Mena, AR
Taxidermists in Polk County, Arkansas
Polk County offers a few options for hunters looking to mount a trophy taken in the Ouachita National Forest. Most of the local shops are concentrated around Mena, providing convenience for those coming off the mountain or hunting the surrounding private timberlands. Whether you need a standard shoulder mount for a whitetail or specialized work on a black bear, these shops understand the local game species.
You can find services like Terry Ward Taxidermy in Mena to handle your field-dressed harvest. Having these professionals nearby means you can drop off your hide or head quickly to avoid spoilage during the warmer early seasons. These taxidermists work with the typical big game and small game found throughout the Ouachita region.
3 taxidermists in Polk County
Serving Mena.
Mena, AR
Mena, AR
Using taxidermists in Polk County
A taxidermist takes your cape and antlers, preps and tans the hide, then mounts the animal on a form. Most shops want the cape caped out and frozen, or the whole head delivered cold and unfrozen within a day or two of the kill.
What to ask before you commit
- What is your current turnaround time, in months?
- Do you tan in-house or send hides out?
- What deposit do you require, and is it applied to the final price?
- Can I see finished mounts of the same species?
- How should I care for the cape before I bring it in?
What it usually costs
Shoulder mounts commonly run several hundred to well over a thousand dollars depending on species, form and finish work. European mounts are typically the least expensive option. Deposits of 30-50% are standard.
Timing matters
Get the cape cold fast. Do not salt or freeze a cape you plan to have mounted without asking the shop first — hair slip from a warm hide is the single most common ruined mount.
