Maybe it has happened to you or someone you know – a trophy bull elk, whitetail deer or other game animal has been harvested and when the time comes to get the animal mounted, a sub-par taxidermist is used resulting in a finished product that was a waste of hard-earned money. Choosing the right taxidermist is critical. Don’t be fooled, taxidermy is an artform and research must be done before hand to ensure your trophy lasts a lifetime.


Below are a few things you should consider when deciding what taxidermist to use:


Price
This is often times a deal-breaker for a lot of hunters. Initially, you should consider all taxidermy outlets as a whole but remember that you typically get what you pay for. There are bargains to be found, but you must research a bargain taxidermist to decide whether or not he or she is right for you.


Research Reputation
What do others say about the quality of work of this taxidermist? The Internet is an excellent resource to find reviews of taxidermists. Search by the names of taxidermy professionals in your area and dig for information. If the reviews are good, give them a call and see if you can stop by to see some samples of their work. A good taxidermistshould always have finished products on-hand or projects in the works. If you stop by and take a look at a trophy buck they are working on and aren’t satisfied with how it looks, move on and find someone else.


Ask Questions
Ultimately, it is your money that will go towards mountain an animal. Would you go into any purchasing situation of this magnitude without asking some pointed questions? Chances are, if you have a deer, elk, antelope or some other animal that you have harvested, you want the best bang for your dollar, so ask away. Some typical questions are: Is your work guaranteed? Are your skins professionally tanned, or do you use dry preservatives? Can I see a few sample mounts? How many years experience do you have? Do you have insurance in case something happens to my trophy while at your shop? It is also better to ask these questions in person. I am a firm believer in knowing what someone is about within the first few minutes of meeting them. If they seem shady, don’t feel badly to move on your way.


Is This Taxidermist Licensed by the State and / or Federal Government?
In many states, taxidermists must be licensed by the DNR or Department of Agriculture. In order to mount migratory birds, taxidermists must also be licensed by the federal government. If your state regulations require a license to work in taxidermy and the option you are researching isn’t licensed, it’s time to look elsewhere.


These are just a few tips on finding the right taxidermist for you. If you have any other tips, feel free to leave a comment for our other readers to benefit from.

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