Select a Taxidermist

Taxidermy is an intricate craft involving the preservation of an animal by stuffing or mounting its hide. Since it is such an involved practice, those purchasing a taxidermy animal want to be sure they are paying for the best work money can buy. Consider these six steps before choosing a taxidermist.

Learn What’s Possible

Before approaching a taxidermist, become more familiar with the craft. Understanding taxidermy can help manage expectations and judge the quality of a potential taxidermist’s work. If you are unfamiliar with taxidermy, you may not know the difference between high-quality work and a lower quality job. You can visit local taxidermy shows to see different taxidermists’ work and view different styles and approaches. This will also help you choose a pose for the animal you’d like to mount or stuff.

Do Some Research

It’s important to research local shops and the different services taxidermists provide. Some have different specialties, so you should look on their websites and/or Facebook pages to determine if they have what you are looking for. Also, consider your state’s laws on licensing, as some states require taxidermists to pass an exam to document their proficiency, while some do not. Different states have different laws regarding taxidermy, especially surrounding transporting species across state lines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates laws regarding animals. Consult their site if you are considering a taxidermist from another state.

Consider Your Budget

Depending on the animal and which part of the body you want to mount, taxidermy can be expensive. If you’re not prepared to spend over a few thousand dollars for a stag or brown bear, you may not get the best work. Smaller animals generally cost less than larger animals, unless you want a more complex mounting or pose, in which case expect your price to go up. Before approaching a taxidermist, think about your budget. Considering that a taxidermy animal is likely to add a significant accent to your home or office that will last for years, invest in the best taxidermist you can find.

Interview Potential Taxidermists

Once you’ve got a picture of the type of animal taxidermy you’d like, have a few poses in mind, you can proceed with finding a local taxidermist that fits your needs. Approach finding a taxidermist as you would looking for a used car. Ask the taxidermist for an account of their experience on the job, what kinds of work they’ve completed before and other relevant concerns.

Contact References

Feel free to contact a taxidermist’s references. If they have online reviews, look for mentions of the quality of work, how they take customer feedback and the care they put into their craft. While customers with a negative experience are more likely to leave a review, avoid anyone with too many bad reviews.

You can ask a taxidermist to refer you to a specific customer to speak with them about their experience and ask questions. If a taxidermist is unwilling or unable to provide references, this may be a red flag, and you might want to look elsewhere.

Choose Your Best Option

Choosing the best taxidermist is a matter of preparation and consideration. Doing research and considering your options is important to make the right choice. To choose the best taxidermist, take the following into account:

Price: Price is an important consideration, but it shouldn’t be your only guide. Paying more for quality work will mean you have a better product that you’re happy with for years to come.

Experience: Taxidermists newer to the trade may charge less, while more experienced ones can charge more since they have more knowledge and practice.

Timeline: Taxidermy is an involved process. Turnaround times are often measured by months rather than days. While a quick turnaround time sounds great, it could mean the taxidermist has fewer clients.