Brush Country Studios Taxidermy & Specialty Gifts

Choosing a Taxidermist

by Dian Cooper

Choosing a taxidermist can be one of the hardest decisions a hunter or huntress has to make for their treasured trophies.  Usually, by the time the hunt is over, the funds are diminished and the desire to save money on the taxidermy work is overwhelming.  This is where many hunters/huntresses make their biggest mistake.  Many are misled by the illusion of saving money on their taxidermy work by lower mounting fees or phrases such as "custom base, custom design, custom habitat is INCLUDED in the mounting fee."  Beware of the word "custom."  This word can be construed in different ways and can mean one thing to one person and a completely different meaning to another person.   Yes, the mounting fee may have these items included, but unfortunately in the end, the hunter/huntress wind up paying more money for the crating and shipping of such an elaborate and sizely piece to the United States, that the savings he or she anticipated by lower pricing never occurred.  In fact, we have had clients come through our doors and apologize for not taking our advice and leaving their taxidermy work overseas to save money.  They not only come into our studio unhappy with their mounts and the quality they recieved, but are also saddened by the exorbitant expense they incurred to crate, ship, and import their trophies to the United States.  We have heard over and over about the time clients waited for their trophies to be mounted, the time they experienced in the exporting and clearing process, and the fact that it is too late to undo their choice because they did not save a dime and this choice was not worth the savings they thought would occur.  Not only is the taxidermy work in the United States superior than many countries,but also  you are in touch with your taxidermist of choice and have the opportunity to have a personal relationship with the taxidermy company you choose to mount your trophies to enjoy for years to come.  I cannot tell you how many times we have heard that they wish they would have listened. "Now, we are looking at mounts we just do not like.  The eyes are wrong and they just do not look real or alive," many complain.  Lastly, if  you the hunter/huntress experience an overwhelming and uncomfortable sales pitch during your hunt  to use a particular taxidermist, there is usually a reason if they continue to be pushy and you told them you have a taxidermist already.  It could be that the professional hunter or outfitter truly feels the taxidermist they want you to use is the best, but it is in your best interest to do your own homework and choose your taxidermist before you go on that special hunting adventure.  Be adamant about your choice with your professional hunter/outfitter and stick to it.  Visit with your taxidermist before you go on your hunt and take the shipping tags and shipping instructions that your taxidermist provides you. The first day of your hunt, give the trophy tags and shipping instructions to your outfitter prior to beginning your safari or hunt.  Choosing a taxidermist prior to your hunt will ulitmately be the best choice you will have made for yourself and truly is in your best interest.  You will not only receive higher quality taxidermy work in the States, and you will have saved a lot of headaches and money.  In conclusion, remember taxidermy work can be extraordinarily beautiful and awesome or it can be ordinary.  Our company charges extra for custom hard wood bases, unique habitat, and extensive alterations to make your special trophy one of a kind.  Taxidermy quality and design is just like any other investment or purchase - you get what you pay for.  Whether you want a cheap mount or something that blows you away all your life, the choice is available.  It is up to you.  Do not let a few dollars saved ruin a memory for a lifetime.  Choose wisely.