Embarking on a hunting or fishing adventure is a thrill unlike any other. Whether this is your first trip or you’re a seasoned outdoorsman, one important item on your pre-hunt checklist should always be a detailed plan for how you will ship your trophies home. Nature’s Design Taxidermy is pleased to offer high quality taxidermy in Cody, WY and beyond. We frequently work with trophies shipped from customers across the country, and we’ve included some tips to help you ship your trophies to us the right way so they reach us safely and in great shape.
Consult with us first
The first and most important step you should take is to consult with us before your trip. As your premier provider of taxidermy in Cody, WY, we are experts on preparing and shipping all types of animals and fish. We can offer guidance for your specific trophy, and can even help you navigate the world of international shipping if you want to ship a trophy back from a safari overseas. Whether you are shipping from a state away or a continent away, there are steps you need to take, and paperwork to fill out, to ensure your trophy arrives at our business legally and securely.
Don’t leave your trophy in its country of origin
It’s tempting to take the advice of aggressive companies who tell you that you should leave your trophy in their care for tanning or mounting before you ship it back to the States. However, it is in your best interest to ship your trophy to a reputable U.S. company for these and other taxidermy services, so you can easily monitor the process and feel good about the company that is handling your prized trophy.
Do your prep work
In order to get the best results from your provider of taxidermy in Cody, WY, you should prepare your trophy in several ways before shipping, and these steps depend on the type of trophy with which you are working. Consult the field prep section of our website to get instructions for such steps as field dressing, caping (best left to your taxidermist or performed under close supervision) and skinning big game. Preparation for fish, birds and mammals often varies, so make sure not to skin or gut a trophy without consulting us first to be sure you are taking the right steps.
Consider shipping options
Some people get a covered trailer and carefully pack and drive their trophies to us directly. For many people, though, this isn’t a feasible option. This is when it’s a good idea to work with a shipping company directly, to ensure your trophy will be properly crated in the most economical and secure way possible. Some companies will not ship trophies, while others, such as USPS, still offer this service. The cost of shipment varies widely, depending on the size and type of trophy you wish to ship, so be prepared to give some details beforehand in order to estimate your cost.
For all your needs related to taxidermy in Cody, WY, Nature’s Design Taxidermy is here to help. Give us a call today if you have any questions about shipping, trophy rooms, taxidermy and more.