What are the things to consider when choosing a taxidermist? I want to get a buck wall mounted. Does anyone recommend a particular taxidermist in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois or Michigan?

When I wanted to mount my first buck, I was unsure of who to take him to. In the city in CA where I grew up, there were at least a half dozen listed taxidermists. So, I made a list of everyone I knew that routinely killed big critters, and asked them who they used. One name was given to me more than any other, and by a large margin. I stopped by his shop and checked out some of his work. I would suggest you do the same if you have the means to do so. Ask around. Call sporting goods stores. Talk to buddies. And definately swing by the taxidermists shop and take a look at some of his work. See if he seems to be a man of honesty and character, and someone whom you can trust with your prized animal.



Also, ask him who tans the capes for him. Are they tanned professionally? If he just shoves the cape into a mail order 'tanning' solution, ask yourself if you want to do business with someone who cuts corners. Improperly cared for capes can eventually split on the form, or start to slip hair. A properly tanned cape is actually made into quality hair-on leather before the mounting process even begins. This will provide a better looking mount, and one that will weather the years far better. I know that green-backs can be tight at times for some of us, but in taxidermy, a low price often equals cut-corners. Do you want a Leupold or a Tasco so to speak?



Hope this helps - Gib

There are several things to consider when choosing a taxidermist, but one thing NOT to use is price. You will get what you pay for!
Take a tour of the shops and look at the work being done. Ask if they tan or use dry preservitive. Tanning is best for me. Look at the nose detail. It should have depth in the nostrils and not filled in. Same for the ears. Look at the paint on the nose and around the eyes. If it looks painted..... go on down the road. Look at the eyes that he uses and notice the details such as white bands around the outside edge and not a big brown piece of glass. Check around the brisket area and make sure the hair patterns are in the proper places. Look around the antler basesand see if there is a natural transition and that the skull is not showing where the skin has pulled away while drying.
Basicly if it looks alive you have found your taxidermist.