For hunters, fishing enthusiasts and others who enjoy the thrill of tracking down wildlife, nothing beats the excitement of finally snagging an elusive trophy. Whether it’s your child’s first deer or the culmination of 50 years of hunting, commemorating the occasion with a beautiful, lifelike trophy will help ensure your achievement is never forgotten.
But before you’ll be able to admire your deer, bird, fish or other wildlife, you’ll need to make sure you find a dependable and highly skilled taxidermist in Cody, WY. In fact, if you have a big hunting expedition or fishing trip planned and anticipate returning home with something you’re proud of, it’s not a bad idea to start researching taxidermists in advance. Here are some things to consider as you look for a taxidermist:
- Licensing and professional memberships: This is a big one. Depending upon where you live, taxidermists may need to hold licensure through the state. Even if that’s not the case, a taxidermist that isn’t affiliated with any national or statewide professional association is not likely to be as reputable as you want. For the level of service you need, a taxidermist with the backing of a licensing board or other agency should be at the top of your list.
- Consider your budget: Many taxidermists list the rates they charge for specific services on their website or in brochures at their office. But it’s always a good idea to verify how much you can expect to pay, as well as get a better understanding of the services you might need. Certainly your budget should be a primary consideration as you shop around, but don’t just settle for the lowest prices you find. “You get what you pay for!” is a warning worth heeding when it comes to taxidermy.
- Look at their sample work: With taxidermy, the finished product probably matters more than anything else. Particularly now that examples of taxidermy gone wrong can be found all over the Internet, you don’t want to make a mistake that could easily be avoided. That’s why you should visit any taxidermist you’re considering hiring, just to see how realistic and lifelike their finished work looks. Never bring your trophy animal to a taxidermist whose work you haven’t seen—after all, you only have one chance to get it right.
- Ask about their specialties: No matter what kind of animal you want preserved, you want to be sure the taxidermist is highly skilled when it comes to working with a particular species. A taxidermist who focuses primarily on smaller mammals may not be the best choice for your prized fish. If they haven’t had much experience with your specific animal, it’s not worth taking the risk.
At Nature’s Design Taxidermy, we pride ourselves on the high quality of taxidermy services we’re able to provide, from dressing and mounting to designing gorgeous trophy rooms for displaying a lifetime’s worth of successes. If you’re looking for a taxidermist in Cody, WY with a strong reputation built on years of highly skilled work, give us a call. We can’t wait to help you celebrate your hunting or fishing achievement!