Three Questions to Ask Your Taxidermist if You’re New to Trophy Hunting
If you’re new to trophy hunting and you’re looking for a taxidermist, a few rookie mistakes could lead you to someone without the skills or experience for the job. That said, you have a couple options. You could use Animal Artistry, which will guarantee you a truly exceptional mount AND the industry’s fastest turnaround time — 90 days. Or you could ask the taxidermist your hunting buddy recommended to answer these three questions. (If you like the answers, you’re probably in good hands.)
What Should I Know About Field Prepping?
We’ve written about proper field care before, and any taxidermist who knows his stuff will tell you it’s critical. Skip this step and you’re setting up your taxidermist for failure. Ask your taxidermist for best practices and tips and expect comprehensive answers. Here at Animal Artistry, we can offer specific instructions regarding skinning and measurements, and we also offer a free field care and prep guide.
What Are My Mount Options?
This is an open-ended question that will likely yield a few answers. Shoulder mounts, wall pedestals, pedestals, and life size mounts are all options, as are rugs, purses, and novelty pieces. Your space will help you zero in on an appropriate size and scale, so use that as a starting point when you ask for examples of past work. At Animal Artistry, we work closely with our customers to create a mount that finishes the hunt, so a question like this is the beginning of a great conversation.
Can You Show Me Your Work?
This is an opportunity for a taxidermist to display his or her expertise. Anyone who isn’t excited to show off multiple examples of different animals in direct mount styles, all executed in a realistic and authentic manner, is displaying worrisome behavior. Take it for the red flag that it is and find someone who isn’t learning the art of taxidermy on your mount.
The Takeaway
These are a few questions to ask when it comes to finding the right taxidermist and helping you narrow down your options. Things like time frame and price are equally important, so be direct in asking how long your mount will take and what it’s going to cost you. All of this is information we discuss with potential customers at Animal Artistry, and it’s the kind of stuff you need to know before you shake hands.
If you have a mount project, whether you’re new to trophy hunting or not, we’d love the opportunity to create something incredible for you. Contact us today, and let’s discuss your options.