
  •  Do they respond promptly to voicemails or emails? 
• Turn Around Time
  • What is their current turn around time?
  • Do they offer rush service if desired?
    • If so what is the additional fee?
• Drop Off
  • What are their hours? Do you need to make an appointment? 
  • What is their payment process?
  • Do they accept credit cards?
  • What do they require for a deposit?
• Staffing
  • Is the shop a one-person operation, or are there multiple people working on mounts?
  • If there are multiple people working together, can you see work completed by each of them? Who will be working on your trophy?
• Hide Tanning
  • Is tanning done in house or  are hides sent out to a tannery? There are benefits to either option.