Our Process

Field Care

We cannot emphasize enough how crucial field care is for creating an excellent taxidermy mount. Unfortunately, this step is often overlooked in the process. We want to help you prepare before your hunt so you can cherish the memories long after! By properly handling your animal in the field, you can avoid common issues such as hair slippage, holes, insufficient cape material, irreversible damage, or even the risk of losing your cape to bacteria or heat damage. Visit our Field Care page, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Receiving & Inspection

Upon receiving your trophies, we will inventory and inspect all items for any damage, hair slippage, and other concerns. We will then notify you about their condition. Understanding the condition of your trophy is crucial for the tanning and skinning process, and it also helps us emphasize certain features of the animal that you may appreciate.

Mount Selection

Next, we will consult with you to discuss your trophy and provide posing instructions either via email, phone, or in person. During this consultation, we will brainstorm ideas for poses and concepts to explore. We will also discuss habitat options, pedestal choices, and ways to design and create a truly unique piece.

Preparation & Tanning

Before tanning your trophy, several essential steps must be completed, including skinning, fleshing, salting, and preparing the capes. Once the capes are properly prepared, we begin the tanning process. This is one of the most critical stages, and we use the best tanning services available to ensure that your trophy receives the utmost care.

Sculpting & Design

This stage of the process is where your piece truly comes to life. It is the most time-consuming and lengthy part of the entire process. While commercial forms serve as a starting point, we cut, size, and reshape them to fit the specific dimensions of your animal and cape. At this point, we begin developing the pose and constructing details such as muscle definition, facial features, and expressions. Elements like posture, anatomy, expression, and pose are crucial to the overall piece. We can email you photos upon request to ensure that the pose meets your expectations. The form is test-fitted multiple times to guarantee that your cape fits correctly and that both the size and pose are accurate. We pay meticulous attention to detail and continue making adjustments throughout this process. Once the cape is secured to the form, we proceed with fine-tuning to achieve the best results.

Habitat Design & Base Development

Creating an engaging habitat can significantly enhance the presentation of your trophy. Whether it includes a rock ledge, a tree, or natural elements like sagebrush and desert grass, we excel at designing realistic settings that make your trophy truly stand out. Each component of the habitat is constructed individually; we build trees, create rocks, and can even add snow to enrich your display. Every base and pedestal is designed to balance and complement your trophy. If you lack space for a traditional base in your home, we offer the option of a wall or floor pedestal that incorporates habitat elements, allowing your piece to make a statement without taking up additional room.

Finishing & Retouching

The final stage of the design process is finishing and retouching. This includes adding putty around horns, eyes, and nose to create a seamless finish. We touch up color, add wetness to the nose and eyes, clean, groom, and inspect your piece.

Delivery and Shipping

Once your trophy is completely dry, retouched, and finished, we will contact you to discuss delivery and shipping options. We offer shipping and crating services to worldwide destinations. You are always welcome to pick up your piece directly from the studio as well.