Often, when people decide to visit a taxidermist to preserve an animal, they come bearing questions. For hunters, it might be a question about antler shrinkage on a deer; for fishermen, it might be about the condition of the fish after being boated; for those dealing with exotic animals, it’s all about maintaining a lifelike appearance. At Nature’s Design Taxidermy, we understand that you have questions and we’re more than happy to answer them, which is why we’ve put together a quick FAQ regarding commonly asked questions about taxidermy in Cody, WY:
What species of animal do you work with?
Every taxidermist is different and some have their specialties. At Nature’s Design Taxidermy, we work with a vast range of animals big and small and we’re familiar with just about any animal you might be bringing to us. For our hunters and fishermen, we’ve worked with all of the common game animals; for exotic hunters or safari enthusiasts, we’re very familiar with many types of larger animals; and for general inquires, we’re happy to sit down with you regarding your specific animal.
Can damages to my pelt be repaired?
The concept of taxidermy is to restore a sense of life and illusion to an animal and often, this means make minor adjustments to accommodate imperfections. For example, if a hunter shoots a deer, there’s obviously going to be wounds that need to be covered up and tended to during the taxidermy process. We can make these very minor adjustments to restore the lifelike sense of appeal to your pelt, however we try not to make significant changes to preserve the originality of your pelt.
Can I pose my animal?
Absolutely! Part of taxidermy involves putting the animal being preserved into a “pose.” This isn’t a pose in the sense of being staged, but rather a pose that might be more natural to the animal. We consult with our customers about poses before the process begins, to get an idea of how you want the finished product to look and feel.
How to I make my trophy stay looking great for longer?
There are a few things you can do to make your trophy last forever and reduce the amount of wear and tear it sees. First, try not to place it in direct sunlight—this can cause light and heat damage over time. Second, be sure to lightly dust and gently vacuum trophies one per week, to keep them looking great. Finally, try to handle your trophies as little as possible—constantly moving them, coupled with the oil from our skin, can cause them to degrade over time.
Remember, if you have questions you can always call and speak to one of the talented professionals at Nature’s Design Taxidermy! We’re happy to give you the lowdown on any inquires you have regarding taxidermy in Cody, WY and can address any concerns you might have when it comes to handing over your prized pelt.