Racks N Tracks Taxidermy
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Hidden Valley Lake, CA
Taxidermists in Lake County, California
Lake County offers diverse terrain for hunters, ranging from the thick chaparral of the Mendocino National Forest to the oak woodlands surrounding Clear Lake. Most local hunters focus on blacktail deer and wild pigs, though the region also produces quality opportunities for black bear and turkey. When you take a trophy in these rugged hills, finding a local professional to handle the mount ensures your cape stays in good condition during transport.
There is currently one taxidermy service listed for the county, based out of Hidden Valley Lake. Racks N Tracks Taxidermy provides specialized mounting services for those hunting the southern part of the county or the nearby Putah Creek drainage. Having a shop nearby is practical for dropping off your harvest quickly after the hunt to prevent spoilage, especially during the warm early seasons common in Northern California.
1 taxidermist in Lake County
Serving Hidden Valley Lake.
Using taxidermists in Lake 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.